AS PART OF Penang Long Art Weekend, the contemporary independent art space, Blank Canvas, showcased A Wind-Blown Fire Needs Little Effort, an exhibition which started on 7 March. Featuring work by its fourth resident artist, He An from China, the exhibition is inspired by his discoveries in, feelings about and reflections on Penang and Malaysia. It also marks a significant milestone for the residency, being its first featured project to be created entirely on-site.
Over a career spanning three decades, He An has earned significant international acclaim as a vital voice in contemporary art. His work has been featured in major exhibitions across China and the West, and some pieces are held in the permanent collections of prestigious global institutions. Penang Monthly spoke with He An to understand his approach to art, aesthetic encounters with climactic conditions
and collaborative experiences with local communities.
