Illuminating Shadows at Kwai Chai Hong


Kwai Chai Hong has quickly become a favourite photo-taking spot in Kuala Lumpur among locals. Besides the aesthetic cafes located along this heritage lane, the various art installations on display for free here are a treat for anyone looking to take photos and update their social media profiles.

From now till 5th December 2021, the latest art installation at Kwai Chai Hong called Illuminating Shadows will display holographic helixes that look like spiral ‘curtains’, and a giant rabbit sculpture created out of reflective material too. Here’s what you can expect to find here.


Kwai Chai Hong’s new art display has holographic sculptures


Everyone knows KL to be a photo-taking playground – from aesthetic cafes to street lanes, such as Kwai Chai Hong. This new art installation in the popular Petaling Street laneway is where you can plan a trip to get artsy photos with three new sculptures completed by local artist, Alice Chang.

Kwai Chai Hong Illuminating Shadows - photo ops

A highlight of Illuminating Shadows is the Vivid Streams display. Constructed of spiralling pieces of holographic material, the piece glimmers when the sunlight hits and casts brilliant shadows in purple, blue, yellow, and more on the ground.

Kwai Chai Hong Illuminating Shadows - Vivid Streams
Image credit: Kwai Chai Hong

Several of these helixes can be found at the lane, cascading down from high above and appearing to float and ‘move’ gracefully in mid-air like streaming water – great for photographers looking to take some pretty epic shots.

Kwai Chai Hong Illuminating Shadows - Giant Rabbit Sculpture
Image credit: Kwai Chai Hong

Another sculpture here is the Giant Rabbit Sculpture – a metal cage weighing between 30-40 kg, and stretching 8ft by 5ft above the ground. It comprises cubes carefully secured together with thin metal wires all lined with dainty strips of holographic material to form the shape of a rabbit.

Not only is the piece stunningly reflective in real life, it’s also a metaphor for the Covid-19 pandemic we’re currently living in. Each cube is meant to symbolise the joint efforts of standard operating procedures (SOPs) followed by the public and frontliners coming together to fight against the virus.

Kwai Chai Hong Illuminating Shadows - photo ops

Chaser Rabbits is another fun display that relies on light-and-shadow play. When the sun hits the suspended pieces of holographic materials just right in this piece, you’ll get to see shadows on the ground of three rabbits playfully chasing after each other.

Kwai Chai Hong Illuminating Shadows - photo ops

Visitors are welcome to visit the public art installation at Kwai Chai Hong from 9AM to 10PM, daily. While you’re here, it’s recommended to take your time here moving around these holographic sculptures to catch the angle where the gleaming surfaces are the most colourful to get the perfect shot.

Kwai Chai Hong Illuminating Shadows - photo ops


Illuminating Shadows at Kwai Chai Hong


If you’re looking for something to do in the upcoming weekend, drop by Kwai Chai Hong to check out their new art installation ‘Illuminating Shadows’ that’s both fun and meaningful. Be sure to make sure your phones are fully charged so you can snap photos to your heart’s content.

For more things to do in Klang Valley, check out these places:


Photography by Danny Ko. 

Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local Malaysia and Kwai Chai Hong

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