Malaysian artist Calvin Chua Cheng Koon turns his attention to the relationship between people, heritage and the natural environment in Forestborn, a solo exhibition presented by AweGallery in conjunction with Merdeka month.

Running from 21 August to 3 September 2026 at AweGallery in Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya, the exhibition brings together more than 30 works spanning oil paintings, watercolours and sketches.

Much of the work is inspired by Chua’s encounters with Indigenous communities and the rainforests of Borneo. Scenes of children playing in rivers, community gatherings, ceremonial dancers and intimate portraits form a visual record of everyday life while considering broader themes of belonging, cultural heritage and connection to the land.

For Chua, children provide a particularly important lens. “Among children, there are no boundaries of religion, race or language,” he says, describing the innocence and openness he hopes to capture through the exhibition.

Forestborn also marks the first time Chua’s work has been presented at AweGallery, a community-focused space that aims to make art accessible beyond established collector circles. Its location within a residential neighbourhood in Taman Paramount places the exhibition in a more informal setting, inviting both art enthusiasts and casual visitors to engage with the work.

Born in Kedah in 1961, Chua has worked as a full-time artist since graduating from the Kuala Lumpur College of Art in the early 1980s. His work has been exhibited internationally across Asia, Europe, the United States and South America. He is currently Chairman of the Malaysian Watercolour Society and has held 13 solo exhibitions.

Known for portraying people and communities alongside their natural surroundings, Chua draws heavily on his travels and observations. Forestborn continues that practice while reflecting on the diverse landscapes, cultures and communities that contribute to Malaysia’s identity.

Forestborn runs until 3 September 2026, 11am–8pm, at AweGallery, 21 Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya.