The Dichotomy of Opposites

Kicking off 2025, Wei-Ling Gallery is pleased to announce Ivan Lam’s much-anticipated solo exhibition, ‘The Dichotomy of Opposites’. Known for his innovative use of materials and introspective approach to human complexity, Lam’s latest body of work reflects the inherent contradictions of existence, where doubt and certainty, chaos and control, and impulsivity and deliberation coexist.

In ‘The Dichotomy of Opposites’, Ivan Lam examines the push and pull of the human experience. This series reflects the tension between the chaos of uncertainty and the clarity of conviction, presenting two contrasting bodies of work that navigate the spectrum between spontaneous expression and methodical precision, engaging the visual, auditory, and sensory realms.

Within the main space of Wei-Ling Gallery, Ivan Lam presents works which are rooted in certainty. Meticulous and labour-intensive, they depict intimate subjects of comfort, such as a pair of worn shoes, a serene cat café he frequented with his children, and the indulgent simplicity of cake after coffee. These pieces, rendered with precision, paradoxically reveal moments of doubt as Lam questions his ability to complete them, allowing uncertainty to infiltrate spaces of supposed assurance.

In contrast, the works immersed in doubt, featured at Wei-Ling Contemporary, are characterised by the immediacy and unpredictability of spray paint. Lam layers repetitive stencils of mantras, phrases imbued with hesitation and second-guessing, until the original text dissolves into abstract patterns. These obsessive repetitions mirror the loops of overthinking, where clarity is muddled in the overwhelming swirl of thoughts.

“What fascinates me most is the way these opposing states influence each other. When working through doubt, I often find focus. Conversely, in moments of supposed certainty, I encounter doubt,” Lam explains. “This paradox reveals that opposites are not separate entities but intertwined forces that shape and challenge each other.”

‘The Dichotomy of Opposites’ draws viewers into the in-between spaces where black and white merge, and the boundaries between chaos and control, doubt and certainty, begin to dissolve. Lam prompts us to consider the contradictions that shape our lives, inviting a personal connection to these shared human experiences.

Ivan Lam is one of Malaysia’s most prominent contemporary artists, renowned for his ability to push boundaries and redefine artistic mediums. His works have been exhibited internationally, and he continues to present deeply personal yet universally relatable narratives.

‘The Dichotomy of Opposites’ is featured at is featured at Wei-Ling Gallery and Wei-Ling Contemporary from 18 February – 29 March 2025.

Wei-Ling Gallery is located at No 8, Jalan Scott, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Admission hours are Tuesday – Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm.

Exhibition is open by appointment only. For appointments and further assistance, please contact +60322601106 or e-mail siewboon@weiling-gallery.com