‘Dragon’ livens up Petaling Street

Using plastic plates and wooden pieces, local artist Wong Kaiyi’s depiction of a spirit dragon chasing a full moon, adds sculptural interest to Kwai Chai Hong, Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur for this Mid-Autumn Festival.

Named “Moonlit Dragon”, the art installation is inspired by Chinese mythology and folklore.

A symbol of unity, peace and prosperity, the artwork represents a legendary tale that tells of a time when different villages and tribes in China did not see eye to eye.

During this period of turmoil and conflict, the innocent children from these tribes envisioned a mythical creature that could unite all tribes and foster harmony.

From their imagination sprang forth a dragon, a creature with the swift movements of a serpent, strength of a tiger and grace of an eagle, among others.

Wong said it was by far the largest project that he had done.

“I envision it flying in and out of the lane chasing after the moon.

Wong (left) and Chang with the head of the “Moonlit Dragon” art installation. — Photos: SS KANESAN/The Star

“The installation uses 10,000 plastic plates to form the dragon’s body and head as well as the full moon.

“The semi-translucent plates resemble dragon scales and with embedded lighting, they give a shimmering effect,” he said.

At the site, a giant dragon head can be seen at one end looking towards the full moon at the other end and in between, the heritage lane is peppered with smaller installation pieces that illustrate the spirit dragon weaving in and out of the place.

Wong said the plates were made from food-grade recyclable plastic.

“The material we use needs to be accessible, cheap and weather-proof because this art installation is huge.

“If parts of the display get broken or go missing, they are easily replaceable.

“By the end of the display period, we will recycle both the plastic and the wood,” he added.

Zeen Chang, managing partner of Bai Chuan Management, which oversees Kwai Chai Hong, said the heritage lane was always at the forefront of showcasing installations with themes surrounding Chinese culture.

“We present them in a fresh and often thought-provoking manner to tease visitors, particularly the younger generation.

“It is our way of preserving Chinese tradition through modernity and attracting locals and tourists alike.

“Much like the art installation, it will eventually become part of our heritage too as we embrace the spirit of imagination and creativity in artistic expression,” said Chang.

The art installation is on display until Oct 8 and Kwai Chai Hong is open to the public from 9am to midnight daily.