Leading Malaysian contemporary artist Ivan Lam recently returned to Wei-Ling Gallery with an exhibition that charted a non-linear passage through time, taking objects and ideas that have occurred in his practise over the decades and adding insight and context to them. Small works + drawings was a sort of general reflection as Lam took stock of his process and progress as an artist. 
Although the exhibition ended earlier this month, one piece that remains on display is death bug clock, an installation that features 12 beetles bearing skull motifs, arranged in a circle with an hour and minute hand at the centre.
Crafted with black pencil on white paper – meant as a nod to the binary nature of life and death – the piece can be interpreted as an analysis of the passing of time and its limited nature on earth. It came together as Lam analysed his past studio work and the dualities and dichotomies that underpin much of it.
Lam has always strived to push boundaries in his work, taking risks by experimenting with style, technique and medium and this piece is a shining example of that. A striking assembly of images and concepts that hold the viewer’s attention, make sure to view it in the flesh before it leave the halls of Wei-Ling Gallery.
Wei-Ling Gallery
Where 8, Jalan Scott, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur
When 10am-5pm (Tues-Sat; by appointment only)
Tel 03 2260 1106
weiling-gallery.com