Visual artist and former adman Tan Kien Eng has turned this modern dilemma into an evocative debut solo exhibition, “Blue Light, Sleep Deprived”, which sheds light on that silent thief of sleep: digital devices.
Taking place from July 27-31 at Menara Ken in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, “Blue Light, Sleep Deprived” features 11 paintings, three ceramic sculptures, and three lifesize human-shaped pillow installations. Each piece is a vivid reflection of our nocturnal habits.
“When I told people I was working on sleep deprivation because of nocturnal screen time, most of them said they were guilty of it, and it’s good that I am highlighting this matter.
“This gave me the affirmation that I was on the right track,” Tan, 60, told FMT Lifestyle.
For the former CEO of Dentsu Malaysia, the journey began with his own nightly routines.
“Working in the advertising industry is hectic. To unwind, I’d watch something on TV or scroll through my phone, promising myself just 10 minutes. But 10 minutes would turn into hours,” the Teluk Intan, Perak-born shared.
This behaviour, mirrored by his colleagues who often appeared exhausted from late-night device usage, prompted him to investigate further.
Tan’s findings were startling: four out of five Malaysians suffer from sleep deprivation, impacting not only their health but also productivity and safety.
And Tan, who graduated with a degree in commercial arts from the Malaysia Institute of Art, wants people to be equally startled by this information, hoping his exhibition will act as a wake-up call.
To draw people into his thought-provoking world, Tan consciously made his paintings vibrant and approachable rather than dark and foreboding. They depict people in various sleeping positions, often accompanied by a glowing screen.
Social media and content-platform logos like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok are subtly incorporated, highlighting their pervasive presence.
One of Tan’s standout pieces, titled “Insta Blue”, captures this dichotomy beautifully. Featuring a figure engrossed in their phone against a bright background, it subtly comments on how social media can leave us feeling both entertained and melancholic.
Tan’s creativity extends beyond paintings: his three small ceramic sculptures add a unique texture to the exhibition, while the large, human-shaped pillows suspended from the ceiling invite viewers into a surreal experience.
These pillows, printed with motifs of chakras and the universe, suggest a need for deeper, more connected sleep – a return to nature amidst modern chaos.
“This is more about what we need to do, what would give us a more enjoyable, deeper, and better sleep.
“Sleeping in a more natural environment and connecting to everything around us… I think modernity has kind of cut us off from nature, when actually, nature can help us a lot,” he explained.
With over 300 creative awards to his name, Tan has recently shifted from the corporate world to focus on projects that matter deeply to him.
“The kind of art I want to create is not for art’s sake. It is to contribute to some causes,” he said, adding that this exhibition is no exception.
As such, proceeds from sales of his artworks will support organisations such as Hospis Malaysia, Humankind, Women’s Aid Organisation, and Girl Guides Association Malaysia.
For those visiting the exhibition, there’s an added treat: veteran artists will be on hand to sketch visitors in their sleeping positions, offering a personal memento for RM200 each.
Ultimately, Tan hopes “Blue Light, Sleep Deprived” will spark conversations, and change, about our relationship with digital devices and the importance of a good night’s rest.
“I want people to leave with a greater discipline towards their screen time. The content will still be there tomorrow,” he concluded.
‘Blue Light, Sleep Deprived’
When:
July 27 (3pm-5pm)
July 28-31 (10am-5pm)
Where:
Menara Ken TTDI (Level M)
37, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail,
60000 Kuala Lumpur
For more information, contact 012-238 3483 or email [email protected].