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This charcoal and oil on linen is an atmospheric and almost magical depiction of the humble kopitiam (food stall) after dusk. Public meeting places such as kopitiams are as the title suggests ‘Little Parliaments’ where the unelected common folk put forth their views, joke or vent their anger on issues of the day. However, the sounds of the chatter and all the merriment seem distanced and muffled due to the perspective in the high thickets of the secluded natural environment while little light bulbs speckled here and there provide just the right ambience.

Eston Tan went to Malaysian Institute of Art, Kuala Lumpur and The One Academy for his formal education. He has received numerous awards including Minor Award, Penang Young Talent 1999 and Major Award, Penang Young Talent, 2000. He held a few solos in Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Austria and Taiwan, while participating in major group exhibitions. Grew up and spending his early years in Penang, Eston captures the charm of the Penang city with the portrayal of old Chinese coffee shops and aged looking sundry shops that give a true sense of nostalgia.