002

Lui Cheng Thak takes his position inside a rattan furniture shop, looking out across the street, in Jalan Hang Kasturi in Malacca. In this typical Malaysian old town scene, a bicycle and a trishaw are seen silhouetted against the sun-kissed road. The house opposite has its bamboo blinds slightly lowered, to shield from the heat. Playing partly on chiaroscuro of subtle contrasting shades and depth, the artist etches out the hand-woven products in the shop such as baskets, chairs, tiffin-carriers, food covers, hula hoops and buckets. Rattan furniture was seen as a major household necessity in the 60s and 70s.