Let’s talk paulitics

They say the best kind of art makes you question things. And looking at Paul Ooi’s artwork, we definitely had some burning questions of our own. Have we stumbled across an isolated frame from a deconstructed comic strip? Who are these characters and, more importantly, where can we see more of them?! After directing these questions at Paul himself, we finally got some answers. Alluding to his preference of using a comic book format for his sketches, the avid fan of graphic novels and comics says, “I like thinking of what’s going to happen and what might happen next” which explains why each sketch resembles a story in the midst of unfolding. As for the tinge of nostalgia embedded in his periodic sketches, it all becomes clearer when you realize that Paul’s familial origins stem from Malacca and Penang— both historic colonial cities predominantly known for their strong cultural values and heritage. He also mentions growing up and being surrounded by all sorts of Peranakan personalities in his grandfather’s coffee shop—the very same Peranakan characters that frequent Paul’s sketches, so much that they’ve been neatly compiled and printed into a small book of Peranakan sketches that can be purchased in art and lifestyle shop, PaKat store (which Paul also happens to be halfowner of!). A doctor by profession and a doodler by passion, follow Paul on Instagram for your dose of whimsical characters and ingenious sketches. •• IG: @pauliticalart

SAPANA LIVING

Bringing “dream house” realness one step closer to you is Sapana Living, an artisanal lifestyle furniture store based in Kuching. The word sapana itself stems from the Nepali word for “dream” but besides making your interior fantasies come true, the store itself also began as a dream for founder Catherine. An eye-opening trip to Nepal in 2011 not only revealed her true calling in interior design but also an affinity and a keen sense of appreciation for artisanal crafts and the artful talents of craftsmen. Since 2016, the store has been a clear ode to this passion, representing an artisanal melting pot of South Asian and Southeast Asian workmanship where ethical practices and eco-friendly materials such as manik, rattan and bidriware are brought together hand-in-hand in the form of beautiful furniture made to last and truly one-of-a-kind. Aside from interior design consultancy, Sapana also works closely with local artisans to take care of the other facets of your home such as lighting, wallpaper and carpentry. Offering “East Meets West” diversity in their traditional and modern selection of furniture and home décor, dip your feet into the best of both worlds in the comfort of a store that inspires you to personalize your own living space to your exact liking.

•• Lot 98, Jalan Abell, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia IG: @sapanaliving Tel: 6082-257 798