KUCHING: The book ‘Kuching – The Legacy of the White Rajahs’ by young artist Hanzhen Yap will be launched at the Malaysian Institute of Architects Sarawak Chapter (PAM Sarawak) Design Forum 2016 today.
Initiated and supported by PAM Sarawak and developed by Galeri Hanzhen, this book project is a collaboration between a professional body and a young artist with special needs.
It features a collation of sketches of the historical buildings of Kuching. Each sketch is accompanied by a description of the building’s location and its history. The book includes a map marking locations of these old buildings – a heritage walk or drive trail of the city for locals and tourists alike.
The sketches featured in this book are a series of 24 pencil sketches drawn by young artist Yap, with the same level of details and depth of content that has become his signature style.
Prior to this new book ‘Kuching – The Legacy of the White Rajahs’, Yap published three other books: one on his work about river biodiversity, another a collection of his sketches of Johor Bahru old buildings and the third book a sketch book of dogs and puppies.
Born in 1998, Yap was diagnosed with autism at the age of two.
He is 17 years old now and attends a mainstream international school with normal peers.
In a press statement, PAM Sarawak chapter chairman Mike Boon said he realised Yap was an artist with the spirit of an architect.
“I could draw parallels between the dedication and tenacity of my own profession with that of this autistic child; our attention to detail and commitment to do it right, especially applicable to issues in regards to heritage conservation.
“PAM Sarawak saw the exciting potential of bringing his abilities to our state so decided to work with and support them in the publishing of this book, recording Sarawak’s built heritage in Hanzhen’s own inimitable way,” he said.
There will also be a book signing session at the ChinaHouse located at the Old Courthouse Complex tomorrow (Sunday) from 10am.
For more information, contact PAM Sarawak at 082-457182 or ChinaHouse at 082-417 601.