"Krystal Valley" is an immersive topographical installation inspired by the morphology of crystals and the memories of found objects. In the atrium of a prestigious art institution, lies a man-made landfill disguised as a “valley” of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Glowing “crystals'” are found embedded in these rockscapes, each embodying a juxtaposed identity formed through the passage of time and pressure. The “valley” grows into a futuristic assemblage and an artificial ecology - informed by the character, energy and metaphysical properties of its minerals and the environment.

Junkyard or Valley
The “valley” is formed as a paradox in a non-place. The artwork title, “Krystal Valley” is a reference to its urban locality, ”Klang Valley.” Is the “valley” a junkyard of forgotten, useless items or is it a mineral-rich natural geographical formation? Sculpted from junk steel and paper tectonics, the “valley” challenges scale and is presented as a monument, parading these artificial minerals akin to how prized gemstones are consumed. The discarded artefacts, worthless personal relics and forgotten memories moulded into shiny minerals suggests that “economical” doesn’t mean cheap. In the age of information and data proliferation, the “valley” democratises value and allows for an appreciation of the deep history of the earth’s crust through its man-made alcoves, caverns and intrusions, allowing for social exchanges and habitation.

Of Habits & Memories
“Crystallization” is the process whereby molecules gather to stabilize when liquid starts to cool and harden over time, creating crystals. Many crystals start small, even microscopic, but as more atoms join and create a uniform and repetitive pattern, the crystal grows. The deep purple of Amethyst, the translucent green of Fluorite and iridescence of Bismuth allow for instant identification through their crystalline “habits” (a complete description of a crystal’s external shape) and chemical composition. In the reproduction of these artificial crystal edifices, the inherent qualities of abandoned, found objects are abstracted and assigned to each compatible crystal, initiating a recycling of history. Memories and objects from the artist, as a child and an adult in his childhood neighborhood are juxtaposed to create a three-dimensional collage. Through the deft manipulation of materials and the act of “crystallization”, the most mundane objects are reborn with new identities, frozen in time yet fluid in inheriting growth and change. These lost memories forges an unexpected connection to geology and shifts one’s perception to Earth’s past and its origins in the Universe.

Aesthetics & Metaphysics

“There is nothing wrong with having a beautiful mineral by your bedside, right?”

The “valley” brings to the table the conversation of the billion-dollar healing crystal industry. Is it built around the aesthetics of crystals or does it really improve people’s lives? The pseudoscientific practice of crystal healing stems from Ancient Sumerians almost 6000 years ago with beliefs for protection, health, reincarnation and to purge evil spirits. In the 1980s, as the New Age dawns, crystals and gemstones re-emerge as a healing method. Through experimentation, media and pop culture, crystal therapy became assimilated into popular New Age practices like astrology, yoga, meditation, sound baths, tarot reading, etc. Some New Agers even discovered psychic abilities while others believe that the Full Moon light can cleanse and recharge their energies. However, for the layman today, crystals are simply used for their healing energies, often believed to increase focus and calm, aid anxiety, bring luck etc. Energies from crystals can even be amplified through light and vibrations. Artificial lighting is weaved into the “valley,” making the space autonomous, amplifying the crystals as foreign, futuristic bodies - in a space without time, an ecology supplied with energy. Piercing through the crevices of “valley” are ethereal yet mechanical sound vibrations, creating an auditory layer that connects the physical fragments of the landscape to the memories and spirituality they evoke.

As one embarks on this subversive journey and expedition through the “valley”, it is hoped that they begin with an understanding of their place on Earth and leave with an imbued belief in the otherworldly.

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The work is a commission by the National Art Gallery as part of its “SINGLE” Exhibition programme and supported by the Ministry of Arts, Tourism and Culture. The immersive installation is accompanied by a soundscape by Jona Lim and also features an interactive AR component where visitors could “mine” virtual crystals.

Exhibition Duration: 13 September - 11 November 2024

Opening Hours: Daily 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Venue: Atrium, National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Negara)

Click here for the extended “Krystal Valley” pamphlet.