To the Hokkiens, this phrase covers a multitude of meanings and conveys an expression of good fortune, thankfulness and acknowledgement of a good life. It is a casual but profound statement which may be the direct result of pure luck, God-given grace, having made right decisions along the way, the result of sheer hard work or, simply, being at the right place at the right time. Not exclusive to the Chinese, Muslims too have a similar word – berkat. Hindu mythology is also filled with instances where the gods bestow boons to assist or bless individuals.

The secret to success has never been simple to decipher. Depending on whom you ask, the answers may range from simple good fortune, being born under a lucky star, determination, backbreaking hard work to a medley of other elements. Why is it that success and good things come so easily to some, while deftly evading others? Or perhaps, like Thomas Jefferson, they believe in luck but also find the harder they work, the more they have of it. Whatever the reasons, we choose to celebrate where we are and what we have in life. We consider ourselves blessed. We consider ourselves Ho Mia.

The Peak are grateful for having successfully journeyed 25 years in the Malaysian publishing industry and humbly acknowledge their 'Ho Mia'. Their philosophy has always been to celebrate the finer things in life and have been anchored by this vision of honouring success. In celebrating 25 years, The Peak has asked for the gallery to nominate ten Malaysian artists who best represent the contemporary art scene today, to collaborate on a project to commemorate their milestone birthday. The gallery has nominated you as one of the forces to be reckoned with in contemporary Malaysian art today.

The project would entail for each artist to produce an artwork which defines what the term 'Ho Mia' means to them. The piece can take any form or medium but should be a reflection or a variation on the meaning of the phrase and its connotations. In light of current events which are unfolding before our eyes today, we only know one thing for sure, and that is we will all journey through life, and no matter what fate has in store for us, we will all eventually meet our Creator.

The list of participating artists are: Anurendra Jegadeva, Chen Wei Meng, Chin Kong Yee, Choy Chun Wei, Hamidi Hadi, Ivan Lam, Juhari Said, Kim Ng, Wong Chee Meng, Yau Bee Ling.

*image (left)
© Chen Wei Meng
courtesy of the artist and Wei-Ling Contemporary