The Red Thread

Malaysian-born artist Red Hong Yi worked with Porsche on a stunning art piece. We chat more with her.

- FARHAN SHAH

ARGUABLY ONE OF MALAYSIA'S GREATEST artistic exports, Red Hong Yi has worked with global brands and well-known celebrities. She put Malaysia firmly on the world map in 2014 after her commissioned portrait of Jackie Chan, created with 64,000 chopsticks for his 60th birthday, went viral. Now, the "painter who paints without a paintbrush" reflects on a decade-long career in art, her recent commission with Porsche at Singapore Art Week, and blending artistic ethos with commercial value.

How did Porsche approach you for this collaboration?

Porsche has always been deeply connected to the art scene, and their past participation in Singapore Art Week with large-scale installations was something I was aware of. When they approached me, I thought it would be a great collaboration because I highly respected the brand and the event. My husband also loves Porsche and has always talked about its heritage and timeless look. He owns one in the UK. Porsche and I quickly discovered a shared interest in exploring the interplay of time, identity, and legacy, which became the foundation for 'The Red Thread: Past, Present, Future'.

Tell us about the creative process of The Red Thread: Past, Present, Future.