EQ Kuala Lumpur celebrates a legacy of art heritage with the launch of a dedicated art publication, Seni Book.

This milestone marks a sophisticated cultural renaissance in Kuala Lumpur's hospitality landscape. The former Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur unveils a meticulously curated art collection that bridges heritage with contemporary elegance.

The Seni Book documents the hotel's artistic transformation. Moreover, it showcases significant artworks that define EQ's cultural identity. This inaugural publication goes beyond mere rebranding. Instead, it represents a thoughtful preservation of Malaysia's artistic legacy. At the collection's heart stands "Malaysian Life" by Yan Sook Leong. This restored copper tooling masterpiece originally graced the hotel's reception area in 1974.

Malaysian Life, Yan Sook Leong

Now, fully restored, the artwork returns with its depictions of Malaysian culture like wayang kulit, Kelantanese kite-flying and traditional Chinese dance. The piece captures Malaysia's village life and agricultural roots en route to its eventual industrial growth.

Donald Lim, Equatorial Group's CEO, champions this artistic vision. "Art is the soul of a space," he explains. "Every piece carries a story, a legacy, and a purpose."

Malaysian street artist Kenji Chai contributes "The Rise of the Phoenix" to the collection. Furthermore, his vibrant creation uses 72 repurposed plates from the former hotel. The phoenix symbolises renewal, perfectly reflecting EQ's transformation.

The Rise of the Phoenix, Kenji Chai

Spaces For Art

Award-winning sculptor Nizam Abdullah presents two bronze sculptures at the Porte-Cochère. "Miza, Kika and Iwa" interprets the Three Wise Monkeys theme. Meanwhile, "Sorok-Sorok" celebrates Malaysia's multi-ethnic society through the nostalgic game of hide and seek.

Sorok-sorok, Nizam Abdullah

The EQ's collection extends internationally with Mark Lee's "Luxury in Sustainability", part of Johnnie Walker's "Striding Man" installations found in major cities across the globe. Lee's work showcases abstract expressionism while representing "an enduring hope for the future." Additionally, works from Japanese, Indonesian, French, Canadian, and Italian artists complete the diverse ensemble.