Directed by Yu Cheng-Ta and co-supported by Chi-Wen X MOV Collection, “Duri-Empire” provides an intimate look at the trials and tribulations faced by FAMEME, also known as the “Asian Durian Tycoon.” The film traces the transformation of durian from a traditional crop to a global trend, while exploring FAMEME’s struggles with family legacy and self-identity. Beneath his iconic oversized sunglasses lies a story of heritage and the immigrant experience within Penang’s Chinese community. The film also follows his challenges upon returning to Malaysia, including the loss of a loved one to the pandemic, his efforts to change public perceptions of durians, and his ambition to build his own durian empire.

The film “Duri-Empire” is a key component of FAMEME’s latest project, “The Return of Raja Durian,” set to premiere at Blank Canvas in Penang, Malaysia, from November 16, 2024, to February 9, 2025. Curated by Yu Cheng-Ta and Singaporean curator Louis Ho, the exhibition revisits FAMEME’s roots in Penang, showcasing his career and creative achievements while exploring his connections to the Malaysian Chinese community. The exhibition highlights FAMEME’s journey in the durian industry, from the 2019 “Durian Museum” pop-up in New York to the brand’s expansion across Asia. By positioning durian as a lifestyle icon and a symbol of health, FAMEME gained global attention with a massive billboard in Times Square. Between 2019 and 2022, he launched the “Durian Gym” in Seoul, “Durian Pharmaceuticals” in Taipei, and in 2020, introduced MST, a durian-derived supplement, further expanding the fruit’s applications.

▍The Return of Raja Durian

Dates | November 16, 2024 – February 9, 2025  
Opening | November 16, 2024, 6:00–8:00 PM  
Curator’s Tour | November 16, 2024, 5:00–6:00 PM  
Location | Blank Canvas, Penang, Malaysia  
More Info | https://blankcanvas.my/exhibition/the-return-of-raja-durian/

▍The Man Behind the Shades, with Yu Cheng-Ta

Dates | November 17, 2024, 2:00–3:30 PM  
Location | Blank Canvas, Penang, Malaysia  

▍Chi-Wen Gallery 20th Anniversary

Established in 2004, Chi-Wen Gallery is thrilled to announce its 20th Anniversary celebration, marking two decades of dedication to the promotion of artist’s film and video. We will commemorate this milestone with exciting new initiatives that pay tribute to our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to a brilliant future.

▍Chi-Wen X MOV Collection

An important first step in supporting our future programming is the establishment of the collaborative MOV Collection. Currently in its formative stage, this curated selection of video art and moving images is being realised through the support and collaboration of artists, galleries, art institutions, and private collectors.

The MOV Collection will feature a wide range of artistic expression, offering a comprehensive view of video art and moving images in East Asia. By bringing together a diversity of works, each piece gains greater recognition and audience reach, enhancing its impact. This compelling combination boosts the collection’s appeal, demonstrating the power of collaboration in the art world.

▍Chi-Wen Gallery Screening Programme

By drawing from the expanding MOV Collection, we are able to create a film and video screening program that showcases a diverse range of innovative works by contemporary artists and filmmakers. Our program explores the dynamic possibilities of moving image, offering viewers a unique opportunity to experience its contemporary artistic expression and visual experimentation.

We believe that video art is a powerful medium for expressing complex ideas and engaging viewers in a deeper understanding of contemporary social and cultural issues. To foster this engagement, we will launch limited-time screening programs in a cinema setting, rather than extended gallery displays. These curated screenings will feature both emerging and established creators across diverse genres and styles. Our aim is to bring together film enthusiasts, art lovers, and the curious, encouraging them to discover new voices, participate in discussions, and connect with a community passionate about film and video art.

▍Chi-Wen Productions

Through the collaborations established with the MOV Collection, we are better equipped to support the production and commissioning of new video works. Chi-Wen Gallery remains committed to assisting artists who work with film and video by providing the resources and production support needed to realize their creative visions through innovative moving images.

▍Chi-Wen AI Innovation

In an era where technology reshapes the landscape of creativity, we are embracing the transformative power of artificial intelligence through an exciting new initiative: “AI Innovation.” Focusing on the burgeoning and sometimes controversial field of AI-generated art, we will spotlight visionary artists who harness technology to expand artistic possibilities. As algorithms become integral to the creative process, we will explore the dynamic intersection of human ingenuity and machine learning, creating a platform for the evolving dialogue between art and AI.

Image 1-6: Yu Cheng-Ta, Duri-Empire, 2024, Single-channel video, Color, Sound