For over thirty years, Dato Sri’ Bernard Chandran has been a prominent figure in Malaysia’s fashion and contemporary art scene, earning him the title of the country’s “king of couture.” The fashion visionary often applies a deep understanding of texture and heritage textiles into his couture creations to deliver one-of-a-kind pieces that challenge conventional notions of Malaysian culture and tradition.
It is these same couture principles that Dato Sri’ Bernard Chandran applies to his ongoing art exhibition dubbed “MYTH Creation: Head to Tail”. “MYTH Creation” is a deeply personal exploration of mythology and spirituality seen from the designer’s personal narrative and follows the trajectory of his previous exhibition, “MYTH Evolution”. In line with the 2024 Year of the Dragon, “MYTH Evolution” saw Dato Sri’ Bernard Chandran explored his Chinese heritage. Here he delved into his relationship with his late mother and reflections on others born in the Year of the Dragon which led him on a spiritual journey to spend ten days in deep reflection in India, spanning the final days of 2024 into the early days of 2025.
During his meditation retreat, Bernard found clarity and reaffirmed the need to continue expressing himself through the lens of cultural mythology. The year 2025 — marking the Year of the Wood Snake — offered profound inspiration. Occurring only once every sixty years, the Wood Snake symbolises patience and kindness alongside virtues of introspection and balance. From this spiritual reawakening, “MYTH Creation” emerged — drawing on the snake motif as understood through the Chinese zodiac and its deep roots across historical and religious narratives.
It was at this point of transition — between 龙 (lóng) and 变 (biàn) — that the direction of the work became clearer. The symbolism of the Snake provided a concrete framework for this next phase of exploration. Bernard immediately created the exhibition’s first collection, “MYTHS of Aura” comprising four works in distinct colors — each representing a form of transformation: Renewal, Spirituality, Enlightenment, and Passion. This inaugural body of work initiated the year-long journey following his Vipassana retreat and extended through the full cycle of the Snake year. “MYTHS of Aura” began the year as the metaphorical head of the snake.
Just before embarking on his journey, Christie’s London expressed interest in presenting his “MYTH Evolution” collection and requested new works depicting snakes — as the coming year marked the Year of the Snake. This aligned with Bernard’s evolving vision, though it introduced the pressure of a shortened creative timeline. Following “MYTH Evolution”, Bernard shifted his meditation from the word 龙 (lóng) to 变 (biàn), the former meaning Dragon and the latter meaning Change. Change felt significant, yet its direction remained unclear.
In many ways, the “MYTH Creation: Head to Tail” exbihition marks a time of creative renewal for Dato Sri’ Bernard Chandran whereby he mirrors the transformative symbolism of the snake by shedding his former creative skin to usher in a more contemplative and spiritually anchored era.
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What was the inspiration behind the new “MYTH Creation” exhibition?
The inspiration behind “MYTH Creation” came after I completed the “MYTH Evolution” exhibition in 2024. I decided that it would be intriguing to continue creating art revolving around the 12 animals from the Chinese zodiac, with each animal connecting to a different aspect of my life over these past 12 years. In this case, the Snake was perfectly aligned with my spiritual journey and transformation.
Can you explain the association between the “Snake” and the “Sacred”?
During my meditation retreat in India, I started to meditate on the word 变 (biàn) and intrinsically I knew its significance to my spiritual journey. It was only after that that I connected it to the snake and the spiritual and religious imagery that that symbol evokes on its own.
Following your retreat in India in 2024, you reflected, “Like the snake, I symbolically shed my old skin.” Could you expand on what this meant for you?
It is really as simple as that. Going through the Vipassana retreat for the first time was a shock to my system and a necessary rejuvenation at this stage in my life. Essentially, it was 变 (biàn).
In your canvases, you juxtapose materials of precious origin — such as turquoise stones, with very raw elements like steel nails. Could you elaborate on this unconventional mix of materials?
The unusual mix of materials is not really “unusual” when considering my 30 years in fashion design. Over the years, I have honed my skills in the craft and trust in my abilities as well as having faith in my team to execute the unknown. Each piece is a subtle homage to our house tagline, “Expect the unexpected from Bernard Chandran”.
Fashion and art are deeply intertwined in your practice. What lasting influence did your years studying fashion design in Paris have on your creative approach?
One key takeaway from my years in Paris was seeing how fabrics are meticulously archived and preserved. I have carried this practice into my own work and it has directly shaped this exhibition. Many of the materials you see here — such as in “MYTHS of Africa: Tribes” and “MYTHS of India: Golconda” — are deeply significant and personal, with almost no newly purchased elements.
Of all the milestones you have reached, what has been the most memorable and rewarding for you so far as an artist?
The most memorable experience as I have delved into the fine arts scene is my use of the language I have learned from my late mother across the past two exhibitions. This experience has taught me much about myself and brought me closer to my late mother in many ways, again like a rejuvenation or renewal in my life.
How would you describe the Malaysian art scene today?
I think it is getting better and more innovative. It is good to see artists being bolder and unafraid to share their unique styles and voices.
What role do artists play in society?
There are many roles; my role is to continue to discover myself and share that journey.
What advice would you give to young people who are in the midsts of pursuing their ambitions?
Get yourself at ease spiritually. Do not be afraid and listen to your inner voice.
As a final question, who has been an influential leader that you have looked up to?
Steve Jobs
“Myth Creation” is displayed by appointment only at Fahrenheit88 Kuala Lumpur.
Visit Dato Sri Bernard Chandran’s official website here.
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