Microcosm – A sonic tea ceremony

Shaman Tearoom, led by Aiwei Foo and Kent Lee, is a multidisciplinary artist partnership currently based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Their projects revolve around the cultivation of the mind through artistic expression, encompassing contemporary art, lyrical poetics, healing ambient, tea ceremonies, sound art, and sensory experiences. Very often, their works integrate Eastern philosophy and knowledge into the context of contemporary life, with the intention of stimulating introspection and contemplation. 

Aiwei Foo is a multidisciplinary artist from Borneo, presently based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She draws inspiration from the mundane aspects of daily life and advocates for the fusion of art and life to create mindfully and sustainably across various creative disciplines, including visual arts, photography, moving images/video works, performance art, music, texts, textiles, tea ceremonies, and food projects. Aiwei was the featured artist on Unknown Asia Art Exchange Osaka 2016 and was awarded the Judge Prize from Jam Factory Bangkok as well as the Reviewer Prize from Masakazu Takei (Foil Gallery Kyoto) and Mayumi Matsubara (IN CO., LTD). She was also one of the artist ambassadors for Japan Art Travel 2019 selected by the Japan National Tourism Organisation.  

Kent Lee, also based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a self-taught sound artist and musician with a penchant for experimental music that fuses acoustic elements with electronic innovation, emphasising improvisation over fixed compositions. Kent's extensive experience includes composing and performing for dance and musical theatre productions. Kent was awarded as the best music and sound designer at BOH Cameronian Arts Awards 2020. 

Shaman Tearoom was founded in 2020. Their works have been exhibited in Venice, Germany, and Hong Kong. They have also performed at Singapore Art Week and showcased short films at the London Festival of Architecture. In 2022, they held their first solo exhibition performance titled 'Still Life.' Additionally, Shaman Tearoom is a sound healer and participated in Rainforest World Music Festival 2023. 

Yoong How Thong's percussion journey began at a remarkably young age, when he assumed the role of Commander and Head of Snare Drum in a marching band at just 10 years old, showcasing his early passion and dedication.  

Over the course of his career, Thong has performed in numerous countries, amassing over 500 performances, solidifying his reputation as a seasoned and accomplished percussionist. In 2016, he founded the FrhythmS Academy Institute, dedicated to spreading the art of percussion and rhythm-based performances inclusively. 

Thong’s versatility extends beyond traditional percussion, as he explores modern dance, ballet, tai chi, yoga, and various percussion styles, demonstrating his dedication to expanding his skill set and embracing different rhythmic traditions. In recent years, he has been actively involved in designing soundtracks for dance productions and concerts.  

Thong’s belief that percussion is not just a skill, but an attitude and a form of self-discipline, underscores his profound connection with the art form and his life philosophy.