WAU MERAK-07 with Jun Ong

In celebration of the grand opening of the Carhartt WIP store Johor Bahru, we had the opportunity to sit down with local artist Jun Ong, the visionary behind the captivating Wau MERAK-07 installation. Known for his innovative manipulation of light and material, Jun shares insights into his inspirations, creative process, and artistic journey.

As he prepares the piece in his studio, Jun reflects on how far he has come and where he’s headed next.

Introduce yourself. Can you share your journey as a lighting artist and how you first entered the field?

Jun Ong: My name is Jun, and I’m a light artist based in Kuala Lumpur. I was originally trained as an architect but shifted into the world of art about a decade ago. My first experience in this medium was a small lighting installation commissioned for a performing arts centre in KL. Over time, my curiosity around light continued to evolve, drawing from interests like astronomy, geology, and the environment.

What draws you to work with light, and how has your style evolved?

Jun Ong: I find light a fascinating medium because of its duality, it has both a physical and intangible quality. My earlier works explored light in its purest form, focusing on how it interacts with geometry to change our perception of space and architecture. Over the years, my projects have expanded across the globe, incorporating sound, movement, programming, materiality, and scale. In the studio, we’re always looking for new ways to reimagine and deconstruct how light can be experienced.

What are some key influences that shaped your approach to lighting installations?

Jun Ong: A pivotal moment for me was working with British designer Tom Dixon, which opened up new ways of thinking about objects and light. I was also deeply influenced by American light art pioneer Dan Flavin, especially his use of ordinary fluorescent tubes to create powerful visual meaning.

For the Carhartt WIP store Johor Bahru opening, why did you choose the materials used in Wau MERAK-07?

Jun Ong: Traditional wau (Malay for kite) are crafted using bamboo frames and hand-cut coloured paper. I’ve always been fascinated by their form and the physics behind flight. For this project, I wanted to pay homage to that traditional craft while giving it a contemporary twist. We deconstructed Carhartt WIP fabrics and reinterpreted them as a new “skin” for the kite. These fabric pieces were hand-stitched onto a hybrid bamboo and metal frame, creating a modern pattern that references traditional motifs. The installation is finished with lasercut illuminated acrylic, combining texture and light into a futuristic display.

 What’s the story behind the name MERAK-07, and how does it tie into the design?

Jun Ong: MERAK-07 merges the futuristic aesthetics of satellites with the cultural symbolism of the Wau Merak, a traditional kite from Johor. The name imagines a fictional satellite: Merak means peacock in Malay, and 07 is Johor’s area code. Kites are often seen as precursors to flight and aerospace, so this piece acts as a time capsule. It blends the simplicity of a kite with the complexity of a satellite model, reflecting both heritage and imagination.

Looking ahead, Jun continues to explore the evolving world of kites and their cultural interpretations across time and geography. His current interest lies in the idea of world-building, the process of constructing immersive fictional environments using light, interactivity, and tactile materials. Drawing inspiration from fantasy and science fiction, he imagines and designs alternate realities complete with their own landscapes, cultures, and narratives. This creative direction underscores his continued commitment to pushing light beyond its physical form and into the realm of storytelling.

This editorial was captured during Jun Ong’s production process of MERAK-07.