Miza, Kika and Iwa – Nizam Abdullah.
In the heart of Kuala Lumpur—where the city’s rhythm is defined by pace and reinvention—EQ has taken a bold and artful stance. Through its curated art collection, EQ unravels creative narratives that have helped shape the country’s artistic landscape.
Formerly the iconic Hotel Equatorial, the property has undergone a sophisticated transformation, honouring its rich heritage while embracing a contemporary vision. Beyond being a luxury destination, EQ has also evolved into a vibrant platform for the discovery of local art.
Through its thoughtfully curated art collection, the hotel offers more than visual delight; it presents a meaningful journey into Malaysia’s layered cultural legacy and its evolving voice in contemporary art. For guests and visitors alike, EQ is not merely a place to stay and indulge, but a place to experience and discover Malaysian art.
CREATIVE SHOWCASE
Even at this time, we must maintain our commitment – Drew Harris.
At the centre of EQ’s artistic journey is Malaysian Life, a restored copper tooling masterpiece by Yan Sook Leong. Commissioned in 1974 for the original property, the piece once graced the main reception for nearly four decades. Rich in cultural symbolism, the work celebrates traditional pastimes—from wayang kulit to Kelantanese kite flying—offering a nostalgic yet powerful glimpse into Malaysia’s agrarian roots and evolving identity.
Today, the artwork stands once again in the hotel’s lobby, not as a relic but as a living testament to the past, carefully preserved and proudly reintroduced.
Luxury in Sustainability – Mark Lee.
EQ’s dedication to legacy is purposeful and deeply embedded in the philosophy of Equatorial Group Chief Executive Officer Donald Lim. “Art is the soul of a space,” he shares. “At EQ, every piece we display carries a story, a legacy, and a purpose. It reflects where we come from, where we’re going, and we hope our guests feel a sense of discovery and belonging.”
Malaysian Life – Yan Sook Leong.
This ethos is carried forward in vibrant contrast by contemporary street artist Kenji Chai, whose The Rise of the Phoenix infuses EQ with youthful energy and bold narrative. Best known for his signature character, Chaigo, Chai honours the hotel’s rebirth by crafting a phoenix from 72 salvaged plates from the original hotel—a symbolic nod to resilience, transformation, and creative renewal. Now displayed at Étoile, the artwork provides a bright, urban counterpoint to more classical works, embodying the spirit of evolution.
SCULPTURAL FORMS
Nicko – Bruno Catalano.
Outside, at the porte-cochère of Equatorial Plaza, two striking bronze sculptures by Nizam Abdullah continue the dialogue between past and present. Miza, Kika and Iwa, inspired by the age-old wisdom of the Three Wise Monkeys, and Sorok-Sorok, a playful depiction of Malaysia’s multicultural childhood game of hide and seek, are both sculpted using bronze recycled from the former hotel. The choice of medium is deliberate, reinforcing EQ’s commitment to sustainability and cultural continuity.
“Every piece we display carries a story, a legacy, and a purpose. It reflects where we come from, where we’re going, and we hope our guests feel a sense of discovery and belonging.” – DONALD LIM
High above the city at Sky51, The Striding Man: Luxury in Sustainability by contemporary artist Mark Lee invites contemplation. Part of a global series, the installation serves as a deeply personal reflection of Lee’s artistic and emotional journey. The work’s textured surfaces, layered drips, and saturated blue tones speak of struggle, movement, and hope—interwoven with broader themes of sustainability and renewal that resonate throughout EQ’s collection.
The hotel’s curated selection extends further still. Works by celebrated Malaysian artists—including Beauty in Strength, Emerging Forms in Ambiguous Territory, and Siri by Tari—sit alongside international pieces such as Rehearsal, Flying Coffeeshop, Nicko, and 700 Foot Ceiling. Together, they ensure the collection speaks not only to national identity but also to a global audience.
