An art exhibition with the aim to spark deep conversation and action on prolonged nocturnal screen time and sleep deprivation was recently held. The art exhibition titled, Blue Light, Sleep deprived, created by Tan Kien Eng was opened from 27th July to 31st July, 2024, at Level M, Menara Ken TTDI.
Aside from creating awareness and action, the exhibition also aimed to raise donations from part of the art auction proceeds for Hospis Malaysia, Humankind, for mental health and WAO, Women’s Aid Organisation. The exhibition also featured live sketches of visitors, by retired artists from the creative industry.
Sleep deprivation is becoming the norm in Malaysia. According to a report in the Asian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 9 in 10 Malaysians experience some level of insomnia and have one or more sleep problems.







The consequences of which include a surge in mental and physical health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, impairing judgement, cognition and memory loss. Over time, the lack of good sleep can lead to degenerative diseases and triggering various chronic conditions which include type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, depression and immunity-related illnesses.
Sleep deprivation has far reaching economic consequences, costing the country billions of ringgit in lost productivity and costly human error.
According to Ivy Josiah, Past President and Executive Director WAO, Women’s Aid Organisation, ‘Kien Eng’s “Blue Light. Sleep Deprived “ resonates with me, I daresay I suffer from FOMO, fear of missing out with the latest trends and news keeps me glued to my screens. That is why I now leave my phone and laptop far away from my bed, still within earshot in case of an emergency call but not at arm’s length, when I can reach out to my phone and watch reels! The advice to avoid electronics before bed is crucial’.
According to Kien, there are many causes of sleep deprivation. This exhibition highlighted a rising phenomena in nocturnal screen time in recent years, an increase in the fear of missing out and addiction to the use of digital media platforms interrupting our circadian system, impacting our sleep and our wellbeing.

Blue light represents modern devices such as smartphones, tablet screens, computer monitors, TVs.
The exhibition features 11 paintings, 3 ceramic sculptures and 3 installations of life size human shaped pillows.
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