Red Hong Yi, Porsche Reflect on Time, Identity & Legacy in Mesmerising New Art Piece

By Danial Martinus  •  20 Jan 2025 in Design

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Globally acclaimed Malaysian artist Red Hong Yi and Porsche have come together to unveil The Red Thread: Past, Present, Future—a multi-layered art installation that invites viewers to reflect on the essence of time and identity, and the legacy that we all leave behind.

The red thread that ties time together

The installation, spanning a whopping nine metres, is more than just a visual feast.

Its main panels comprise 60 shades of red from Porsche’s Paint to Sample (PTS) range. If you’re a Porsche aficionado, you’ll know that PTS is a pricey extra that customers can opt for when buying a Porsche.

It’s essentially a bespoke paint service that allows people to have a Porsche in virtually any colour imaginable—beyond the default options offered. PTS Porsches have historically enjoyed higher aftermarket sales values, due to the rarity and exclusivity of their paint jobs.

The artwork gives a subtle nod to two different milestones. The first of which is, naturally, Porsche’s storied history of excellence, and the second is Singapore’s 60th anniversary as an independent nation (symbolised by the number of shades). From Vintage Peru Red from the 1970s to the timeless classic, Guards Red, each shade tells a story.

But it’s not just about the colours. The installation is flanked by mirrors on both sides, giving viewers a sense of endlessness and infinity, much like the essence of time itself. Embedded in the piece is a subtle outline of Porsche’s iconic 911 flyline—a reminder of how the past, present, and future are always intertwined.

A collaboration built on shared vision

“In our conversations with Red, we quickly uncovered a shared interest and belief in the notion of time, and the interplay between past, present, and future,” shares Yannick Ott, Director of Marketing at Porsche Asia Pacific.

“Though seemingly at odds, each is indispensable to the other: Consistency can only thrive when contrasted against change and evolution, and genuine progress always honours tradition. Our icon, the 911, now in its eighth generation, stands as a testament to this philosophy.”

It’s safe to say Porsche knows a thing or two about keeping tradition alive while embracing evolution. In the same vein, Red believes in Porsche’s vision, with her artwork bringing that ethos to life.

“Porsche’s rich legacy and attention to detail are a perfect match for this project,” Red says. Together, we’ve created an artwork that speaks to the essence of time—how our past shapes our present and inspires our future.”

For more art and design, head to JUICE Malaysia.