Celebration Of Festive Creativity
WHEN artists get together for the Chinese New Year festive season, the end result is surely an explosion of creativity.
This could be seen at Galeri Seni Mutiara in Armenian Street, George Town, Penang, which is currently hosting the 2019 New Year Art Discovery Exhibition.
A group show featuring 32 experienced and emerging names, it is a celebration of creativity, colour and camaraderie.
Participating artists of the 2019 new Year Arts Discovery Exhibition posing for the camera with Koay(left, in white) and toh (centre)seated in cyan).
Visitors can feast their eyes on diverse works ranging from oil, watercolour, acrylic and ink paintings, to sketches and sculptures.
Gallery director Koay Soo Kau said it was the first time they had had a group show for Chinese New Year since the space opened 14 years ago.
“Though everyone has a different style and subject matter, this is a time to come together, exchange ideas and rejoice in art.
“Painting is something that brings endless joy,” said Koay during the recent opening ceremony.
He is exhibiting a surrealistic piece titled “Strokes of Luck”. Done just prior to the show, it has dozens of mandarin oranges swirling amongst waves.
“Every person strives for movement or progress. Life is just like that. It should never be static,” he said of his painting.
Loo with his auspicious work, ‘Eye of Dragon Dance’.
Equally auspicious is Loo Hooi Nam’s “Eye of Dragon Dance”. An impasto closeup of a dragon’s face, it has bold reddish hues.
“I felt it was an apt subject for this time
of the year. Group shows like this are great, as it allows people to enjoy many different artworks. I hope it can be a yearly thing,” Loo said.
Other artists went for more general, everyday subjects.
For Dr Neoh Chin Boon, his was a realistic portrayal of the red-billed malkoha which he sighted at a waterfall near Kulim, Kedah.
“I’ve enjoyed bird-watching since young. I’m trying to paint as many species of Malaysian birds as possible in their natural environment,” he pointed out.
Ung captures a ‘Beautiful Day’ with acrylics.
Alice Loo Peak Yean displayed “Universal Face Series 6”, a marble resin sculpture. Involved in the beauty and makeup industry, she knows faces like the back of her hand.
“It is combined with some abstract features so viewers can draw their own conclusions. It could be someone’s face or anything,” she said.
The show was launched by guest of honour Joyce Toh, an architect. She believes it is an added attraction for people visiting the core heritage zone.
The other featured artists include Dr A Rahman Mohamed, Becky Choong, Chan Shih Ing, Cheong Mei Fong, Cheung Pooi Yip, Chiayee Lam, Chng Kiah Kiean, Chow Zhi Iong, Doreen Koay Lan Hiang, Dr Grace Choong, Heng Eow Lin, Jansen Chow, Jaysen Yeoh and Kafang Lim Cheah Fong.
Floral blooms in Ooi’s ‘Merriment 19’.
Completing the list are Khoo Cheang Jin, Koay Sheng Tat, Lee Chee Hoe, Liau Sin Fah, Ong Siew Khun, Oon Bing Shen, Susanna Hernesniemi, Tan Sock Chin, Tong Yoke Meang, Ung Mooi Leng, Cheng Yeow Chye, Jade Beh, Ken Ooi Chee Kheng and Teoh Siew Choo.
The exhibition continues until Sunday and is open for viewing daily between 11am and 6pm.
For details, call 04-262 0167 or 016-444 0167.
Link: https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2019/02/23/celebration-of-festive-creativity
