Another heartwarming exhibition is being held by The Art Gallery, Penang with the theme of love and affection, a theme we need especially in this time of difficulties and unknown challenges. This exhibition features works done by the great masters of Malaysian art weaved together with emerging Penang artists such as Chan Tat Wai, Koay Sheng Tat, Teoh Mooi Huang and Sharon Ong. Each artist varies greatly in style, media, and their understanding of subject matters.
The honourable mentions go to Zakariah Noor and Ho Hee Khim as their brilliance shines through their strokes even decades after their passing. Zakariah Noor was an impressive self-taught artist who was part of the second wave of the Malaysian art movement around the 1930 – 1940’s. He was the major powerhouse of impressionism in the state alongside the late Dato’ Mohd Hoessein Enas. He was also the founder member of Malaysian Artist Force (Angkatan Pelukis Se-Malaysia).
Ho Hee Khim was a renowned Batik painter who studied under his brothers, Ho Khay Beng and Tan Kok Wah. He won the Malaysian Art Competition 1981 and his artworks were listed in Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers in Celebration of Malaysia Day.
Fellow veteran artists are still going strong, including Dato’ Tan Chiang Kiong at 88 years old who is a long time trustee and committee of Penang Art Society. Jeff Jansen and Fong Kim Sing are in their 70’s — Jeff Jansen was a student under the great Chia Yu Chian and co-founder of A2 Gallery. Fong Kim Sing is a Kedahan born self-taught artist who is very active with art societies in northern region. Teh Siew Joo at 90 years old is the highlight of the exhibition — whom artworks are very graceful with soft, almost dreamlike touches. His artworks were also listed in Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers.
“Flowers for my Valentine” continues until 8th March 2020. To visit between Monday and Thursday, contactthe gallery manager, Ms. Tan Ee Lene (+60126041434). Otherwise she is on site to receive visits Friday to Sunday, 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm.
The Art Gallery Penang is on the fourth floor of the Belissa Row office building, with public parking in front of the block, and private parking provided behind the building. The address is; The Art Gallery Penang, 368-4-8 Belissa Row, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia.
By Nasir Nadzir