Metro

Monday November 9, 2009

The best of Tay’s lifetime

Story and photos by JEREMY TAN


RENOWNED local watercolour and batik artist Tay Mo-Leong has been accorded one of the art scene’s highest honours – a retrospective exhibition featuring his life’s works at the Penang State Art Gallery.

The exhibition showcases Tay’s masterpieces dating back to the 1950s, many of which are in the hands of private collectors who have generously allowed the pieces to be exhibited.

It also marks the 10th solo exhibition for the 71-year-old who was born in Sungai Bakap and a full-time artist for the past 45 years.

Tay's batik piece "Legong Dancers in Blue".

During his secondary education at Chung Ling High School in Penang, he joined the art society and developed a passion for art under the tutelage of Khaw Sia, one of Malaysia’s foremost art pioneers.

Upon finishing high school, he enrolled at the Provincial Taipei Normal College, graduating with a diploma in fine art. Since then, Tay has enjoyed a long and illustrious career, contributing greatly to the local art scene and in particular, batik.

State Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, who was guest of honour at the opening ceremony on Saturday, said the exhibition was a great tribute to one of Penang’s most outstanding artists.

A batik piece entitled, 'Native Girls'

“Tay Mo-Leong is no doubt a household name in art circles. As such, this exhibition is a major event not just for Penangites, but the entire nation as well,” he said.

Tay also donated three of his works to the gallery, which Wong said would go a long way in making the gallery’s permanent collection one of the best in the country.

The opening ceremony also saw the launch of a 300-page hardcover book detailing Tay’s life and accomplishments. Titled Tay Mo-Leong Retrospective, the book includes a selection of over 150 of Tay’s best artworks.

“This publication is the definitive work on Tay and his life. It will be an inspiring piece for all artists and art lovers alike,” said gallery chairman Datuk Tang Hon Yin.

The exhibition at the gallery, located at the ground floor of Dewan Sri Pinang, runs until Nov 30. For details, contact 04-2613144.

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