Yeo’s ‘Glamorous’ art piece. — Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
Artist showcases harmony in diversity through 50 pieces, various mediums at solo exhibition
ARTIST Yeo Eng Peng’s latest solo exhibition, “Harmony in Diversity,” highlights Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry through various mediums.
This exhibition, which runs until Aug 31 at Capital Fine Art Auction gallery in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, features 50 artworks including oil paintings, watercolours and plein-air (act of painting outdoors) pieces.
Yeo said the exhibition delves into the concept of harmony among Malaysia’s diverse races and cultures.
Oil painting from the ‘Malaysian Pride’ series.
“I chose the theme ‘Harmony in Diversity,’ because Malaysia is formed by different races, cultures and people. We are here to live as one nation.
“I’m trying to portray a positive message, in conjunction with National Day, reminding us to appreciate our harmonious existence,” he said at the gallery.
Artwork titled ‘Transformation’.
On how long he took to complete the artworks, Yeo said, “Watercolours generally take about a week, oil paintings require more time due to layering while plein-air pieces, which I usually create outdoors, can take two to three hours.”
Nearly half of the artworks exhibited showcase his signature pineapples and oil palm motifs.
Yeo says nearly half of the artwork exhibited showcases his signature motifs of pineapples and oil palm.
“The pineapple represents my hometown in Johor and the oil palm symbolises Malaysia’s natural resources, crucial to our economy.
“I also incorporate these elements because their colours, forms and shapes inspire me.”
Yeo’s artwork is distinguished by his use of different painting techniques.
Yeo’s watercolour paintings at his art exhibition.
He said he liked oil painting as the medium brought out vibrant colours and allowed for layering, creating a rich texture.
The exhibition will also feature his “Malaysian Pride” series, made up of six to seven pieces – all of which have been sold.
The ‘Harvest Season’ oil painting.
“It combines 3D elements to represent Malaysia’s culture in a way that is both soothing and harmonious,” he said.
One of the pieces integrates 12 different cultural elements, such as Malay congkak, Baba Nyonya furniture, Hindu prayer items and other objects that symbolise races and cultures in Malaysia.
“These elements are meant to convey the diversity of Malaysian culture through still life compositions,” he added.
One of the pieces from the ‘Malaysian Pride’ series.
The gallery is located at 151, Jalan 5/42, off Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya.
Opening hours are from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Sunday, including public holidays.
For details, call 017-207 0277.
