Cheng says some of the artworks from the ‘Impression’ exhibition were inspired by his trip to the Himalayas in 2019. — Photos: LOW BOON TAT/The Star
IN a departure from his signature medium of Chinese ink on rice paper, Malaysian artist Cheng Haw-Chien has created oil on canvas artworks for his latest exhibition.
Impression marks the first solo oil painting show of Penang-born Cheng, who is also an accomplished calligrapher, poet, author and educator.
He studied the Lingnan style of painting, which fuses elements of Western styles with Chinese ink painting, for which he is now known.
However, one of his earliest works, At Dawn, was an oil painting selected for exhibition by Penang Art Museum Gallery in 1968.
“I started learning oil painting when I was young and developed my signature medium later on,” said Cheng.
Some of the artworks displayed in Impression were inspired by his trip to the Himalayas in 2019.
This oil on canvas piece titled ‘Memory and Snowy Mountains 8’ was sold on the day the artworks were unveiled.
“From that trip, I produced a series of artworks using Chinese ink on rice paper.
“But I felt it would be more impactful and striking to paint the sceneries I witnessed using oil on canvas, and that decision resulted in this exhibition.”
He pointed out noticeable differences in the two painting styles and their results.
“Each style requires different skills and produces different effects,” said Cheng.
“The Chinese ink on rice paper artworks have a more ethereal feel while the oil on canvas pieces stand out for their vibrancy.”
Nine out of the 21 abstract-style artworks in Impression were inspired by the Himalayas while the others are landscapes or from Cheng’s imagination.
He agreed that this new series of artworks could reveal a different side to him.
“I would like to continue experimenting with oil on canvas for future artworks.
(From left) Chan, Cheng, PinkGuy gallery founder and curator Winson Loh and Lee discussing one of the artworks that were unveiled.
“For me, painting is a way to express my thoughts and what I see during my travels,” said Cheng, adding that he is scheduled to have an exhibition in Taiwan next year.
In a statement, Penang State Art Gallery chairman Lee Khai said over the years, Cheng had gained prominence for his Chinese ink paintings, though his body of work also included watercolour, oil and mixed media.
“In the past three decades, he has pushed the boundaries of traditional Chinese ink painting with his innovative splash ink and colour techniques, introducing a fresh, contemporary dimension to the ancient medium.”
Lee said Cheng drew inspiration from his travels, visits to art museums and long-standing relationships with several esteemed artists, all of which continuously shaped his artistic journey.
“The exhibition showcases this fresh perspective, blending Eastern and Western artistic traditions while inviting viewers into a vibrant world of colour and emotion.
“Impression marks both a return to his roots and a significant new chapter in his artistic journey within the Lingnan school,” said Lee.
During a preview of the artworks, guest of honour Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, who unveiled them, said he was impressed and pleasantly surprised with the artist’s latest creations.
“The new technique and medium are entirely different from his signature style, but he still instils traditional Chinese brush elements into his new artworks to create a West meets East approach,” said Chan, who has been following Cheng’s career for over three decades.
“His willingness to embrace opportunities to go further and not fear challenges are admirable, and I look forward to seeing Cheng’s progress in the new medium.”
Bolder colour combinations and brush strokes bring to life Cheng’s ‘Memory and Snowy Mountains 3’.
Chan, who is Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) board of governors chairman, said Cheng would be donating 400 pieces from his personal collection to a dedicated art museum at the institution’s Setapak campus.
“It will be a space to provide exposure and educate students on arts and culture, regardless of what they are studying.
“TAR UMT is looking at housing pieces by more Malaysian artists across different disciplines to showcase a diverse range of talents and artworks.”
The Impression exhibition will be held until Oct 12 at Pinkguy Gallery located at 51-1 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
Admission is free, but appointments are advised.
The gallery is open from 11am to 6pm, and closed on Sundays and public holidays.
For enquiries, call 018-288 8868 or visit www.pinkguygallery.com
