Chan with her winning painting ‘Messymalism or Maximalism?’. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
LIFE can sometimes leave one feeling stuck in a rut and it helps to have some form of escape.
For Penang artist Chan Phooi Yeng, art provides an outlet to ponder such inner conflicts, self-reflect and ultimately rediscover a sense of self.
It proved both cathartic and rewarding when one painting titled “Messymalism or Maximalism?” won the Penang Art District’s Spotlight 2024 art competition.
The oil-on-canvas self-portrait represents Chan’s struggles in juggling motherly responsibilities with personal interests, including her business of reselling thrifted vintage clothing.
(From left) Tan and Ng checking out the featured works in the Spotlight 2024 Finalist Showcase.
She depicted herself in a floral dress, carrying her nearly four-year-old son and his favourite snake plush toy.
An easel stood next to her but though she wanted to paint, the canvas remained blank.
Around them was a playground where countless hours were spent.
This transitioned to her condominium and living spaces, where four cats also yearned for attention.
She also included a guzheng – a Chinese musical instrument which she enjoyed playing but now lacked time to dabble with.
At her feet was a heap of vintage clothes which grew roots and anchored her down.
“It encapsulates the inner conflict between things I’d like to do versus the realities of life.
“Everything takes a backseat when you become a mother.
‘Momentum’ by Zheng won the Jury’s Choice Award.
“I believe this is something many will relate to,” the Air Itam native said of the 120cm x 89cm artwork that took three months to complete.
Chan, who turns 32 this year, also included imagery of Indonesia’s Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen volcanoes in honour of a previous trip, as well as Egyptian structures which she is hoping to explore with her photographer husband and child one day.
This is not her first attempt at Spotlight.
She joined in 2023 and got into the top 20. She thought that was it, as by 2024, she had exceeded the competition’s age limit of 30.
When Chan found out the organisers raised the bar to 35, she decided to try her luck again.
She envisioned her painting and brought it to life in between household chores.
“I was quite shocked to win. I hope it’ll allow me to grow my artistic practice,” she said after receiving a cash prize of RM5,000 and a trophy during the opening of the Finalist Showcase at The Art Gallery Penang in Bellisa Row, Pulau Tikus.
As with previous editions of the contest, the winner gets a mentorship stint with an experienced artist and will get their own solo exhibition thereafter.
Penang Art District general manager Kenny Ng said Spotlight was not merely an art competition but a platform for emerging Malaysian talents to showcase their creativity, explore their potential and connect with the larger art community.
“Since its inception in 2018, it has been driven by a singular goal – to support and elevate the next generation of talent in our country’s creative ecosystem.
“For 2024, we received 107 submissions. The diversity of themes, mediums and techniques demonstrated the incredible depth and richness of artistic expression locally,” Ng added.
Muhammad Afiq Izzudin’s resin-based ‘Hierarchy’.
Spotlight’s main partner now is UOB Malaysia, with Penang Institute as supporter.
The latter’s executive director Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng said all societies needed art.
“All individuals need to express themselves and their realities in one way or another. But synergy is key.
“Pulling together this shared passion is vital in providing the space necessary for creative impulses to thrive,” he added.
Also present for the occasion were Penang State Art Gallery chairman Lee Khai, The Art Gallery Penang’s gallerist Tan Ee Lene and UOB Malaysia brand, media and communications vice-president Ivy Chua.
There were also five Jury’s Choice Awards with a RM1,000 prize each, which went to Mohamad Firdaus Md Yusof, Muhamad Zaim Kamaruzaman, Nur Fitrah Ramli, Muhd Syazwan Abd Rahim and Zheng Yeow Oon.
The finalist exhibition runs until Jan 19 and is open for viewing from 2pm to 5.30pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
For other time slots, make an appointment with Tan at 012-604 1434.
