Onsite & Online
My Art My Journey
"My Art, My Journey" is the 4th solo exhibition by the esteemed 85-year-old artist, Datuk Chuah Kooi Yong, held at the Penang State Art Gallery in Dewan Sri Pinang. The exhibition features over 100 artworks that span six decades, capturing Chuah's extensive travels from Europe to Asia, the vibrant street scenes and landscapes of Penang, and portraits of notable local personalities. While some early works from the 1950s are showcased, many pieces were created during and post-pandemic, reflecting Chuah's rekindled joy in painting. The exhibition is a testament to Chuah's enduring passion for art and his journey through life.
About
Overview
"My Art, My Journey" is the 4th solo exhibition by the esteemed 85-year-old artist, Datuk Chuah Kooi Yong, held at the Penang State Art Gallery in Dewan Sri Pinang. The exhibition features over 100 artworks that span six decades, capturing Chuah's extensive travels from Europe to Asia, the vibrant street scenes and landscapes of Penang, and portraits of notable local personalities. While some early works from the 1950s are showcased, many pieces were created during and post-pandemic, reflecting Chuah's rekindled joy in painting. The exhibition is a testament to Chuah's enduring passion for art and his journey through life.
Statement
Datuk Chuah Kooi Yong's illustrious journey in the world of art is deeply embedded in the tapestry of "My Art, My Journey." While the exhibition showcases a vast array of his works, it's worth noting the mediums he has chosen to express himself. Chuah's predilection for oil, watercolour, and Chinese ink is evident, each medium offering a unique texture and depth to his creations.
In his early days, Chuah adopted the plein-air method of painting, which involves painting outdoors and on-site. This technique allowed him to master the nuances of light, shade, and perspective. Even when he wasn't painting on location, this training enabled him to recreate scenes from his travels with remarkable accuracy and emotion, using only photographs as references when he returned to his studio.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal of his works, Chuah's philanthropic spirit shines through. His previous solo exhibition in 2022, "Art Enrich My Life," was not just a display of his artistic prowess but also a charitable endeavor. Held at the Penang State Assembly Building, it successfully raised RM50,000 for a local school's building fund. This gesture underscores Chuah's sentiment that the joy of sharing his art surpasses the desire for commercial success.
Delving into the origins of Chuah's passion, a pivotal moment in the 1940s stands out. A simple painting of a rooster, elegantly poised on a stone, ignited a fire in a young Chuah. This artwork, purchased by his father during Chuah's primary school years, inspired him to start drawing and painting independently. These early creations found their place on the walls of his home, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to art.
Datuk Chuah's dedication to the arts was unwavering, even in the face of opposition. Despite his parents' reservations, he pursued his passion, enrolling in Singapore's Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. After graduation, he returned to Malaysia to teach, but the call of further education led him to England. There, he specialized in graphic design at the Hornsey College of Art, now known as Middlesex University.
His ambition wasn't just limited to personal growth. A conversation with a teacher at Nanyang revealed his dream to establish an art academy in Penang. This dream materialized in 1987 with the founding of what was initially known as the Equator Academy of Art and Design. From humble beginnings with just a few students, the institution has blossomed into one of Malaysia's most respected art colleges. Chuah's involvement remains hands-on, and under his guidance, the academy has nurtured thousands of young creatives who have made their mark in various industries.
The exhibition's inauguration was graced by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. In his speech, Chow lauded Chuah's journey as a beacon of inspiration for budding artists. He emphasized the transformative power of dedication and creativity, highlighting Chuah's invaluable contributions to the art community, both on and off the canvas.
In his early days, Chuah adopted the plein-air method of painting, which involves painting outdoors and on-site. This technique allowed him to master the nuances of light, shade, and perspective. Even when he wasn't painting on location, this training enabled him to recreate scenes from his travels with remarkable accuracy and emotion, using only photographs as references when he returned to his studio.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal of his works, Chuah's philanthropic spirit shines through. His previous solo exhibition in 2022, "Art Enrich My Life," was not just a display of his artistic prowess but also a charitable endeavor. Held at the Penang State Assembly Building, it successfully raised RM50,000 for a local school's building fund. This gesture underscores Chuah's sentiment that the joy of sharing his art surpasses the desire for commercial success.
Delving into the origins of Chuah's passion, a pivotal moment in the 1940s stands out. A simple painting of a rooster, elegantly poised on a stone, ignited a fire in a young Chuah. This artwork, purchased by his father during Chuah's primary school years, inspired him to start drawing and painting independently. These early creations found their place on the walls of his home, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to art.
Datuk Chuah's dedication to the arts was unwavering, even in the face of opposition. Despite his parents' reservations, he pursued his passion, enrolling in Singapore's Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. After graduation, he returned to Malaysia to teach, but the call of further education led him to England. There, he specialized in graphic design at the Hornsey College of Art, now known as Middlesex University.
His ambition wasn't just limited to personal growth. A conversation with a teacher at Nanyang revealed his dream to establish an art academy in Penang. This dream materialized in 1987 with the founding of what was initially known as the Equator Academy of Art and Design. From humble beginnings with just a few students, the institution has blossomed into one of Malaysia's most respected art colleges. Chuah's involvement remains hands-on, and under his guidance, the academy has nurtured thousands of young creatives who have made their mark in various industries.
The exhibition's inauguration was graced by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. In his speech, Chow lauded Chuah's journey as a beacon of inspiration for budding artists. He emphasized the transformative power of dedication and creativity, highlighting Chuah's invaluable contributions to the art community, both on and off the canvas.
Exhibition Venues
15th August - 31st August 2023
Penang State Museum & Art Gallery
Dewan Sri Pinang
10200 George Town
Pulau Pinang Malaysia
Penang State Museum & Art Gallery
Dewan Sri Pinang
10200 George Town
Pulau Pinang Malaysia
About Organiser
Chuah Kooi Yong
@chuahkooiyong
Founder of Equator College. Oil, watercolour, and Chinese ink mediums. Travel-inspired paintings.