Chew Kiat Lim says his art will always reflect his uncompromising attitude

Chew Kiat Lim posing with his recent photorealistic work 'Penang Waterfront', featured in his 'Unlimited' retrospective exhibition at the Penang State Art Gallery. Photo: The Star/Lim Beng Tatt

Senior Malaysian artist Chew Kiat Lim, when looking back at an accomplished career spanning over 50 years, can proudly proclaim one thing – “I did it my way”.

The Kuala Terengganu-born artist, who now splits his time between Penang and Toronto in Canada, has never let anyone or anything dictate what he creates. He does not care what sells. For Kiat Lim, art is his unconditional love and he paints only to satisfy himself or to highlight current social and environmental issues.