Silent witness: Malaysian artist paints curious scenes from M'sia and China


‘I’m very curious about human behaviour, so I like to watch people and wonder what they’re doing or why. I create little stories in my head,' says Hieng, posing with his painting 'Shopping Day' (2025). – Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

In many of his paintings, Selangor-born artist Ong Hieng Fuong, better known as Hieng in the art scene, may appear in them, but he doesn’t necessarily play a leading role.

Instead, he often sees himself as a supporting character, letting the quaint and quirky scenes from his daily life take centre stage.

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