When one plus one equals 33

Liner is a collaboration between Yeoh (left) and Loh. The 33 paintings line up to form ‘1 1 = 33’, an equation that conveys meaning about the artist, curator and collector.

LINER, a solo art exhibition by Yeoh Kean Thai taking place at PinkGuy Malaysia Art and Frame, serves as a celebration and milestone of the friendship between the artist and curator WinSon Loh.

The exhibition features 33 paintings that revisit some of Yeoh’s artistic styles in a career spanning more than two decades.

It also marks 33 years of excellence by PinkGuy, a company run by Loh that provides custom framing solutions and specialises in conservation framing.

The term “liner” holds meaning for both artist and curator.

The exhibition features 33 paintings that revisit some of Yeoh’s artistic styles in a career spanning more than two decades.

It refers to Yeoh’s signature style of drawing lines in his paintings. It also points to the important element of backing in framing (in between a painting and a frame).

The 33 paintings were also displayed in a unique way to create a greater impact on visitors.

“The paintings line up to form ‘1 + 1 = 33’. The number one (1) represents the artist and the collector, while the curator is symbolised by the plus (+),” said Loh.

“The message is that for an artist to be successful, he will need to have a collector, while the curator helps to promote the artwork.

“As the number three (3) represents success, the double three (33) symbolises double success!”

Loh also believes that the exhibition displays the progression and evolution of Yeoh’s talent as a fine artist.

(Top to bottom) ‘Majestic Elephant’, ‘Indomitable Lion’ and ‘Lion’s Roar’ are acrylic and ink on canvas pieces from the artist’s Recycled Art series, with scribbled lines to communicate environmentally-themed messages.

Yeoh said his artwork highlights environmental issues, such as the strain of urban development on nature and impact of global warming, as well as the need to work together to conserve the environment for future generations.

“They question whether all these are the process of nature or mankind’s work in seeking development and wealth.

“Themes like global impact, power of the atmosphere, rust, decay, oxidation and corrosion, manipulated forms and timeless appreciation were the direction of my studies,” said the 49-year-old.

For example, Yeoh said he tried to capture the effects of rust to depict the corrosion and degradation process in relation to nature.

The aim is to provoke thought on the impact and disruption of man-made objects on the environment, while also revealing the beauty in disintegration and transformation.

This ink and acrylic piece entitled ‘Evolution’ is an example of a manipulation of Yeoh’s earlier works.

“This exhibition captures the evolution of my painting styles and techniques since graduating from the Kuala Lumpur College of Art as a fine art major in 1992,” he said.

“These include the Manipulated Form series that explores different manipulations of perspectives to create a semi-abstract effect.

“Community in the Garden addresses the issues of coexistence between man and nature on this planet to underscore the need to balance development and the natural environment.

“My latest work is a series of sculpture installations using recyclable materials. It aims to create awareness on the environment and to encourage the 3R process – to reduce, reuse and recycle.

“Besides the installation pieces, I also did several paintings using acrylic and ink on canvas for the Recycled Art series, with scribbled lines to communicate environmentally-themed messages.”

Yeoh added that several paintings from Liner featured some manipulation of his earlier works, such as cut-outs of sketches presented in new compositions to create a lively dimensional play between inner and outer space.

In the ‘Oxidation & Corrosion’ series, rust is interpreted in monotonous sombre hues and also contrasting brighter colours.

On what motivates him, Yeoh said it was a three-month art residency in Vermont, the United States, that reawakened his passion and encouraged him to continue his career.

“It was a very fulfilling and inspiring experience where I got to meet many international artists, exchange notes on artistic pursuits and expand my knowledge.

“The residency made me realise that art is something worth continuing and that I shouldn’t give up. Whether it brings success or not, what is important is the journey,” he said.

Yeoh also believes that the spirit of an artist lives on in his works.

He cited a quote by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, a married couple known for their environmental works of art, that: “Artists do not retire, they simply die. That’s all. When they stop being able to create art, they die.”

Liner will be held until Aug 30 at PinkGuy Malaysia Art and Frame, A-G-02, Ground Floor, Marc Services Residence, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur.

Viewings are by appointment only.

For details, call 03- 2166 2166 or visit pinkguy.com.my