Happy to share his passion for art

Goh posing with his large 2012 oil painting called ‘Botanic Garden’.

VETERAN artist Goh Beng Kwan thinks of nature as a ‘big studio’, a source of inspiration that allows him to do what he loves most.

Still an avid traveller at the age of 82, he enjoys taking in the unique sights of each destination and draws on that to create his art.

“Each country has its own beauty but to best express that beauty, you have to understand the culture and people, ” said Goh, a Singaporean citizen.

He was born in Medan, Indonesia, to a Chinese immigrant family. They moved to Singapore after the Second World War.

Visitors checking out Goh’s artworks at his ‘Cresting the Waves’ solo exhibition.

He loves the landscapes of Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia but points to Bali as his favourite destination due to its gardens, villages and handicraft.

“I’ve been to Bali many times but each time I find myself loving it more, ” said Goh at the recent opening of his solo exhibition in Penang.

Titled ‘Cresting The Waves’, the show at Daiichi Art Space in George Town features 46 paintings done with oils, acrylics, Chinese ink and mixed media.

The ceremony also saw the Malaysian launch of a 344-page book that delves deeply into the artist and his works. Many of Goh’s friends were in attendance.

Eternity, a large mixed media piece from 2017.

“Through the book, I hope to share the joy I find in art with everyone, ” said Goh.

Growing up in Singapore, he was tutored in art by notable names including Chen Wen Hsi and Cheong Soo Pieng.

In 1962, he travelled to the US to study at the Art Students League of New York. There, he studied oil painting under Sidney Gross and left representational painting behind for abstract expressionism.

His first solo show came in 1965 at the Ruth Sherman Gallery.

Goh went on to win first prizes at both the inaugural UOB Painting of the Year Competition in 1982 as well as the Australia Business Council and Australia High Commission Art Awards in 1984.

Goh (right) autographing copies of the book for art lovers.

He also earned a silver medal in the Salon des Artists Francais in 1985 and was presented with the Cultural Medallion by Singapore’s Ministry of Culture in 1989.

But a pivotal moment came when he joined the Provincetown Workshop in 1964, helmed by Leo Manso and Victor Candell. It acquainted him with the art of collage using everyday objects.

Penang State Art Gallery chairman Lee Khai said, “Fluid composition and rich use of overlapping multi-coloured materials coupled with gestural lines became Goh’s signature style.

“His works clearly reflect his cultural roots.”

‘Nature Plants’, done with acrylics this year.

Also at the launch were Daiichi Art Space founder and chairman Datuk Tai Keik Hock and deputy curator Vincent Tai.

The exhibition continues until Oct 6, and is open for viewing daily from 1pm to 6pm (except Mondays). Entrance is free.

The book can be purchased at the gallery for RM150 but only a limited number of copies remain.

For enquiries, call Vincent at 016-418 8967.