Little artists make big splash

WHEN young minds are afforded creative freedom, the possibilities are endless as seen at the Beauty Creativity Oil Painting Exhibition 2020 in Penang.

Most of the 40 pieces displayed at Penang Times Square were produced by budding talents aged 11 to 21.

The youngsters are from the Art Space Centre in Permatang Pauh, founded by Apple Yong Seow Ping who also put up several works of her own.

“They’ve been taking art lessons from me for many years, some since the age of four.

“This exhibition shows just how far they’ve come, ” said Yong, 65, at the show’s opening ceremony recently.

Ranging from lovely scenery and animal portraits to abstract works and still life, the vibrant paintings all bear each young artist’s distinct style.

“Rather than steering them in a particular direction or letting them copy from popular styles, I’ve always believed in letting them explore their imaginations and find their own voices.

“There are things you cannot teach. They have to come naturally by instinct.”

At the exhibition, Yong’s one-year-old granddaughter Soo Ker Wei easily grabbed the limelight. She is believed to be one of the youngest artists ever to exhibit locally.

Three of her pieces were featured at the exhibition.

One-year-old Ker Wei creating an abstract piece on a blank canvas during a live painting demonstration.

She produced them two months ago using natural non-toxic mediums like coffee and water dyed blue with butterfly pea flowers.

“We gave her blank canvases and she used her fingers and palms to smear and sprinkle the colours on the space.

“Children can be sensitive to colours even at this early age, ” Yong said.

With some coaxing from her parents, the toddler put on a live painting demonstration. Unfussed by the crowd looking on, she produced an abstract piece.

Her painting along with two produced by 11-year-old Samantha Ng Xin En and 15-year-old Ooi Chie Ern were later auctioned off.

The proceeds from the auction, together with half of the proceeds from sales of all the featured paintings, will be donated to the Penang Ru Yi Home for underprivileged children.

Brady Chung Kye Jett, 11, was glad to use his talent to benefit others. He was accompanied at the exhibition by proud parents Chung Soon Ee and Melcy Liong, both 42, as well as younger brother Eu Jay, seven.

The young artists ‘painting’ a large sheet with their feet at the opening ceremony.

“Besides allowing children to express their creativity, art can also help cultivate their patience, focus and observation skills.

“Every piece here is unique and testament to each child’s effort, ” said father Soon Ee.

The other young artists are Jothan Ooi, Yeoh Tze Yi, Lew Lee San, Tan Wan Qi, Chester Khor Huai Jin, Sharon Soo Jia Wen and Cheang Poh Hooi.

During the ceremony, they all collaborated on a giant art piece by dipping their feet in paint and leaving colourful footprints on a white sheet.

Among those present were Penang State Art Gallery chairman Lee Khai, The World Chinese Arts Education Association committee member Dr Paul Boey and Entopia founder David Goh.

The exhibition area is located just off Penang Times Square’s entrance facing Jalan Datuk Keramat, and continues until Feb 28.

It can be viewed for free throughout the mall’s opening hours.