(From right) Lui, Azzat and Winson Loh at the Good Times art exhibition. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
ARTIST Lui Cheng Thak will be showcasing his works at his “Good Times” solo exhibition at Pinkguy Gallery in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
Lawyer Datuk Azzat Kamaluddin launched the exhibition, which has a collection of paintings featuring contemplative building balconies and dynamic Petaling Street scenes.
The exhibition’s theme is about embracing the good times in living and persevering through challenges.
Painting unveiling by Lui (middle), Azzat (right) and Loh at Good Times art exhibition. — Photos: SAMUEL ONG/The Star
The oil paintings of Petaling Street demonstrated the evolution of the area, represented by the Merdeka 118 skyscraper amidst the background of the street market’s hustle and bustle.
Stressing the importance of preserving history and heritage, Azzat said, “Realism helps us keep these memories alive for generations, even with the rapid modernisation of buildings.”
Lui said he chose to paint sceneries of Petaling Street to symbolise the changes in architecture over time.
“One of the first paintings I did in my early career was also of Petaling Street, and you can see how the place has changed over the past few decades,” he said.
One of the exhibition’s highlights is the different emotions and perspectives channelled through the manipulation of lights.
Azzat says it is important to preserve our history and heritage.
Pinkguy Gallery founder and art curator Winson Loh said, “I’ve been working with Lui for decades, and I’ve seen tremendous development in his work through his brush strokes.
“What impressed me was how well he manipulated the colours of the paintings through his understanding of light and shadow, evoking visual allure from every angle,” said Loh.
This painting titled Jalan Tun HS Lee shows a dynamic scene around the Petaling Street area.
When illuminated, the paintings depicted the authenticity of the locals’ everyday life and energy in Petaling Street.
With the lights turned off, the artworks transformed into a captivating glow of nocturnal skies and vibrant streetlights.
The balcony artworks were a showcase of Lui’s artistic finesse in arranging the leaves and branches.
The artist aims to depict the tranquillity of balconies and how they bear witness to life’s fleeting moments.
Inspired by the old balconies all around Kuala Lumpur, Lui’s paintings evoke nostalgia with the depiction of birdcage, wooden doors and arches, while flowers convey the progression of time.
'Sunset Perch' (left) and 'A View Through Time' (right) by Lui Cheng Thak. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
The shadows of the different elements within the painting gave a feeling of serenity, with how they peacefully swayed and moved in the wind.
The paintings are a message to see the beauty in life’s challenges and to cherish the shared moments of the present.
The “Good Times” exhibition will run until Feb 3, from 11am to 6pm daily.
Pinkguy Gallery is located at No.51-1, First Floor, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur.
