A COLLECTION of Chinese ink paintings by artist Hon Peow depicting local nature is on display at the Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) branch in Bayan Lepas, Penang.
The exhibition, titled “Depicting the Beauty of Nature” features dozens of masterpieces created by the 86-year-old artist using expressive brushstrokes and delicate ink dabs.
While most are individual paintings, some come in a set.
The works, displayed throughout the Buddhist organisation’s building, highlight Hon Peow’s deep connection to Malaysia’s natural beauty.
“The ink paintings are a blend of natural landscapes, native flora and local culture.
“I’m grateful to have the opportunity and platform to share my works with the public,” he said during the exhibition’s launch by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, who praised Hon Peow’s unique approach.
“Chinese ink paintings traditionally have simple zen strokes.
“There are a lot of details and originality in Hon Peow’s intricate works,” said Sim.
He also stressed the importance of making art accessible to all Malaysians, regardless of background.
“We need to continue to interact person to person, art to art. And I hope that there will be more interaction between different communities when it comes to art in Malaysia, to create a harmonious multiracial society,” said Sim.
“Penang is not just a centre for development of art and culture but also a democratic space to bring together multiracial diversity through the arts,” he added.
Also present were SGM (Penang branch) chairman Low Siew Kee and Penang Chinese Brush Painting Art Society president Loh Kooi Loong.
Born in Manong, Perak, in 1939, Hon Peow is a graduate of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Singapore), where he studied Western painting.
Despite his broad foundation in both Eastern and Western styles, he chose to dedicate himself to the discipline of Chinese ink painting.
A former art director at Hua Lian Private High School in Taiping, Perak, Hon Peow has spent decades nurturing young artists and promoting art education.
The exhibition, which runs until June 1, is free and open to the public from 10am to 4pm daily.
