KUALA LUMPUR: Having painted on mostly rice paper for over 50 years, Penang-born artist and calligrapher Prof Dr Cheng Haw Chien is now producing his art on Japanese metallic paper.
Dubbed the Golden Series, the 74-year-old is showcasing 25 selected pieces painted on gold metallic paper that spots a golden hue.
The pieces feature scenic views inspired from his trips to the Yangtze River, in China along with the Himalayas and Lhasa in Tibet.
“It is very different from the usual rice paper that I paint on because it does not absorb ink or colours easily.
“The amount of water has to be controlled properly for the ink to spread. You can see the natural stains.
“I have to work slowly and wait for the ink to dry before adding in another layer, including the colours, one by one. Each painting takes much longer to complete,” said Cheng.
Painted using traditional Chinese ink and colour style, his artworks are on display in a solo exhibition at the PinkGuy Gallery in Bangsar here.
Cheng noted gallery owner and founder Winson Loh gave him the idea to present his artworks on special paper after he returned from his trips, in 2019.
“This kind of paper gets crinkled very easily and once it is wrinkled, it cannot be used for painting anymore,” he said.
Cheng said most of the featured artworks were completed during the movement control order last year.
Present at the exhibition were former transport ministers Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy and Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai.
Both are Cheng’s long-time friends and collectors of his art.
Chan, who officially opened the exhibition, also lauded Cheng’s passion and determination in perfecting his art.
“It is certainly not easy especially in Malaysia for an artist like Haw Chien, who has dedicated his whole life in pursue of art. He never gave up and continued to explore new ideas and methods to refine his artistic skills.
“Such a spirit is something I rarely see among Malaysian artists. I have never seen an artist who is so determined to go for artistic excellence from one stage to another.
“As a good friend, I’m very happy to see him excel over the years. I look forward to seeing more pieces from him,” said the Universiti Malaya adjunct professor.
Cheng also presented Chan with a “finger calligraphy” of a poem he wrote during his visit to a foothill near the Yangtze River. He had used his index finger instead of a brush to produce the artwork.
Cheng, who is an alumnus of Chung Ling High School, had trained under the guidance of many eminent masters in the art of Chinese calligraphy, ink painting and also poetry writing.
His artwork has been displayed at the London International Art Centre, the Beijing National Art Gallery and the Kuala Lumpur Art Gallery.
Those who are interested to see Cheng’s Golden Series can visit the PinkGuy Gallery at 51-1, Jln Telawi 3 in Bangsar from 11am to 7pm daily (except on Monday).
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
