About
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I have been incredibly lucky to be able to create art as my professional vocation for more than 15 years. Being able to explore and delve into this passion deeply full time, is a gift I am continually grateful for... To quote Christopher Hitchens, trying to "..... keep opposing ideas alive in the same mind" is truly what inspires (and frustrates) me daily. Pulling all these apparently divergent realities together, and then, breathing life into the resultant amalgamation in a way that speaks true to those who behold it on canvas, is an incredibly satisfying challenge. In so doing, I strive to create work that envisages the eternal explorations of 'truth' - that intangible carrot that teases us forward.. and that binds us as humans, irrespective of race, religion or the confines of social norms...
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Being of Anglo-Indian descent and growing up in the urban multi racial & cultural, sunny shores of Malaysia has undoubtedly shaped my worldview and driven me to always try to represent diversity in my work as much as possible. My conceptual pieces are usually developed and inspired by what lurks within the pages of my second love - books, and the inevitable influences of the unique and 'exciting' times we live in.. I see the persistent honing of my artistic skills as integral to creating, and exploring and developing my skills in differing mediums and techniques is one of the many amazing and ever inspiring parts of the process.
When asked to write my view on the influence of art for social change, in-concert with the huge honour of being invited to exhibit a print of one of my conceptual paintings at 'The Zeitgeist Media Festival' Gallery in Hollywood (2013), I spluttered as I always do, at the prospect of writing about (or saying) anything of such profundity with any brevity, but here were my thoughts... Visual art has the inexplicable advantage of conveying an idea or message almost immediately, opening a door for new concepts to slowly permeate a culture and increase receptiveness of individuals to new and potentially culture-shifting trains of thought. Will this translate to more in-depth self-exploration of the concepts portrayed?.. If so, art has played a fundamental role in influencing said culture, be it positively or negatively. The intention is, of course, usually the former. In the end, art does not exist in a bubble, and as with nature, systemically evolves and functions thus in intertwined layers with the culture at large. We are all artistic creators of our collective future, hopefully for the better... |
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Education:
Lim Kok Wing University College (2004) - Diploma in Visual & Digital Art Awards & Distinctions: Tanjong Heritage Award 2003 (2nd place in printmaking) Featured & interviewed on Hypp TV 'The Art Gallery' in 2013, which features some of the most promising emerging & established artists in Malaysia. Exhibitions: Minut Init 2016 (In One's Skin: Group Exhibition on Nudity) Minut Init 2016 (VDA Freakshow Group Exhibition) Midas Touch 2013 Minut Init Art Galleria 2013 Midas Touch 2012 Minut Init Art Galleria 2012 Minut Init Art Galleria 2011 Minut Init Art Galleria 2010 Lim Kok Wing Gallery 2003 MIA Gallery, Kuala Lumpur 2002 |
But denunciatory rhetoric is so much easier and cheaper than good works, and proves a popular temptation. Yet is it far better to light the candle than to curse the darkness. ~ William Lonsdale Watkinson / John F. Kennedy
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