CHONG Choon Woon, in his second solo show at Townhouse Gallery, invites us to look at the fast-paced cities of China. Urban Perceptions depicts his search for an all-embodying image of cities like Shanghai, Nanjing and Shandong; of his struggle to grasp the core of the bewildering images as he picks his way through the hustle and bustle. The wanderer seems forced to focus his vision on one thing at a time, seeing other images in the periphery of his vision. This is the perception that is conveyed in Chong’s works.

The artist aims to express concepts, synthesise personal experiences and establish a unique painting style. Inspired by the French Impressionists, Chong replaces the traditional strokes used in oil paintings with bold sweeps of the Chinese brush. His paintings provoke an interest in daily life and in the "space relationships" existing in the external world.

Chong credits his main influence to Alberto Giocametti who said, "the art of painting is just a kind of viewpoint."

In viewing an image from different angles, one is eventually able to grasp the essence of the image, distinct from its surroundings.

Urban Perceptions will run until April 27 and can be viewed at Townhouse Gallery, 19A Jalan Medang Tanduk, Bukit Bandaraya, Kuala Lumpur by appointment only. Call 03-2094-3381 or 017-887-7216 or access the website at www.townhouse-gallery.com