GEORGE TOWN: LIFELESS and mundane objects come alive in Lok Kerk Hwang’s artworks with seemingly effortless brushstrokes.
The award-winning artist from Batu Pahat embodies love and life in his watercolour paintings, which can be admired in his first solo exhibition in Malaysia at the Penang State Art Gallery until Oct 19.
His inaugural solo exhibition was held in Singapore earlier.
The exhibition also serves as a platform for Lok to interact with other artists here.
The exhibition, titled “The Watercolour World of Lok Kerk Hwang” comprises 66 paintings by the artist.
A rustic bicycle shop, empty gas tanks, a broken window, a rundown wall and a dusty kampung scene dominatehis subjects, which are frequently devoid of people.
Each painting is accompanied by a tale behind the creation of the artwork.
“There is practically no human form in almost all of my paintings.
“They are meant to focus entirely on the objects within the frame. I try to convey the message of love and the life of the wonderful things I see every day through the fluidity and transparency of watercolour,” said Lok at the launch by Penang Watercolour Society president Khoo Cheang Jin.
Also present was Penang Development Corporation general manager Datuk Rosli Jaafar who is an artist himself.
“I was first exposed to watercolour painting by my secondary school teacher.
“I am captivated by this medium, which I am constantly working on and learning to master.
“I paint what touches me rather than paint what people want to see.
“Watercolor is fulfilling to me and it is impossible to explain the techniques I choose.
“It could be wet-in-wet, dry brush or highlights in the details. However, it always bring great joy to me,” said Lok.
“Watercolour is the hardest and most technically-demanding medium to create the illusion of reality with. It is also more delicate than other mediums.”
Lok has won several prestigious international awards.
He was placed second in the 37th WAS-H International Exhibition (USA).
He also received an honourable mention in the still-life category of the Artist’s Magazine Annual Competition, which is also an American-based competition.
His works have been featured on the covers of Europe’s leading watercolour magazines, which includes the 16th issue of The Art Of Watercolour and L’ Art de l'Aquarelle for its recent issue.
His pieces have been collected by corporations, government offices, academic institutions and individuals the world over.
A 120-paged catalogue featuring 130 of Lok’s artworks from 1993-2014 is also on sale.
The gallery is open from 9am to 5pm, from Saturday to Thursday.
It is closed on Friday and public holidays.
Admission is free.