GEORGE TOWN: WHERE artist Tommy Chen is concerned, the koi fish is the epitome of gentleness, obedience, peace, joy and beauty.
Chen has observed and painted the koi for more than 24 years and he has not lost one iota of passion in putting them on canvas.
His mastery of depicting the koi can be viewed at his third solo exhibition entitled “Koi at Dragon Gate” at the Island Gallery until Dec 4.
Fifteen paintings of the koi, swimming in an orderly manner with the tancho, the white coloured leader of the shoal, lined the walls of the gallery.
“I have been painting the koi ever since I was enchanted by their movement when I was at a hotel years ago.
“I have spent hours observing how the koi behaves. Just like a well-organised family, they are
always swimming in one direction.
“The koi also represents vitality, love, joy and peace which I try to imbue into my paintings as I believe in the celebration of life,” he said at the launch recently.
“The koi also exudes positive energy and my paintings speak for themselves as nature is the best teacher of natural power.
“As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.”
Born in Malacca in 1967, Chen has always had a passion for art. His ambition was to be an architect.
“I do not come from a well-to-do family and being an artist was my passion. Winning a scholarship helped me further my art education at the Malaysia Institute of Art in Kuala Lumpur in 1988.
Chen also lectured after finishing his art education and was a curator of his own gallery.
Recently, Chen has started to paint eagles and the arowana fish.
Chen will be donating 40 per cent at the proceeds of the sale of his paintings to the Living Hope charity in Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, which is run by Dr Peggy Wong.
Living Hope helps needy children.
Guest-of-honour, Pen Marine Bhd managing director Oh Kean Shen, said three of Chen’s oil painting will be taken to Straits Quay in Tanjung Tokong for auction and 50 per cent of the proceeds will also benefit Living Hope.
“On Monday, there will be a charity cruise convoy at Straits Quay and those who register for the six-hour trip on any of the four yachts at RM1,000 each will help contribute to charity,” he said.
Those who wish to register for the cruise can call Sheryl at 019-460 1188.
The gallery, at 6, Phuah Hin Leong Road, is open daily from 10am-5pm. Admission is free.
For details, call Cheong at 016-437 6687.