The Last Star Before the Dawn
Malaysian artist Cheong Kiet Cheng is known for her diverse range of mediums that she has used over the years. From oil to acrylic to ink to watercolor, Kiet Cheng has explored various mediums to express her artistic vision. In a statement, Kiet Cheng noted, “Each medium has its own unique qualities, and I enjoy experimenting with them to capture the essence of my ideas.“
In ‘The Last Star Before the Dawn‘ her highly anticipated fifth solo exhibition, Kiet Cheng showcases a collection of paintings created over a year and a half. This collection includes a batch of paintings created during the later stages of the epidemic spanning from 2022 to 2023. Inspired by the concept of enlightenment and the impermanence of all things, this exhibition invites viewers to contemplate the fleeting nature of existence and the idea that all things must eventually come to an end.
Kiet Cheng’s artistic process is grounded in daily life, and she incorporates lessons and ideas into her work. As she puts it, “There are always unseen hands that give me strength and guidance as I share my inner mysteries and elements.” Through her use of vibrant colors and intricate details, Cheng captures the beauty and fragility of life, encouraging visitors to reflect on their own journeys.
In keeping with her unique artistic vision, ‘The Last Star Before the Dawn‘ is a testament to Kiet Cheng’s ability to capture profound philosophical concepts through her art. This exhibition is a must-see for anyone seeking a moment of contemplation and reflection. As Kiet Cheng notes, “I hope that visitors will find a sense of peace and inspiration in my paintings and leave with a renewed appreciation for the beauty of the world around us.”
‘The Last Star Before the Dawn‘ is featured at Wei-Ling Gallery from 6 June – 8 July 2023.
Wei-Ling Gallery is located at No 8, Jalan Scott, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Admission hours are Tuesday – Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm.
Exhibition is open by appointment only. For appointments and further assistance, please contact +60322601106 or e-mail siewboon@weiling-gallery.com
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Cheong Kiet Cheng is a Malaysian artist born in 1981 who has consistently explored the relationship between humans and nature through her paintings. Her works convey a sense of beauty and love while also emphasizing the underlying tension between human and animal figures, highlighting the inevitability of imperfection. Cheng achieves a sense of tranquility in her paintings through a unique method of meditative, repetitive forms. She prioritizes sharing positive energy through her work over conforming to conventional aesthetics.
Kiet Cheng is unrestricted by any particular medium, instead choosing to experiment with different materials. She has evolved from using acrylic paints in earlier bodies of work to black ink in her latest series. The romantic quality of her work reflects her personal feelings towards nature, drawing inspiration from philosophy, literature, poetry, music, and theatrical drama.
Kiet Cheng has won several major awards and prizes, including the main prize at the 2018 UOB Painting of the Year (Malaysia) competition, the Creative M50 Awards in Shanghai, China (2016), the Nanjing International Art Festival Competition in China (2015), and the Water Color Category at Tanjong Public Limited Company in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2006). In 2018, she was also the recipient of the esteemed UOB-Fukuoka Asian Art Museum’s Artists Residency Programme in Japan.
She has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout Asia and in Malaysia. Her most recent solo exhibition, ‘We Are Dreaming and Awake In the Air,’ was held at Wei-Ling Contemporary in Kuala Lumpur in 2021. She exhibited her latest series of paintings, exploring the theme of impermanence and the cyclical nature of life at S.E.A Focus 2023 in Singapore. Kiet Cheng’s participation in this prestigious event is a testament to her growing reputation as a talented and visionary artist in the region.
