PENANG: Some 100 leading artists, collectors and corporate guests thronged the preview of Penang Art: Then & Now at Menara IJM Land in Penang last Friday.

Launching the three-day event, IJM Land Bhd managing director Edward Chong said: “Certainly, among the things we can be proud of, is the fact that Penang has developed a distinguished sense of culture and identity.”

“IJM Land is very passionate about art, and this landmark exhibition marks our first collaborative project with The Edge Galerie to bring such remarkable artworks that capture the collective expression of three generations of artists to our audiences,” he added.

Showcasing 41 artworks, the exhibition highlighted the accomplishments of such pioneer artists as Yong Mun Sen, Abdullah Ariff, Kuo Ju Ping, Datuk Tay Hooi Keat, Datuk Chuah Thean Teng, Khaw Sia and Lee Cheng Yong. The works of other late senior artists featured were from Tan Choon Ghee, Tan Chiang Kiong, Ho Khay Beng, Chia Yu Chian, Tan Lye Hoe and Ismail Hashim.

Also included in the non-selling exhibition were the works of Penang State Art Gallery chairman Datuk Tang Hon Yin, Datuk Tay Mo Leong, Khoo Sui Hoe, Cheung Pooi Yip, Dr Chew Teng Beng, Chong Hon Fatt, Chong Hip Seng, Toya, James Sum, Koay Soo Kau, Eric Quah, Heng Eow Lin, Yeong Seak Ling, Dr Cheng Haw Chien and Chew Choon.

Representing the group of artists born after 1950 were the works of Fauzan Omar, Hasnul Jamal Saidon, Khoo Cheang Jin, Choo Beng Teong, Lee Eng Beng, Alex Leong, Pheh It Hao, Eston Tan, Chan Kok Hooi, Ch’ng Kiah Kiean, Tang Yeok Khang, Loh Chee Peng and Tan Kai Shuean. 

Also present at the launch was The Edge Communications Sdn Bhd managing director Au Foong Yee who said: “These are no ordinary artworks. They are special, not only because they are outstanding and breathtaking, but more importantly, all of them have ties with Penang in one way or another.”

In conjunction with the opening, the exhibition’s co-curators Koay Soo Kao and Lee Khai gave a talk entitled “Penang Art & Artists”. They both sit on the Penang State Art Gallery committee.

Koay, 69, pointed out that the contributions of pioneer artists, especially those who were trained overseas, to the development of art in the country had been significant and benefited many artists of the present generation.

Lee Khai, 45, explained the selection process in choosing the artists for the exhibition. “It could have been 45 artworks,” he said: “After we decided on the 40 names, then we remembered we missed out Ho Khay Beng. So, we had to add him in.”

The public exhibition will be moved to Kuala Lumpur and continue at The Edge Galerie in Mont Kiara from Friday to Sept 20. There will be another preview talk on Thursday at 8pm by Koay and Lee Khai entitled “Penang Art” at the same venue.

The Edge Galerie is at G5-G6 Mont Kiara Meridin, 19 Jalan Duta Kiara, Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. Opening hours: 11am to 7pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. For details, email [email protected] or call (03) 7721 8188 (office)/(03) 6419 0102 (gallery). Website: www.theedgegalerie.com.

This article first appeared in digitaledge Daily, on September 7, 2015.