"Game of Cat and Mouse" is my painting of life's surprises and challenges. It's about the fact that you never know what's around the corner, and that's what makes life exciting. The painting captures the spirit of always being ready to tackle problems and keep moving. Just like in a game of cat and mouse, we're always on the move,…
This is a 100% original painting that I did on a tree trunk. I gathered this section of trunk that had been cut down by the city council and painted the narrative of the tree that had survived for generations. In the inner city of Georgetown, Penang, where I stay, some of these trees that line the roads are more…
"A Million Things on My Mind" is a testament to those moments when the weight of the world seems heavy, and the mind teems with thoughts yearning for release. Unconsciously, the figure resembles the Penang Island, which I call home. This painting navigates through the complexities of thought with the blue of the ocean symbolizing an escape. The art came…
This piece is dedicated to the plight of the tribal people in the Amazon rainforest. For generations, their forefathers have been hunting and living off the land. Now, greedy governments and corporations are raping the jungles for profits. The yellow background denotes the fires, ashes, and soot that engulf the homes of the innocent tribes.
In my artwork, 'Animal Scribbles,' I captured the spirited essence of animals at play. Their curiosity and liveliness are brimming over in a symphony of forms and colors. Inspired by a whimsical idea of a scene of animals joyously creating chaos, this painting springs from the amusing thought of having a house filled with animals each expressing its own unique…
"At the Zoo" is a vibrant painting reflecting cherished dreams and muted guilt. As I focused on building a startup, precious time with my children slipped away, including the simple dream of an afternoon at the zoo. This painting represents that unfulfilled plan, expressing my subconscious desires and confessing my guilt for lost time. It symbolizes the unbroken bond with…
As a young boy, one of my fondest memories was playing marbles with the kids in my neighborhood. It was a simple and joyful pastime that brought us together, sparking friendly competition and camaraderie. I vividly recall carrying a small plastic bag that held my prized collection of marbles. Each marble had its unique charm and story, some won from…
In my artwork, 'Black Lives Matter,' I echo the tragic outcry from a desperate figure in the midst of turmoil, reminiscent of the incident involving George Floyd. His plea 'I can't breathe' deeply affected me and thus found its way onto my canvas. Imprints of bullet holes and shattered glasses overlay the figure, signifying the heartbreaking violence and desperation. In…
I see so much of my daughter in my wife and the butterfly somehow says of her coming of age, in a way.. transforming into a gorgeous lady. The colorful bridge from above signifies a path for angels, sent by God. And the colors below tells that they will live their life with plenty of sunshine, rainbows, and blessings. Title:…
"Celebration" is a vibrant and joyful artwork created at the start of a new year, bidding farewell to the challenges of 2020. Inspired by the collective desire for happiness and togetherness amidst the COVID lockdowns, the painting captures the essence of celebration and optimism. Each brushstroke channels resilience and hope, reflecting the spirit of jubilation and the longing for better…
In my artwork 'Chatterings,' I endeavored to capture the vibrancy of cafe culture in a new and engaging way. Inspired by countless hours spent in the heart of quaint cafes, the shifting pink hue, which reveals itself as you view the piece from different angles, embodies the pulsating energy and warmth of these communal spaces. Each stroke signifies the symphony…
"Childhood Nostalgia" is a heartfelt painting that takes me back to the colorful memories of my youth. Despite limited resources, my parents' resourcefulness and the joy of comic books and retro furniture created a world of adventure and creativity. Used comics like Beano and Archie sparked our imaginations, while our home's gaudy furniture became the backdrop for endless fun. We…
It was early 2021 and the Chinese Lunar New Year festivities are around the corner. This is the time where all the Chinese families will gather and celebrate in a big way. However, this year is special. Everyone was under lockdown and no one could travel. We anticipated that we will not be able to visit even our parents and…
This painting was one of my earliest works and at that time, I had just started to explore contemporary arts by the masters like De Kooning. I remember I was particularly crazy about his colorful style and bold colors. This work depicts the alleyways and little backstreets of the town that I stay in Georgetown, Penang. I remember I would…
"Corals and Conch in Ko Lipe" immortalizes a personal memory of a family holiday in Ko Lipe, Thailand. The artwork captures the anticipation of a first snorkeling experience that took an unexpected turn. Amidst the fear and chaos of a strong current, a fleeting yet beautiful underwater scene unfolded. The flourishing marine life of mollusks, anemones, and conch contrasts with…
"Cuttlefish and Flower for my Wife" captures the essence of personal love and shared moments. Born from my subconscious, it interweaves my wife's favourite delicacy, the cuttlefish, with the enduring symbol of love - a flower. This surreal harmony mirrors the idiosyncratic beauty of our shared life. It's a tribute to our love story, transforming our personal moments into a…
I have always been fascinated by time machines. One day, when I was a little boy, I saw Leonardo da Vinci's sketch of a flying machine in an encyclopedia and I thought that it could travel through time. Since then, I would while away in daydreams, sailing through time in that rickety wooden craft. The vision of the magical apparatus…
"Daily Buzz" is a whirlwind journey captured on canvas, echoing the roller-coaster ride of building and running a technology startup. Each stroke is a nod to the adrenaline-filled days, brimming with unpredictable highs and lows, and ceaseless hustle that marks the life of an entrepreneur. It's the physical manifestation of over a decade of my experiences in the tech industry…
I have many forms of imaginary escapism and one of them is an adventure in the deepest accesses of the ocean. One night, I had a lucid dream where I was just floating like a slow, elegant jellyfish and I could see everything so crystal clear. The dream had the most astonishing blue that I have ever encountered in my…
The Backstory: I have always loved animals and they are a part of my life. Sometimes I dream of beautiful creatures that take shape in different forms. Some of them are a combination of different animals into one being, showing off individual traits but fused into one whole. In this piece, I was just intuitively taking a stab at figurative…
"El Toro" is an artwork inspired by two bulls grazing in a grassland near my home. Their serene demeanor resonated with me during a challenging time, prompting me to embrace life with measured steps. The artwork's vibrant colors and distinctive spots symbolize the exciting projects unfolding in my life. The red tones represent the adversities I faced, but the artwork…
"Family Squabbles" is a deeply personal artwork that explores human nature and familial dynamics. Set against a vibrant yellow backdrop symbolizing wealth, it confronts the pursuit of material riches. The painting delves into the conflicts and discord that arise within families over inheritances, contrasting the supposed token of love and legacy with the battle it creates. Emotions of disappointment, anger,…
In the midst of the NFT frenzy, I found myself captivated by the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFTs, but unfortunately, I missed the opportunity to mint one for myself. Determined to bring my own creative twist to this phenomenon, I embarked on a personal artistic endeavor and birthed the "Gangster Monkeys" collection. "Gangster Monkey with Third Eye" presents a…
In the midst of the NFT frenzy, I found myself captivated by the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFTs, but unfortunately, I missed the opportunity to mint one for myself. Determined to bring my own creative twist to this phenomenon, I embarked on a personal artistic endeavor and birthed the "Gangster Monkeys" collection. "Gangster Monkey with Knife in Mouth" depicting…
In the midst of the NFT frenzy, I found myself captivated by the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFTs, but unfortunately, I missed the opportunity to mint one for myself. Determined to bring my own creative twist to this phenomenon, I embarked on a personal artistic endeavor and birthed the "Gangster Monkeys" collection. "Gangster Monkey with Laser Eyes," portrays a…
In the midst of the NFT frenzy, I found myself captivated by the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFTs, but unfortunately, I missed the opportunity to mint one for myself. Determined to bring my own creative twist to this phenomenon, I embarked on a personal artistic endeavor and birthed the "Gangster Monkeys" collection. "Gangster Monkey with Pizza in Mouth," showcases…
"Hatchet Fish" is a painted love letter to my enduring fascination with aquatic life, a hobby I've embraced since my younger days. This abstract work channels the captivating essence of the hatchet fish, a creature that's captured my imagination. It's an immersion into my subconscious mind, revealing a profound appreciation for the enigmatic beauty of this little creature. In every…
"Hi-Bye Friends" is a poignant artwork that celebrates the rarity and value of true friendships. As we grow older, we learn that having a few genuine companions is more fulfilling than a multitude of superficial connections. In our journey, countless individuals pass through our lives, some leaving a lasting impression while others fade away like leaves in the wind. Occasionally,…
My painting, 'I Dream of Parrots', came from a time when I was looking for a pet parrot. Choosing was tough, with so many colors to pick from. I finally got a bright yellow one with red eyes and named it 'Bebe'. This painting shows my journey of excitement to find my little bird, Bebe. It reminds me of the…
In my painting 'In the State of Flow,' I've aimed to capture the spark that ignites when heart, mind, and passion align. It's like an explosion of creativity, a rush of ideas that feel brilliant and boundless. This is the state of flow - a moment where I am at my most potent, when I feel unstoppable. This piece is…
"Jazzy Blues" captures the essence of soothing jazz and blues music in visual form. As with music, the art changes as you view it from different angles, much like hearing a new instrument in a song each time you listen. The blue sheen that emerges, combined with flowing white strokes, represents the rhythm and melody of jazz and blues. This…
Years ago, as a computer salesman, I frequently rode my motorcycle across the bridge separating Penang island from the mainland. Along the way, I navigated through large lorries and trucks in the manufacturing zone. One day, I stopped by a roadside junkyard, where old vehicles were stacked, cut, and waiting for salvaged parts. Despite their banged-up state, I found the…
"Like a Fish Out of Water" portrays the changing dynamics in my family, particularly around the dinner table. My children are engrossed in their digital worlds, diminishing the once vibrant energy and conversation during meals. They are bound to screens, unlike my own childhood where direct engagement formed the basis of experiences. These observations raise concerns about their social skills…
I bought my car online without testing or viewing it, relying on its low price and warranty. Initially, it brought me joy and pride despite being a small car. However, after almost 10 years, it frequently breaks down and is a shadow of its former glory. The wear and tear have taken a toll on its components. My unconscious mind…
"My Crazy Lil' Bird" is an artwork inspired by the joyous arrival of a bright yellow parrot to our family. Despite the challenges of hand-feeding and her demanding nature, this tiny creature brings immense happiness. The painting captures the vibrant energy and mixed feelings of nurturing a beloved companion. It symbolizes the colorful and lively spirit of our parrot, reminding…
