NN Gallery presents a solo exhibition by Penang
artist , Koay Soo Kau, entitled Metamorphosis II highlighting some
works from his early career till the present day. This exhibition
shows the development of Koay Soo Kau' s artistic achievement. The
exhibition presents paintings in oil, mixed media as well as the
Malaysian traditional form of painting, batik.
Koay Soo Kau's compositions of local fruits and traditional motifs
found in architecture and local craft have a gentle softness. It
is perhaps reflective of the place where the art is produced. Away
from the mainstream of art trends and away from the hustle and
bustle of the city, Penang has always been an independent centre
for the arts. It has a rich history and still continues to play a
major role in preserving our cultural heritage. Therefore it is a
concern among artists in Penang, and especially so in regard to
Koay Soo Kau' s work, in capturing the beauty and essence of the
idyllic and romantic side of Malaysian life.
His paintings are of realistic images of local fruits, such as
tangerines, mangosteens, pink guavas and cashews. Set against
monochromatic solid planes, the fruits are juxtaposed against
patterns of flowing batik designs. He also uses local
paraphernalia such as Nyonya tiffin carriers to accentuate
elements of authenticity as well as providing local narrative.
Koay Soo Kau portrays his fruits with a graceful stillness that
begins to tell of their different texture, shape and colour.
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In his latest series, Koay
Soo Kau incorporates linear and colourful designs of ties
recalling his days in school. Intertwined images of ties and
fruits express many dramatic images, between the natural and the
artificial. This particular series sees a highly accomplished
imagery of movement and tension, of hard rigid forms and of
sinuous lines.
The use of coupling female nudes with fruits in his latest works
is highly suggestive. However the notion of sexuality and
sensuality is hinted at rather than being overtly expressed.
Indeed the symbolism of fruits depicted in his works comes into a
new dimension. Both feminine, each inherent with her own quality
taste and shape. This series evoke a constant feeling of fantasy.
Koay Soo Kau has long been part of the Penang art community.
Involved in many local and international exhibitions, he continues
to preserve simplistic elements of our daily life in his works. He
captures them with a tactility that is unique and definitive of
his style.
This exhibition will be officiated by Y.T.M Tunku Tan Sri Dato
Seri Ahmad Yahya at 6 pm on Wednesday 10th November
1999.
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