His recent collection of paintings captures a sense of time and the notion of timelessness. The colours he uses evoke a setting of sunset or sunrise, Predominantly in prime colours of deep reds, ochre and blues. This simply daring fusion of primary colours engages the eye into a world of dramatic visual sensation.

Gestural sweeps of colours are set off against each other with imposing calligraphic black lines and swirls. Readily the colours distinguish geological structures of hills, mountains, valleys and rivers. As a result the paintings begin to tell of his journey taking on forms and shapes to express landscapes of the eastern and western worlds.

In Composition 97-1 one sees a classic combination of tantric art colours to express extraordinary spatial qualities found in nature. The juxtaposition of colours and gestural lines make for a three dimensional appearance. He applies the lines in a way that they expel, almost to the point of eruption culminating in a variety of interpretations. Full of Dionysian rhythms, Laitong captures the energy as well as the spiritual qualities found only in nature.

This careful use of form amidist space is indeed reminiscent of the Chinese landscape painting and calligraphy. This marriage of two contrasting styles of Western concepts and eastern ideals presents itself in a manifestation of what is surely intrinsic to the Malaysian Art movement since the 50s. The play on different

conceived styles and ideologies suggest adaptation and evolution which is reflected in his canvases. This is further enhanced by Laitong's passion for new artistic endeavors.

In 1962, even before his first solo exhibition, Cheong Laitong took his place in Malaysian Art History when he won the winning commission for the mural of the National Museum Kuala Lumpur. It was already clear that Laitong had a taste for the colossal early in his career. The mural spans 115 feet and encompasses images 01 Malaysian cultural life. It stands proudly today, marking a period 01 over 40 years in Malaysian modern art.

Born in Guangzhou, China, he moved to Malaya when he was a child. His first exhibition was with the celebrated Wednesday Art Group in the 50s Following a string of successful exhibitions and awards, such as two time winner of Salon Malaysia in two different decades, it is a clear that the former Rothmans International Regional Creative Director keeps a keen eye in the development of new artistic aesthetics around the world.

Adapting both Western and Eastern sensibilities Laitong remains true to his expression. His abstract creations possess a worldwide as well as possessing element of inner self. In many ways Laitong's contemporary expression tells of his persona understanding of the essence of the great planes of the world.