PENANG-born international art creator, Joan Cheong is all geared up to host her first-ever exhibition in Penang as well as Malaysia – ‘Amaze: Fashion in Arts exhibition’ next month.
The exhibition is set to take place from Oct 7 to 17 at the Hin Bus Depot from 12 noon to 5pm.
Cheong, who is in the international fashion industry for 40 years, said the exhibition would serve as an educational platform for aspiring designers as well as art lovers.
“I want to impart my knowledge and skills to the younger ones who are keen in this industry (art and fashion industry).
“To become a designer, they must be good at sketching so I will be showing them how to do it during the exhibition.
“This exhibition will be different as it is an educational one,” Cheong said during a press conference yesterday.
Cheong added that she would be displaying ‘vogue art’ at the ‘Amaze: Fashion in Arts exhibition’.
“Vogue art is famous in countries like the US, UK, and Japan but not in Malaysia. So, I want to show people what it is about.
“People use cameras to record what they see when they travel but I use my painting and the colours to express them,” Cheong added.
Cheong said she had conducted art exhibitions in various parts of the world, namely Guatemala (central America), Taiwan and China.
She had previously run a fashion college, Hagihara Academy of Fashion & Merchandising Malaysia in Penang.
Meanwhile, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim said it is important to educate the public on arts and the economy.
“Joan is our very own (Penang) talent who deserves due recognition. She is incredibly talented in drawing, sketching, painting and fashion design.
“One of her students, the popular bridal fashion designer Keith Kee, will be also sharing some insights into his successful journey as a fashion designer.
“Jess Mok, the founder of Women Glamour Award, will be also giving a talk at the exhibition,” Lim added.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian