THE local art fraternity, particularly in Penang, has lost one of its most esteemed figures with the passing of veteran artist Koay Soo Kau. He was 78.
Koay, the vice-chairman of the Penang State Art Gallery (PSAG), passed away today at Bukit Mertajam Hospital. It is learnt that he suffered a stroke last Wednesday.
PSAG Committee chairman Lee Khai described Koay as a “gem of a person,” not only for his artistic accomplishments but also for his dedication to nurturing young artists.
“I’ve known him for over 30 years. He was a comrade in the arts and one of my best friends. We met often to talk about art.
“After retiring from teaching art at Bukit Mertajam High School, where he served for over three decades, he established Gallery Seni Mutiara at Armenian Street. It was Penang’s most active art gallery for many years, providing numerous young artists opportunities to hold their debut exhibitions,” Lee Khai told Buletin Mutiara.
Born in 1946, Koay was a prominent figure in Malaysia’s visual art scene for over 60 years. Despite his 35-year career as an art teacher, he remained committed to painting and exhibiting both locally and internationally.
Through Gallery Seni Mutiara, he curated more than 200 exhibitions, at times running two shows simultaneously in a month.
With over 25 solo exhibitions to his name, his works are part of esteemed collections, including those of the National Art Gallery Malaysia, the Penang State Art Gallery, the Batik Painting Museum (Penang), The Art Gallery (Penang), Daiichi Modern Art Gallery Malaysia, Yunnan Museum (China), Bank Negara Malaysia, the late Tun Adam Malik Collection (Indonesia), and H.R.H. the Sultan of Kedah.
Over the decades, his artistic style evolved: from batik in the 1960s to ‘Realistic Surrealism’ from the 1990s. His paintings reflected cultural and social changes, often telling visual stories of his deep love for Malaysia.
Among his notable works are Wake Up My Dear, Pounding Padi, Three Folds, Panorama II, Panorama III, Memory of Kampung Buah Pala, and Brain Drain.
Beyond his artistry, Koay was known for his hands-on approach to life. Lee Khai recalled that he was adept at repairing cars, rearing birds, and even setting up a mini zoo at home.
“Whatever he set his heart on something, he would give 100 per cent. The motto of Bukit Mertajam High School – “Accomplish or Do Not Begin” was a philosophy he truly lived by,” Lee Khai added.
Koay leaves behind a wife, three children and five grandchildren. His wake services will be held at his residence at 8, Persiaran Indah, Taman Bukit Indah, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, at 8.30pm today (Jan 30) and tomorrow (Jan 31, Friday).
The funeral service will take place on Saturday, with the cortege leaving his home at noon for cremation at Berapit Crematorium.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix courtesy of Lee Khai and Facebook