ART is like the soul of a country and should be given due importance, says Penang Art Society chairman Chng Huck Theng.
He said for example, Penang, which is rich in culture and heritage, has a lot of potential for the development of art to drive the tourism economy.
Chng believes that more can be explored in the field of art for people to understand its importance as well as to promote it.
“From the 1940s to the 1950s, Penang could be said as the centre of art for our country. Well-known artists such as Xu Beihong and Zhang Daqian had also visited Penang.
“Now, Penang has rekindled the artistic atmosphere with the mural art,” said Chng during an interview with Buletin Mutiara recently.
Chng added that when art is promoted globally, it will stir the interest of nations around the world to visit Penang.
“Penang is full of talents and has a good reputation internationally. So, what we need to do is to tell the world that Penang is a place worth visiting through art.
“However, art is treated like a neglected child in our country. It will be the last in the list to get an allocation in the budget.
“And when there is a need to reduce the budget, art will be the first to go.
“Art is the special feature of a country, and it is a pity that not everyone sees it that way,” he added.
Chng, who is an entrepreneur as well as an artist, hopes that the government will consider providing some subsidies or tax incentives for individuals or organisations that support local art.
“Perhaps, we can cultivate the interest in art among school children to equip them with the knowledge and at the same time stimulate their creativity,” he added.
The Penang Art Society, Chng said, is the largest and oldest art society in Malaysia with more than 700 members from all over the country, including foreigners.
“After becoming the chairman, I have opened the membership to other races, including foreign artists. Initially, it was only for Chinese artists.
“Penang Art Society encompasses all types of arts, such as photography, poetry, singing and many others. We will be celebrating our 70th anniversary next year.
“It is the oldest registered art society in the country with artists in various fields, art such as painting, calligraphy, photography, bonsai, poetry and so on,” he said.
A sculptor himself, Chng is also fascinated by Chinese antiques which he started collecting when he was 14 years old.
“When I was pursuing my higher studies abroad, I picked up ceramic arts and painting. That is where I fell in love with art.
“My interest in sculpturing came in the later part of life. It happened when I was at home and then came across play dough which belonged to my nephew and niece.
“So, as I was trying to make something out it, it suddenly turned out to be the shape of a face.
“This (shape of a face) got implanted in my mind since I was already collecting Chinese figurines from age 14.
“But those figures that I collected looked beautiful. So, for a change I decided to make ugly-looking figurines.
“My first sculpture exhibition was called ‘Imperfection Creation’. I wanted to challenge the people to appreciate what is called ‘ugly’ in order to understand the true meaning of beauty,” he said.
According to Chng, art can be a bridge between artists and the public.
He said art can help to record history, connect and communicate with people as well as inspire and change the way of thinking.
Last year, his art pieces were selected for the London Art Biennale 2021, and were also collected by art museums in China, Singapore and France.
Chng adapted himself quickly to changing situations by holding his art exhibition, called ‘Nyonya Ren’, through online platform last year. It garnered good response.
“Online platforms help us to break barriers such as the distance and allow our works to get into international platforms.
“However, we will have many competitions going online which will require us to work hard.
“I am now getting ready for another exhibition which will incorporate various art elements, such as painting, ceramic, metal, and wood. This will be one of its kind. This will also be a hybrid exhibition,” he said.
Asked if he has any advice for aspiring and existing artists, Chng said they need to stabilise their financial situation first before going into art full swing.
“You need to get a job first, which can also be in the field of art. It is to sustain your livelihood while keeping alive the passion for art,” Chng said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting & courtesy of interviewee