With much anticipation, Malaysian artist Tang Hong Lee returns this August with a new exhibition entitled 'Fly Me To The Stars' at Momentous Arts. This will be Tang 3rd solo exhibition in Singapore. This exhibition showcases his latest works filled with youthful vigour, his ecstatic expression of nature with a touch of the magical and fantasy. Art editor Nurul Muzamel Rasidi in his review of Tang's recent solo exhibition in Kuala Lumpur called the works 'Pop Surrealism'.
Indeed, the dramatic effects of his light-filled paintings resplendent with clouds, fishes and sea turtles achieved a rather surreal effect but not without quirky humour - trees and houses pop up and nestled serenely on clouds. Tang is stretching our imagination and perhaps questioning the possiblity of living amidst the clouds or in the ocean one day ? His enthusiasm for colours has not diminished abeit a more monochromatic preference this time. Large expanse of chromatic blue, green and red skies juxtaposed with dancing clouds speaks of ethereal beauty that makes the viewing experience an exhilarating one.
Tang has successfully explored the notion of happiness throughtout his village series, this one is more exuberant.
Born in 1963. Tang grew up in a small town in Kuala Rompin, Pahang where the beauty of natural surroundings are part of the landscape. The quiet and picturesque environment prominently positioned in his childhood. His early works include majestic waterfalls and abstractions of flowers and plants in the wild. Nature and it's landscape has been a great source of inspiration for his works. Tang is known for his colourful and exuberant narratives of quiet villages set amidst rolling hills and islands with wide open sky; letting the viewer to take in a panoramic view of nature.
Tang's love for nature has led him to make frequent trips to nature reserve and the many islands in Malaysia. "Concrete buildings and well paved roads do not inspire me to see beauty", said the artist, age 48. "Rather it is innate foundation we as humans are enclosed within - nature that inspires me." The colours of rich flora and fauna, even the blue sky gives him optimism and continued inspiration. "I want to communicate my feelings in my paintings and the rhythm, the emotions and the spirituality in life around me.". His colourful landscapes are a bold statement of happiness and many could not help but stop to take a look at his works wherever they are display. "Colour helps me to celebrate my love affair with the life around me, and to interprete the wonders of nature onto my canvas and back to the viewer."
To him "It is the journey itself which is the most important aspect of painting."
About the artist
Tang obtained his Diploma in Fine Arts at the Kuala Lumpur College of Art (KLCA) in 1986. He then went on to study at the Institute of Arts, Canberra Australia and graduated with a BA in visual arts (print making ) in 1990. Tang then spent 6 years teaching art at KLCA before leaving his position as senior lecturer to pursue painting full time.
Awards include : The Anugerah Insentif PameranTerbaku Galeri Shah Alam (2000) Philip Morris Honorable Mention award (1999), Emerging Artist Support Scheme (1989)
Tang has exhibited in Australia, Singapore, Thailand and The National Art Gallery in Malaysia. His works are also in the corporate collection of Bank Negara, The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Silterra Malaysia, Hong Leong Bank, Maybank, Star Cruise and Kallang Development (Singapore) and many private collectors.
