A New Retrospective Pays Tribute to Artist Chew Teng Beng
‘Sawah Emas’ and ‘Tranquil Summer’ (below) are featured at ‘A Retrospective: Chew Teng Beng — Life, Art and Writings’ exhibition.
Artist Chew Teng Beng’s (Painting, 1967-68) retrospective exhibition honoring his lifelong artistic career opened last month in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Chew studied at Cranbrook Academy of Art on a Fulbright scholarship primarily in the Painting department and also explored sculpture. He also studied at the University of Michigan and received his Ph.D. from New York University. His paintings draw inspiration from nature and often feature a vibrant expression of color, exploring the beauty of nature in addition to spiritual and philosophical concepts.
A Retrospective: Chew Teng Beng — Life, Art and Writings is divided into three sections dedicated to his early works and drawings; his handmade papers and dissertation; and finally his abstract paintings.
Chew’s professional career spans the fields of art, culture, administration, and education. After studying at the Academy, he returned to Malaysia to establish the fine arts program at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Penang, the first art program at a Malaysian national university.
He is also recognized for his research and influence on papermaking in Malaysia. Chew pioneered the use of fibers from the residue of selected indigenous bananas and pineapple plants for making paper by hand as a medium for artistic expression. The focus of this work was on protecting the environment, waste utilization, and providing another source of income for farmers and fishermen to establish home-based craft.
A Retrospective: Chew Teng Beng — Life, Art and Writings is organized by Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM in Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. The exhibition will be on view through February 4, 2024.
Learn More:
Tribute to lifelong creative journey – The Star Malaysia
A Retrospective: Chew Teng Beng — Life, Art and Writings – Soka Gakkai Malaysia
