Finding his rainbow
Penang-born visual artist Ken Ooi Chee Kheng, 45, isn’t someone to give up so easily in finding his way in the art scene.
It has been a long route but he has managed to keep going. early on, he knew he couldn’t study art abroad when he finished high school. His family didn’t have the financial means.
Yet he made it a point to sort out a work and study plan. He slogged for a year to earn money for his college fees – working in an electronics firm by day and in a supermarket at night.
after one year, he recalls, he saved up enough and enrolled into an art college in Penang.
To gain further experience, he then worked as an illustrator for children’s books for eight years.
“The job was not what I wanted but I needed it to survive. I also wanted to improve my art,” says Ooi, who is based in Seberang Jaya in Penang.
as an illustrator, Ooi continued to explore drawing methods and painting styles.
“Sometimes, I worked overtime until 10pm or 11pm, by which time, I would be totally exhausted,” he adds.
But he would take a rest, work on his art and feel energised again. all that perseverance has paid off.
Today, he gives art classes in his studio Kenart Centre in Seberang Jaya, which he founded in 1997.
Much to his credit, Ooi has been prolific in the studio. His second solo exhibition The Colours Of Imagery II, which features 36 oil on canvas works, is showing at L’atelier Rouge in Petaling Jaya till aug 12.
“My latest works are divided between landscapes and floral-themed semi-abstracts.”
Ooi, a member of the Penang Watercolour Society and Penang art Society, admits he has taken his time with solo shows. He only has two solo art exhibitions in a 30-year career.
“I’m not concerned about the quantity (of exhibitions), but rather, the quality,” he says.
In fact, Ooi has featured in many group exhibitions. He has participated in more than 40 group exhibitions (1992-2016) and through the years, many people have asked Ooi why his paintings are such joyous and exuberant affairs – as seen in a riot of bright colours used.
at this show, he is in fine form. He is certainly fascinated with the play of colours and how they clash with one another – the reds against the blues and the greens against the yellows.
“I suppose, my innermost feelings and my passion for art can be felt and seen in my artworks. Sometimes, after a storm, there is a lull and a rainbow appears. There is hope after all,” he maintains.
Ken Ooi’s The Colours Of Imagery II is on at L’atelier Rouge, The School, Jaya One in Petaling Jaya, Selangor till Aug 12. Open: 11am to 8pm daily, FB: L’atelier Rouge.