4th Solo Art Exhibition (1st Aug - 12th Sept 2009) :
The Peranakan Palate: Feasting on Beauty
I have always been fascinated by the Peranakans – the blending of the Malay and Chinese culture, unique to this part of the world. I find the world of the Peranakan Malaysian intricate and elaborate, yet strangely comforting and homelike.
It was a time when the rich Nyonyas summoned their accustomed trishaws to visit each other, or when the merchants came a-calling, laying out their sumptuous wares, for the strict and demanding appraisal of these ladies of leisure; a satisfying gossip over kueh; daughters engaged in fine embroidery; the bright colours of a kebaya. Malaysians would recognise these pictures with a sense of longing and nostalgia.
I chose the word, palate, to describe this series, because many paintings deal with the act of eating those delicious Nyonya pastries and savouries, arrayed in beautiful plates, set out for guests. It was a time when there was always something in the larder for visitors.
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