'Tea Time' by Hia Chin Ngan (Photo: Malaysian Watercolour Society)
Canvases that are diminutive in size can spark big inspiration and feelings of wonderment. That is the idea behind Small Wonder, this year’s annual exhibition by the Malaysian Watercolour Society (MWS).
The show was planned with art experimentation in mind, says chairman Calvin Chua. “We have chosen to paint and showcase smaller works with the goal of challenging our members to present creativity within a small space.”
A total of 87 paintings by 48 MWS members will be on display at Awegallery in Petaling Jaya from Dec 19 to Jan 2, 2024. On Dec 21, fans of watercolour art are welcome to attend three talks to be held at the same venue between 2pm and 4pm.
Chua will start the session with “Watercolour Today”, followed by senior artist Maamor Jantan, who will discuss the “Identities and Characteristics of Watercolour”. Tan Suz Chiang will wrap up the afternoon by looking at “Inspiration for Life”.
MWS was formed in 1980 to promote interest and activities in watercolour painting as well as improve the standard of such works in the country. Among its founding members were Cheah Yew Saik, Dr Wong Seng Tong, Khalil Ibrahim, Tew Nai Tong and Tham Siew Inn.
Chua, who has been chairman since 2015, says the MWS has 110 members today. For more than four decades, it has welcomed new blood, nurtured young artists and organised various programmes annually, including exhibitions, plein air sessions, international art exchanges and workshops, and taken part in art events abroad.
Awegallery is at 21 Jalan 20/3, Taman Paramount, PJ. For more information about Small Wonder, see here.
This article first appeared on Dec 18, 2023 in The Edge Malaysia.
