Colours of My Life: Cheng Haw Chien's Retrospective on 50 Years of Artistic Creations

The Painter and Traveller – Cheng Haw Chien

Prof Cheng Haw Chien is a renowned Chinese ink painting artist in Malaysia. He graduated with a master’s degree (Master of Fine Arts) from Summit University, of Louisiana, USA and Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (Literary Arts) from St. George University International, England, UK majoring in fine arts. He held his first solo art exhibition at Hui Ann Association, Penang. He then toured the world holding more than 150 exhibitions and sharing his experiences in creating artworks and composing poetry in his travels.

Poetry, calligraphy and painting are the “three perfections” that show the uniqueness of Chinese literati painting. Nevertheless, there are only a handful of artists who have mastered the “three perfections.” Prof Cheng learnt Chinese ink painting and developed the foundation of Chinese calligraphy under the tutelage of Venerable Chuk Mor when he was young. He continued his academic studies in Taiwan and Hong Kong where he refined his artistic skills under the guidance of Chao Shao-an from the Lingnan School. While studying Law in Taiwan, he also attended Chinese Studies classes where he met many eminent masters such as Liu Taixi, Zhang Shou-Ping, Liang Hancao. Having sought to refine his artistic skills under the guidance of these masters, he gained knowledge and skills that have greatly benefited him.

Hence, Prof Cheng excels in both Chinese ink painting and poetry. He is a role model who has mastered the “three perfections.”

As mentioned in the writing entitled, Huazhi (The Meaning of Painting), “Reading of thousands of books and travelling of thousands of miles” is one of Prof Cheng’s favourite Chinese proverbs. He has travelled to China, Europe, South America, North America, Australia and Africa. Places and figures such as mountains, rivers, waterfalls, penguins, ostriches, kangaroos, deserted villages and lingering snow are elements in his artworks. At the same time, growing up in his tropical homeland, Malaysia, Prof Cheng’s artworks comprise the local themes such as the durian, rambutan and mangosteen. Inspired by the Lingnan School which emphasises the importance of creativity in Chinese ink painting, Prof Cheng’s artworks embody a symphony between Chinese ink painting techniques and excellent artistic traditions from around the world in painting landscapes, birds and flowers. He has established his own unique artistic style.

Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) is honoured to host his exhibition titled, “Colours of My Life: Cheng Haw Chien’s Retrospective on 50 years of Artistic Creations,” featuring artworks created during different periods. These artworks will take the Malaysian world of art on a trip back in time to his past journey. It is also a dazzling light shining on the art scene in Malaysia.