Local artist Voon Kim Cheong’s new open studio art show “Symphonic Horizons – Journey Through Music and Culture” also pays homage to the beautiful interplay of art and music.
Many of his artworks feature dynamic depictions of musical instruments and performers, brought to life through bold brushstrokes and vibrant colours.
It’s perhaps no surprise that music forms such a major part of his works: apart from being an artist, Voon is a talented guitar player who enjoys composing instrumentals and posting them on YouTube.
“Music has always been a part of my life. My artistic creations have always been influenced by musical elements. I think they harmonise very well together,” Voon told FMT Lifestyle.
A graduate of Saito Academy, Voon is a prominent artist whose works have been featured in numerous local group exhibitions, most recently the CIMB ARTOBER 2024 Hotel Art Fair.
His work has also been shown in exhibitions in Singapore and the US.
The KL-born artist previously held three solo exhibitions, including 2023’s “Rhythms of Culture: A Celebration of Music and Diversity” at Purplehouz Fine Art Gallery in Petaling Jaya here.
His current art show features 35 new artworks, most of them done on acrylic on jute. About 28 works were completed this year, with the rest coming from 2022-2023.
The exhibition features two mesmerising series, “Culture Exuberance” and “Music Is Life,” which explore themes of cultural diversity and the melodious spirit of music.
Voon invites visitors to check out his artwork while taking in the ambiance of his studio as they catch a glimpse into his creative processes.
His semi-abstract artworks are brimming with vim and vigour, with Voon employing a wide range of shades and hues to evoke a variety of emotions in the viewer.
Many of his paintings aim to remind one of the joys of life: this can be seen through titles such as “Notes of Positivity,” “Strings of Unity,” “Every day is a Beautiful Day” and “Resonating Hope.”
His figures (whose faces are never depicted) are all living life to the fullest, engaging in acts of creative expression. Some jam on guitars or drums, others play the sape, a musical instrument Voon professes to be fascinated by, or perform the Kuda Kepang dance.
Pronounced linework adds a strong feeling of movement and action to each painting, making it really come alive.
Fruits are also a major motif of his art: works such as “Melodies and Fruit Scents,” “Sonata of Sweetness” and “Cadence of Contentment” feature popular produce such as bananas, jambu and pineapples. These were a symbol of the bounty and among the joys of life, Voon explained.
He added that his choices of fruit were also deliberate: bananas and jambu were featured due to their shape’s similarity to music notes, while pineapples were called “ong lai” in Chinese, which sounded like “good fortune arriving.”
“Symphonic Horizons” also features a display of Voon’s preliminary sketches, allowing viewers to explore the evolution of his art.
Also look out for a curated display of the artist’s guitars, including the first one he ever played. These, he said, served as a symbol of the harmonious fusion between sound and sight.
Voon hoped that visitors to his exhibition would be able to draw on the positive vibes contained within them, and be intrigued by his narrative of colours and melodies. To him, the world was full of beauty to be appreciated.
“I hope that viewers will enjoy my works. I also hope that by examining them, and visiting my studio, they might come to get to know me better,” he concluded with a smile.
Symphonic Horizons – Journey Through Music and Culture
KC Voon Studio @ Artsense Creative
19-1, Jalan PJU 1A/5A
Ara Damansara
47301 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Opening hours: 11.30am-6pm daily, from now till Sept 28
For more information, contact KC Voon at +6016 206 2990 or email him at [email protected].