SOON LAI WAI
B. Penang, 1970
Born in Penang, Soon Lai Wai initially moved to Kuala Lumpur in the early ‘90s to pursue a career in advertising, as a graphic designer. Although he had a background in art education from Saito Academy, where he learned the basic foundation and skills to painting, he started out as a graphic designer. Many years later, he felt the need to leave the stressful industry, and also felt that his creativity was limited in the field. Having studied Chinese painting, he began combining his knowledge of Oriental strokes and painting style with oils and acrylics. A lover of nature, many of his paintings are inspired by the vibrant colours he sees in the lush Malaysian landscape, with its tropical flora and fauna.