LOT 04
SOON LAI WAI
(B. Penang, 1970)
The Journey – Life Cycle 31, 2010
Signed and dated “LaiWai 10” on lower right
Signed, titled and dated on verso
Mixed media on canvas
122 x 91 cm
Provenance
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
SOLD – RM 7,280
In the midst of grey and blandness that may surround the world, Soon Lai Wai’s lotus flowers prevail, standing magnificently and beautifully as they teem with life and colour. He is an artist faithful to his subject, as the lotus flower often bedecks his canvases whilst he explores new colours and palettes. Although his techniques and shades may differ, the outcome is always, without fail, a stunning rendition of the classic flower.
Set against shades of smoke and mist, the flowers stand out with their vibrant pinks and vivacious greens. It is tasteful and elegant, and a true expression of beauty. The piece is radiant, romantic and like the lotus flower itself, modest yet engaging.
Soon rotates his canvas to allow the liquid paint to flow slowly and to settle into shapes of ponds, flowers or leaves – which creates that subtle yet discernible flow and movement in the colours. He also believes that his canvas should have the perfect balance between space and form – yin and yang, as the Oriental philosophy states. The lotus flower, credited as being the subject that catapulted Soon into fame and recognition, still remains his muse.
Soon Lai Wai was born in Penang in 1970. After attending the Saito Academy of Design, he began working as an artist for an overseas advertising company for five years before making the decision to become a full time artist. Until this day, his artworks are being collected by collectors from the US, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and some of them are displayed in Hotel Ascott, Kuala Lumpur.