Lot 66 | 19 April 2026

 

 

LOT 66

SOON LAI WAI

B. Penang, 1970

Moonlight Sonata, 2014

Mixed media on canvas

76 x 76 cm

Private Collection, Sabah

Signed and dated “Lai Wai 2014” on lower left

RM 3,500 – 7,000

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.

Moonlight Sonata is one of the many captivating canvas work created by Soon Lai Wai. Rendered in a harmonious palette of purples, the painting transforms a simple floral composition into an evocative study of mood, light, and rhythm.