Artist
CHEAH SEK MENG 谢锡明
b. Perak, 1947
Artist Biography
Hailing from Ipoh, Cheah Sek Meng enrolled into Singapore's Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in 1969. In 1988, he established his art studio, dedicating more than three decades as an art instructor. Cheah specializes in various media, including oil painting, watercolour, pastel, sketching, and Chinese ink. His distinctive style is characterized by realism, with a profound exploration of the inner essence of individuals and the beauty of natural landscapes.
Cheah Sek Meng's works reflect a multicultural spirit, blending the diverse cultural tapestry of Malaysia. Influenced by both Eastern and Western artistic traditions, his creations provide insights into Malaysia's culture and the myriad facets of life, being recognized as a significant contribution to the country's artistic heritage.
His art has been showcased in solo and group exhibitions in prominent locations such as Shanghai, Nanjing, Beijing, and Guangdong, as well as the National Art Gallery in Malaysia. In 2018, the National Art Gallery hosted the “Humanism in Art” solo exhibition which features over 30 pieces of Cheah’s works across different periods. In 2021, he was honoured with the Cultural Contribution Award at the 9th Cultural Awards, underscoring his outstanding contribution to the Malaysian art scene.