OLD HOUSE 山坡上的老木屋 (1993) | THAM PENG CHOON 谭炳泉
THAM PENG CHOON 谭炳泉
b. Perak, 1945 - d. 2016
OLD HOUSE, 1993
山坡上的老木屋
Signed and dated ‘谭 一九九三年三月 P.C. Tham’ (lower right) with one artist seal
Watercolour on paper, framed with glass
74 cm x 53 cm
钤印:炳泉
About the Artist
Tham Peng Choon, a distinguished artist who graduated from Singapore's Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in 1971, has dedicated his entire life to the pursuit of art. His journey led him to become a prominent figure in Malaysia's Kinta River School of Aestheticism. Nestled in the heart of Perak, Kinta River has been a fertile ground for beautiful landscapes. In the early 50s & 60s, during the heyday of the mining industry, Ipoh’s art scene thrived as foreign artists flooded the city. As economic fortunes later waned following the downturn of the mining industry, Ipoh's captivating sceneries, caves, and mountains continued to inspire a group of exceptional local artists. Their shared techniques and artistic styles gave birth to the "Kinta River's Style of Drawing" in Malaysia.
A former art lecturer with an artistic journey spanning over four decades, Tham was known for his watercolours depicting the ethereal, impressionistic beauty of the Ipoh. One can sense the warmth of golden sunshine, the serenity of the early morning where white herons glided, and the colours of his soul as he gazed at the majestic view of his homeland. His artistic evolution mirrors his life's journey—a story of personal growth amidst adversity, spiritual transcendence, and an unwavering quest for artistic perfection. Tham held several solo exhibitions across Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur and Penang. He held his 5th and 6th solo exhibitions at his gallery in Ipoh - Artland (2011 & 2012), while his watercolour solo show “Regretless Life” took place at Younie Gallery, Kuala Lumpur (2010). In 2016, Tham was one of the featured artists in "A Raya Celebration of Generations in Art" exhibition held at Curate Henry Butcher, a gallery space inaugurated by Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers, a testament to his dedication to art which has enriched the cultural tapestry of Malaysia and beyond.