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Artist draws from her schizophrenia to create surreal works

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Battling schizophrenia, Cheong Kiet Cheng’s colourful artworks titled ‘Follow Nature’ offer a glimpse into her mind.

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Free Malaysia Today
Cheong Kiet Cheng’s struggles with schizophrenia are her source of artistic inspiration. (Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

KUALA LUMPUR:
Living with schizophrenia is tough. Voices and hallucinations are part of the daily experience. However, for some, this is simply another fascinating way in which to view the world.

Cheong Kiet Cheng, 43, is one such person who uses her mental condition as inspiration for her art. Throughout the month of June, the KL-born artist is holding her art exhibition called “Follow Nature” at Wei-Ling Gallery in Brickfields.

The exhibition, comprising six major works and a handful of smaller paintings, gives people a glimpse into her unique mind.

Free Malaysia Today
Cheong’s artworks are often surreal and colourful, reflecting how she sees the world. (Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

Rather atypical of art exhibitions, Cheong will also be creating new art pieces on-site, for visitors to catch a glimpse of the artist at work.

Cheong’s works are surrealistic pieces, with vibrant colours and intricate details that could take hours to spot. Many may wonder about the inspiration behind these artworks but for Cheong, they are really a window into her experience with schizophrenia.

Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, Cheong said that she has always had an appreciation for the arts.

“When I was a kid, I watched lots of Disney cartoons, so I grew up with princesses,” she said, adding that this could very well be why female figures frequently find a way into her artworks.

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Cheong’s artworks are currently on display at Wei-Ling Gallery in Brickfields. (Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

A creative student in school, she apparently never thought that her hobby would be worth making a career out of someday.

“I had no idea that I was going to be a full-time artist. I didn’t even know it was a possible occupation.”

And so it was that Cheong studied mass communications instead and worked for a local newspaper as a photojournalist. Yet she felt unfulfilled, and realised that she still loved art and wanted to have her life revolve around her creativity.

Despite this revelation, Cheong’s mother tried to talk her out of it, encouraging her instead to wait six months before making a decision. So she waited, only to find herself more determined than ever to make art a permanent part of her life.

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Cheong is holding live-painting sessions throughout June. (Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

Thus, rather belatedly, she enrolled in art school. “I was two years older than everyone else in the class,” Cheong recalled. Still, she worked hard and eventually emerged as a full-fledged artist.

While her younger self enjoyed depicting princesses frolicking among flowers, these days her paintings are deeply personal and convey how she views life.

To deal with her schizophrenia, Cheong regularly meditates and it is during these moments of quiet that ideas for potential artworks flood her mind.

“When I find my inspiration through meditation, I will feel the moment as it passes and afterwards, I draw it all on the canvas,” she said.

Shadows play a big part in her work, she said, as they form shapes for her to trace around.

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Cheong says art brings meaning to her life. (Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

Her current exhibition, “Follow Nature”, is not about nature itself but rather her thoughts on the nature of life with all its twists and turns.

“The challenges we confront in our lives can sometimes overflow like a river. And like in nature, we should follow the river and see where it takes us in the end.”

Her live painting sessions, likewise, are to allow visitors to feel what she feels when she paints. “They will feel the energy, the calm and the stillness; all while enjoying the moment.”

Though her artistic life started out somewhat bumpy, she has no regrets as it is art that brings meaning to her life and lets people see the world through her eyes. “And I can enjoy doing the things I love.”

‘Follow Nature’ will be running until June 29. For more information, visit Wei-Ling Gallery’s website, or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Wei-Ling Gallery
8, Jalan Scott
Brickfields
Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: 10am-6pm (Tuesdays to Saturdays)

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