Cheng Haw Chien

059

b. Penang, 1948
Cheng Haw Chien
Scene Along Zambezi River
1992
signed in Chinese ‘浩千’ (middle right)
ink and colour on rice paper
68 x 135cm
Provenance
Private collection, Kuala Lumpur; acquired directly from the artist.
Estimate
RM 12,000 – 16,000
Price Realised
RM 34,100

EXHIBITED
The Art World of Cheng Haw Chien, National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, 2010, illustrated on catalogue, page 170.

Poet, artist and calligrapher Cheng Haw Chien illustrates in ink and subtle colour an idyllic scene of migrant birds at the sand banks emerged from the receding Zambezi River. In 1981, the artist embarked on a tour around the globe - Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific island nations, central and Southern America, the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, lndia, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, the Philippines and other countries. Cheng took photographs and with keen observation, he made a number of sketches from photo and memory, capturing the divergent cultures, landscapes, flora and fauna. This particular work certainly evokes the essence of mystery and excitement of the Zambezi River at dusk evoking mystery and excitement.

A master of the Lingnan school in Malaysia where he was under personal tutelage of Prof. Chao Shao-an, the renowned master of Lingnan School, China; other mentors include Reverend Chuk Mor and Taiwanese professor Liang Han Cao. Cheng pursued degree in Diplomacy and studied calligraphy in Taiwan.