About the artist
C.N. Liew
The works of C.N. Liew showcase both vibrant paintings and powerful calligraphy that creates a visual dynamic that is both immersive and engaging. His bold approach is reinforced by poetry and philosophical sayings that are embedded in his paintings, a result of consistent experimentation with brush and colour, and his absorption of the classical Chinese philosophy of Zhuang Tse and Lao Tze.
Under the mentorship of the late Bo Yuan (1914-2009), the eminent Zen master, painter, poet and calligrapher, Liew embraced the concept of emptiness in art, to encourage viewers to contemplate the reality that lies between physical space and the mind. This has led to his works that combine calligraphy and brilliantly coloured abstract forms, which he considers to be an extension of calligraphy.
By painting primarily on aluminum, his abstract, three-dimensional calligraphic strokes emit considerable energy and depth. As the material itself reflects light and colour well, his works convey a deeper texture whose layers are meant to echo the meanings and passions that life’s experiences bring to us.
Dividing his time between Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai, C.N. Liew became the first Malaysian artist to exhibit at the Art Basel, Hong Kong as well as in Fine Art Asia in 2013. He was also the youngest artist ever to grace the Asian Art News cover page in 2011.
Artist CV
Selected Solo Exhibitions
2019
‘C. N. Liew Solo Exhibition’, Galerie du Monde, Hong Kong
2015
‘At Ease by C.N. Liew’, Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2011
‘C. N. Liew: Calligraphic Evolution’, Plum Blossoms Gallery, Hong Kong
2008
‘Protoforms by C. N. Liew (Sponsored by Alliance Bank)’, Lotus Arts Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2007
‘Surrealligraphy and Literary Works by C. N. Liew’, Art House Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2006
‘Art Fashion Showcase (Collaboration with Designer Carven Ong)’, Bankers Club, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2005
‘Arts for All - Art Fashion Showc ase for Charity (Collaboration with Designer Carven Ong)’,
Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
‘Aesthetic Imagery - Works by C.N. Liew’, Art House Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2004
‘Emptiness, Birth of Forms’, Pangkor Laut Beach Resort, Dreaming Island, Malaysia
2003
‘Emptiness, Birth of Forms’, Plum Blossoms Gallery, Raffles Hotel, Singapore
2001
‘Splendid Mind, Spacious Forms’, Shiang's Art and Sculpture Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Selected Group Exhibitions
2019
‘Shanghai Xi'an Young Artists Chinese Ink Painting Exhibition’, Chongming Art Museum, Shanghai, China
Ink Asia, Presented by Galerie du Monde, Hong Kong
‘Contemporary Ink Art’, Shanghai Institute of Visual Art, Shanghai, China
‘Forms of Ink’, Galerie du Monde, Hong Kong
‘Samples of Ink – The Study of Ink in a Dynamic Context’, MEIBO Art Center, Shanghai, China
2015
‘Inkchronicity’, Galerie du Monde, Hong Kong
2012
Fine Art Asia, Hong Kong
Ink Asia, Hong Kong
2011
Hong Kong International Art Fair (currently known as Art Basel Hong Kong)
2008
‘Seoul Calligraphy Biennale’, a Special Group Show of Biennale Award Winners, Seoul, South Korea
2006
“World Calligraphy Festival”, Seoul, South Korea
2005
‘Malaysia Art Creation Exhibition’, Buddha Light Art Museum, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
‘2nd National Calligraphy Exhibition’, Malaysia Calligraphy Society, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2004
‘Malaysia Art Creation Exhibition’, Buddha Light Art Museum, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2001
‘1st National Calligraphy Exhibition’, Malaysia Calligraphy Society, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
‘18th National Chinese Cultural Festival’, Sarawak, Malaysia
2000
‘China National Cultural Festival’, Shenyang, China
‘17th National Chinese Cultural Festival’, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Selected Public and Private Collections
Dr. Ikeda Daisaku – Recipient of United Nations Peace Award and Poet Laureate
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
Malaysia Media Prime Group
Prime Minister Administration’s Office of Malaysia
Mr. & Mrs Ko Kheng Hwa – Managing Director of the Economic Development Board of Singapore
Mr. Liu Chang Le – CEO of Phoenix TV, Hong Kong
National Palace of Malaysia
National Visual Arts Gallery, Malaysia
Nei Xue Tang Museum, Singapore
Shanghai Institute of Visual Art, China
T.Y.T. Tun Datuk Seri Utama Mohd Khalil bin Yaakob – Yang Dipertua Negeri Melaka
Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, Japan
Ungku Aziz – Royal Professor
