Talk cum workshop at UTM (University Technology of Malaysia)

A talk cum workshop held at UTM (University Technology of Malaysia) for the architecture school.

 

 

[caption id="attachment_1372" align="alignnone" width="700" caption="They were doing the "The eye is the Story" exercise."][/caption]

 

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="700" caption="Mass practice of the "Eye is the Story" exercise."][/caption]

 

 

[caption id="attachment_1374" align="alignnone" width="700" caption="The " See, hear and feel the lag" Exercise."][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1377" align="alignnone" width="700" caption="We all did a jump to commemorate the workshop. We had fun."][/caption]

 

 

Sketching Penang

A series of sketches inspired by Penang and its people. I sketched fervently each day as I discovered the unique places and history in this small little town. I had done more that hundreds of quick sketches and would be sharing it in a little book which I am working on now. I would need all the support that I could get from all the readers and patrons of my work. Thank you.

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Street Photography - Wide angle

I love to photograph the street with a wide angle lens because of the sharp perspective. It gives immense dynamism and energy to the image, be it people or buildings. It is superb at absorbing the whole scene at very close distance. It intrudes into the space of the subject and forces one to momentarily interact with the subject. My first wide angle, which I traded with the 600mm Sigma, was miracle; every shot is popping out from the picture plane. The closer I get the faster my heart beats. The image gripped me and pounced on me. I would go low on the ground, place it near to foreground object and watch them diminished into the horizon. It is especially intriguing when there are lines or columns with regular intervals in the composition.




I love the setting sun creating a long shadow on the passersby. The back lighting give a subtle differentiation between the subject and the back ground. The clashing of the two central human figure, metaphorically points to the collision of separate cultures, between the dominant and the subservient, a sort of struggle towards the surface in order to gain respect and equality.



I love to shoot manual and give my photographs a little over-exposure. Focusing is usually manual and pre-focus before I raise the camera to my eye and snap. In this case, he was really fast and warned me against photographing their business transaction. My six sense told me to get out of the way fast and I did. I heard some voices saying, ' You cannot take picture'. By the end of his utterance I was already a few meters a way before he could take further action. One thing I always remind myself is that no one could take away my camera and that would be robbery. There is no rule saying taking photograph is illegal in public area and no one have the right to remove my belonging from me against my will. However, get away fast is the best solution rather than getting entangled with the situation, anyway I already got the photograph.

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He was having such long conversation, ignoring the passersby, staring and insisting a point to the younger man. The younger man was perhaps apologetic with his right hands on his chest. I was glad to have captured his piercing eyes.



I had so much respect for her watching the way she cared for her baby brother. She was proud of him and fondly huddled the boy when he cried. He still look distressed after much huddling. I signaled to her for a photograph and she gladly accepted and posed for me, while an elderly lady excused herself from the photograph. From her I learned that child can help too if we allowed them to contribute.



He was deep in thought. It is a great chance for me to photograph him. I focused, waited for chances. In the background I saw two mans walking on the road towards me. I watched and clicked at the moment when his attention was directed towards the opposite side of the road with his waging finger while the man on the right was still motionless in deep thought.



He was so excited about getting his picture shot with the Little India glitters. He was alone and the only way to do that was requesting the help of other passersby. One kind soul help him and I thought I could help him to take one photograph, with that he would oblige if I take another with my camera. Sure he obliged. That is a way to get willing poser. I spent a little time waiting for an interesting supporting actor to walk into the scene. Voila, I was in luck and this gentleman appeared in my view finder to complete the photograph.

Architecture - documenting the use of landscaping in architecture

Project 49 – Sands

Embarking on a 49-day odyssey, Meng Foo delved deep into the realms of creativity, bound only by the theme of portraying the SANDS. Each day, a new canvas, a new style, a new expression, all converging into a profound exploration of artistic limits and potential. This journey wasn't just an artistic endeavor; it was a trial of skill and spirit.

For Meng Foo, the SANDS symbolizes the dawn of a transformative era for Singapore and its people. It marks the transition from the bustling port and industrial vigor of the Singapore River, once lined with diligent bumboats, to the vibrant beat of a creative economy, epitomized by the iconic silhouette of the SANDS against the backdrop of resplendent fireworks. This architectural marvel doesn't just stand as a landmark; it embodies a colossal shift in identity and vision, a metamorphosis of a nation. It is this very essence, this monumental leap, that Meng Foo sought to encapsulate, making the SANDS not just a subject of his art, but a cherished relic of memory and a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.

For more details: email Choo Meng Foo

URBAN LIFE
Acrylic on Canvas
27 x 36 inches
6000 SGD (SOLD)

SOFT LIKE PILLOW
Painted with extra soft brush and Hobien Acrylic.
Acrylic on Canvas
3500 SGD — at Marina Bay Sands.

THREE
Acrylic on Canvas
3800 SGD — at Marina Bay Sands. 

IMAGERY TREATMENT
Acrylic on Canvas
27 x 36 inches
Private Collection

THE SUN BRIGHTENS
Acrylic on Canvas
27 x 36 inches
4500 SGD — at Marina Bay Sands.

Trilogy
Acrylic on Canvas
20 x 30 inches
6500 SGD

 — at Marina Bay Sands.

In the venerable art of painting, one embarks upon a triptych journey—a trilogy of stages, if you will—where patience is not merely a virtue, but the very essence of the craft. The journey elegantly meanders from the nascent spark of conception through the deliberate strokes of execution, and finally, to the solemn vigil of awaiting its transition into permanence. Here, in this quiet cafe, I find myself a sentinel in the hushed hours, two and a half hours thus far, vigilantly overseeing the slow metamorphosis of paint as it seeks its final form.

The medium, in its quest for fluidity, was generously diluted with water, and now it dallies, leisurely embracing the canvas in its own sweet time. A mere disturbance, a trifling motion, and the painting would surrender to chaos, allowing the paint to cascade and redefine itself under the whims of gravity and the inadvertent folly of movement, thus birthing an image unintended, pleading for patience.

Have you ever witnessed paint weep? It is a sorrowful sight indeed. A painting in tears is a visage most pitiable, a spectacle I earnestly wish to avert. Thus, I remain, steadfastly watching over the canvas, engaged in silent discourse with my innermost thoughts, my kindred spirit, and the occasional curious onlooker. In these moments of watchful repose, the mind wanders, contemplating the intricacies of work, the complexities of the world, and the fleeting lives of those who pass by, all the while reflecting upon the profound significance of waiting.

Were the paint robust and thick, akin to the impasto techniques I oft employ, I might have ventured forth to the office, leaving the canvas to contend with time in solitude, propped upright upon my desk. But this creation, with its aqueous constitution, demands an extraordinary measure of patience, even after the brush has been laid to rest. The post-process, akin to the twilight of one's existence, holds its own crucial significance. For is it not in the latter chapters of life, enriched by a tapestry of experiences and wisdom, that we find a deeper, more vibrant palette of joy and artistry? With time, we learn the art of patience, not just with the world around us, but with our own fraying edges, our yearnings, our necessities, and the poignant acknowledgment of our limitations.

For more details : email choomengfoo

DIMINUTIVE GRANDEUR.
Acrylic on Canvas
20 x 30 inches
private collection — at Marina Bay Sands.

VIBRANCY
Inspired by the floating white balls on the Singapore River
Acrylic on Canvas
27 x 36 inches
9500 SGD (SOLD)

For more details : email Meng Foo

PEARL AND GOLD
Two is enough, why three? Three is myriad things?

Acrylic on Canvas
20 x 30 inches
7000 SGD — at Marina Bay Sands.

For more details : email Meng Foo

Three (#2)
Acrylic on Canvas
3800 SGD

The iconic golden swirl, a magnificent emblem of prosperity, sets the stage for the MARINA BAY SANDS. This ethereal water, mirroring the ambitions and dreams of countless souls, supports a vision of grandeur. In its golden reflections, many find a glimmer of aspiration. Yet, does MBS stand as a beacon of hope or a testament to a pragmatic exchange of attitudes? Singaporeans, ever pragmatic, seek not just to endure but to thrive, always guided by a light of hope.


— at Marina Bay Sands.

A dynamic day

Acrylic on Canvas
20 x 30 inches
4500 SGD

 — at Marina Bay Sands.
Where do I get water when I paint outdoor?

Embarking on an outdoor painting adventure often leaves me pondering, where shall I find water for my art? Will there be a congregation of fellow artists? Where will today's muse guide my brush? These questions linger, yet each morning, without fail, I embark on my journey. Some days, the bus carries me closer to Sands, other days I find myself wandering from Singapore River towards the bay. Occasionally, the MRT leads me to Raffles Place. Whether by bus or MRT, my journey invariably concludes with a walk, my feet guiding me to the spot that whispers, "Here, create."

My easel and I, sometimes indoors, sometimes out, with the canvas sprawling across tables, chairs, or the ground itself. It's a dance with the moment, a spontaneous choreography where the location for my art reveals itself only when I cease walking and declare, "This is where I paint today."

Planning for the future? Much like predicting the weather, it's an exercise in hopeful uncertainty. How often does the envisioned future align with reality? I've learned that my art, like life, is beyond meticulous planning. It unfolds, stroke by unpredictable stroke, revealing its true form only upon completion.

Sometimes, water for my paint seems to be a divine provision, as if the universe itself conspires to support my art. Like the day I stumbled upon an abandoned half-filled mineral water bottle, turning it into an artistic blessing. Using small jam bottles repurposed from restaurants, I mixed my colors and began. Do I need to meticulously plan for water? Perhaps serendipity will be my guide once more.

Each day, I envisage my painting, yet the final stroke often unveils a creation far from my initial vision. It's peculiar, yet therein lies the charm—the unpredictability, the spontaneity, the journey from that very first brushstroke. It's a formless approach to expression, embracing each stroke as it comes, letting the picture emerge in its own time. As Bruce Lee philosophized, "Be water, my friend," I too embrace the fluidity, the adaptability, and the unexpected joys of the artistic voyage.

LOOKING ACROSS THE ROAD.
Acrylic on Canvas
27 x 36 inches
Private Collection — at Marina Bay Sands.

PASTEL DREAM
Inspired by Chinese Brush work.
Acrylic on Canvas
27 x 36 inches
5000 SGD — at Marina Bay Sands.

BLACK GOLD
The sun have been the symbol of life and light. MBS is a symbol of recovery and accelerated economic recovery.

Acrylic on Canvas
20 x 30 inches
4500 SGD — at Marina Bay Sands.

For more details : email Meng Foo

SANDS DESCENDING. SANDS
in futuristic succession.

Acrylic on Canvas
Sold — at Marina Bay Sands.

For more details : email Meng Foo

Reflection

Acrylic on Canvas
20 x 30 inches
5000 SGD

 — at Marina Bay Sands.

The art of painting, in its purest form, is a meditative practice. With a cherished chisel brush, procured years ago from a quaint shop in Fuzhoulu, Shanghai, I perform the ritual of the stroke—horizontal, deliberate. The palette is an alchemy of three vibrant hues: white, black, and magenta, enriched unexpectedly by a hint of yellow, a remnant of yesterday's session, subtly blending into today's creation.

Despite the seemingly intricate landscape that emerges, its essence lies in simplicity—a tapestry of acrylic layers, each meticulously applied over the slightly damp predecessor, culminating in a crescendo of white. The final act is a ballet of crisp white strokes, the brush maintained in pristine condition through a meticulous process of cleansing, drying, and delicately loading with paint. Each horizontal motion across the canvas weaves a serene narrative, the edges of each stroke softly diffusing into a harmonious blur.

This process, a symphony of thought, timing, and color, crafts an image that resonates with romantic, impressionistic undertones. It's a testament to the power of persistent effort in a singular endeavor. The thousands of brushstrokes, each varying in length, speed, and pressure, coalesce into a rich mosaic of emotion and color. Such singularity of focus is vital, not just in art, but in life itself.

Our journey is often besieged by distractions—fatigue, monotony, skepticism, societal pressures, and, most perilously, self-doubt. Yet, amidst this cacophony, we must anchor ourselves in the joy of creation. To engage in art is to engage in play, a serious play where frivolity meets passion. So, let us paint, not just as an act but as a profound expression of joy and healing, a balm for our soul's ailments.

For more details : email Meng Foo

Duality
Inspired by Calligraphy
Acrylic on Canvas
27 x 36 inches
5000 SGD
For more details : email Meng Foo

RISING TO THE SKY
SWOOPING CURVE AND DYNAMISM.
Acrylic on Canvas
5500 SGD — at Marina Bay Sands.

SAILING

Employing a scrapper, my approach mirrored the elegance of Chinese brush painting. With just a few deliberate strokes, the image of Sands materialized on the canvas. The swift completion filled me with an exhilarating sense of accomplishment.

Acrylic on Canvas
3500 SGD — at Marina Bay Sands.

Glittering NIGHT

Acrylic on Canvas
27 x 36 inches
5000 SGD — at Marina Bay Sands.

For more details : email Meng Foo

GOLDEN PILLARS
The sun have been the symbol of life and light. MBS is a symbol of recovery and accelerated economic recovery.

Acrylic on Canvas
Now hangs in Raffles Institution lounge. Purchase by Dr Chuah and donated to RI. — at Marina Bay Sands.

In the Dream

Dreamy scene. 
Was it real or a mental landscape.
Acrylic on Canvas
3800 SGD

AUTISTIC FRENZINESS
Inspired by reductionistic Neo Expressionism
Acrylic on Canvas
27 x 36 inches
6450 SGD
email : choomengfoo@gmail.com

For more details : email Meng Foo

THE BOAT WENT UP THE ROOF

Echoing the words of a wise taxi driver, "the mighty waves lifted the ship to the very rooftop." This sentiment resonates as I revel in the delight of my new soft brush. It dances gracefully across the canvas, barely skimming the paint beneath, demanding only the gentlest of touches, a stark contrast to the robust demands of a palette knife. Thus, Sands is brought to life, a vision of the future unfurling stroke by stroke.

Acrylic on canvas
8828 SGD

For more details : email Meng Foo

MOON LIGHTING

Acrylic on Canvas
20 x 30 inches
Sold to Donald C L Lim. — at Marina Bay Sands.
For more details : email Meng Foo

THE RISING SON.
SYMBOL

The sun has been the symbol of life and light. MBS is a symbol of recovery and accelerated economic recovery.

Acrylic on Canvas
3200 SGD — at Marina Bay Sands.

For more details : email Meng Foo

UTOPIA

Acrylic on Canvas
20 x 30 inches
5000 SGD

 — at Marina Bay Sands.

Where has utopia vanished? It seems to have dissolved into thin air, a mere whisper lost to the relentless tide of global capitalism. We find ourselves passengers on its formidable train, often oblivious to the fact that we possess the power to disembark and chart our own course. Seductively embraced by its dazzling allure, we're drawn into a vortex of splendor, losing sight of our destination, neither resisting nor endorsing, merely existing in a state of motion without intent. Ensnared. Perhaps awareness dawns, yet the audacity to step off the predetermined track eludes us, shackled by the fallacy of powerlessness as a minor nation—a myth begging to be shattered. The notion of safety in following is a mirage, obscuring the profound impact a single individual can wield. It's time to embrace the daring creativity within. Forge your own trail, articulate your unique narrative. Embrace the valor and steadfastness that lies dormant. Seize your journey.

FURY DASHES OF TRINITY

Acrylic on Canvas
20 x 30 inches
5500 SGD

 — at Marina Bay Sands.

For more details : email Meng Foo

Vivid strokes of intense emotion.

At times, the tumult of the world seeps into my art, painting my canvas with the hues of my inner turmoil. Tranquility is not a prerequisite for creation. Should we allow our anxieties and sorrows to flow freely onto the canvas, or should we rein them in, tempering their expression? Why, indeed, do we experience emotions so profoundly?