Lee Kian Choong: Debut Solo Art Exhibition - Asia Fineart Gallery, Hong Kong (2014)

A landmark debut tracing the artist's international expansion into the regional fine art market, curated on opening night during the high-prestige calendar week of Art Basel Hong Kong.

Opening Night of Hong Kong Debut Exhibition - Before Arrival of Guests

Contemporary watermedia paintings hanging on gallery walls at Lee Kian Choong Hong Kong Debut Exhibition

Exhibition showcase interior showing ambient gallery views of fine artwork by Lee Kian Choong

Sidney Cowell — Late Director of Asia Fineart Gallery, Hong Kong

To walk the path of a creative artist is indeed a challenge, which few ever follow for long before the energy and stamina run out.

With Lee Kian Choong things have worked out differently - he has the natural talent and the stubborn determination to carry through his creative ideas. These attributes are just two of the characteristics that successful artists have to have, to tread that winding and treacherous path towards success and recognition.

KC, as we fondly call him, is Malaysian, 55, with the wide horizons of a much travelled man. His studio is in Singapore, where he lives with his family. Already an established and recognized portrait photographer, his visual art works have been commissioned by specialist private collectors across Asia.

Working and studying hard in the UK, he gained degrees in computing science, contemporary art practices and became a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society. Rare indeed, for an accomplished artist to be so professionally qualified in his chosen field. This diverse background makes for intrigue and wonder in the beholder.

In the words of K C Lee, "Art is the Embodiment of Universality". This simple statement goes a long way to explain his creative philosophy.

With his experience and diverse background, he is in a strong position to create his own globalised art style which represents a bridge between less prominent boundaries and cultures. Defined as contemporary with eastern spirituality and western aesthetics, his style is both pleasing to the eyes and teasing to the mind.

Today, KC Lee uses the traditional medium of the brush, ink and colours on rice paper to create contemporary works with modern abstract themes and innovative painting techniques.

His paintings are mainly devoted to three themes: Childhood Memories of a Malaysian Village, the Essence and Resilience of Life and the Reveries of the Universe.

We are happy that the latest works by Lee Kian Choong, exhibited at the Taipa Houses Museum will go further to extend exposure of his special techniques, to the art loving public.

Late Sidney Cowell

Director of Asia Fine Art

March 2014

Artist Lee Kian Choong in dialogue with director Sydney Cowell at Asia Fineart Gallery during Art Basel Hong Kong week

Traditional Chinese ink art masterworks curated on display at Asia Fineart Gallery Hong Kong

Pristine exhibition installation view of original fine art collections on display in Hong Kong

Artist Lee Kian Choong discussing final opening details with Sidney Cowell, Director of the Asia Fineart Gallery, at his debut international solo art exhibition in Hong Kong, 2014.

In deep gratitude and memory of Sidney Cowell, a visionary gallerist and a generous champion of contemporary fine art.

Originally published in March 2014 for the debut international solo exhibition.