New kid on the block pays tribute to lecturer
Kenry and his four sculptures he exhibited at Threesixty Art Development Studio
Kenry Tang Tze Lye did not know his latent penchant for Art when he was mixing potions in a lab as a pure science stream student in school. At the persuasion of an art teacher, he took up Art as a subject in his SPM and that took him on a spiritual journey that led to him completing his Diploma in Fine Art at Sunway University College in 2009. “It could have been hard for me but I was lucky as my parents supported my wish to pursue art” said Kenry, who is an only child.
Shortly after graduating, he did an internship at the National Art Gallery for two months. Soon after he joined the “New Kids on the Block” Group Art Exhibition organised by Threesixty Art Development Studio in Desa Park City on 6 – 21 March 2010. Kenry and 18 other aspiring young artists like himself put their artworks on show. His art piece was an abstract series of four mini sensual sculptures with their convoluted playful forms evoking human contact. “It was about the bonds between humans including erotic ones where humans need to fulfill their spirituality”. He feels really grateful for the chance to show case his art at a young age of 20 and paid tribute to his art lecturers at Sunway University College for his success.
The memory of the late Mr. Joesph Fernz and future plans
“The Sunway lecturers encouraged my creativity and exploration” he said. One of his lecturers, Joseph Fernz passed away from heart failure in late March. To Kenry, Joseph Fernz, who taught sculpture and art history, was a phenomenal inspiration. Saddened by his passing, Kenry, who eulogized at Fernz’s funeral, shared “Mr. Jo was my art guru yet he was more than a teacher but a friend. He taught us about life and art and his classes were very interesting”. He added “He always believed in me and encouraged me”. Kenry will be following Mr. Fernz’s advice to pursue a degree in Fine Art in India. He will be applying to two universities there. One is Baroda University, in Gujarat, Mr. Fernz’s alma mater and the other is the New Delhi School of Art. He has plans to meet with Fernz’s friends there.
Mean while before he goes to India at the end of June, Kenry has a lot on his plate. He will be representing Malaysia at the Asean Youth Camp in Hanoi from 23 -29 April. He will be required to do some on-the–spot visual artworks at the camp. As an artist, Kenry knows too well that that they have to initiate projects. One that he has spearheaded is the Project Tick Tock Earth which is a week long workshop from May 17 to May 23, and involves artists using their knowledge to make art from recycled materials. “Through this, we hope to spread a green message all over to do more to save the environment” he said.
Kenry with his paintings
One of Kenry’s other inspirations in life is the orchid. Kenry’s interest was kindled when he took care of his mother’s orchids for about 5 years since Form 2 at Secondary school. “I loved to sit and admire them in the garden. They are such interesting living things. They are so sensitive to the environment yet they are survivors”. The orchid naturally features proudly in one of his paintings. “Art is always entertaining and full of meaning”. He added “It is a reflection of what has happened in our lives but most important of all, it must make us happy” he said with a smile.
To follow what’s happening with Kenry, do visit his blog at http://emptybottleken.blogspot.com
Leave a Response