EXHIBITION IN PENANG
PREFACE TO AN EXHIBITION IN PENANG
AN APPRECIATION OF MR. ONG'S PAINTINGS
Review by Coline Tsui Chin Liu
Many artists have I met and many paintings have I witnessed, but Mr. Ong's contributions to the realm of aesthetics have made the strongest impression upon my mind.
His portraits, animals, and still life represent a type characteristic of his own; and for this it stands for no imitation but creation, or in other words creative synthesis. More wonderful is his landscape paintings which appears more real than the actual scene itself.
But the most imposing work he offers is his chrysanthemums which scarcely find any equal in the Orient or in the Occident, in the past or in the present.
Elaborate and exquisite each petal seems to scent the air to charm the onlooker, or even to express itself. It is but evident that Mr. Ong has identified himself with the flower.
The purpose of the exhibition of Mr. Ong is to secure fund for the relief of the Chinese suffering from the war. In this undertaking the art takes a new phase of life. The portrait, landscape, and flower are thus animated. It is imperative that the Chinese in Penang should offer their share in promoting this great cause.
