Chang Fee Ming

Chang Fee Ming is a Malaysian artist known for his exquisite watercolor paintings that often depict scenes from everyday life and cultural traditions.

Biography of Chang Fee Ming

Chang Fee Ming was born in 1959 in Dungun, Terengganu, Malaysia. His artistic journey has been marked by a deep appreciation for his cultural heritage and a commitment to capturing the essence of his subjects through his distinct artistic style.

During the latter part of the 1970s and the early 1980s, Chang sustained himself by working at his brother-in-law's signboard establishment. During this period, he crossed paths with Singaporean artist Siew Hock Ming and other members of the Equator Art Society, a collective established in Singapore in 1956, dedicated to the social realist approach to painting. Chang's association with this group provided him with the invaluable opportunity to accompany them on artistic expeditions, where he diligently observed their techniques. This experience became pivotal in his artistic education, nurturing and expanding his skills as a painter.

In the early 1980s, he commenced his international voyages, venturing to destinations such as Nepal, India, and Indochina.

His artistic endeavors have gained extensive recognition through individual exhibitions held in prominent locales such as Bali, Beijing, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, he has participated in numerous significant exhibitions across Asia and North America. Notably, his creations have been recurring highlights at auction events organized by esteemed establishments like Sotheby's and Christie's.

Chang Fee Ming's Art Style

Chang Fee Ming's art style is characterized by a harmonious blend of traditional techniques and contemporary interpretations. His mastery of the watercolor medium is a defining feature of his work, allowing him to create intricate and vibrant compositions that capture the essence of his subjects.

In his early creations, he portrayed the essence of rural Malay life in his hometown, with a particular focus on vibrant depictions of batik sarongs swaying in the wind.

With a presence in numerous international exhibitions, Chang's body of work extends beyond the boundaries of traditional Malay village life. While his art often explores travel narratives across Asia, he consistently returns to a subject he portrays with grace and opulence: Southeast Asian individuals, both men and women, adorned in vividly patterned and textured local batik fabrics, along with other indigenous embellishments.

Chang's mastery of realistic watercolor technique shines in 'Within Fragrance,' where he skillfully captures the rear perspectives of two indigenous women in a bustling marketplace. Chang impeccably renders the distinctive textures of their traditional attire, complemented by baskets brimming with consumables at their feet – some unveiled in vibrant splendor, others enfolded in elegantly veined banana leaves.