The 2021 lunar new year, represented by the Ox, is seen to have begun with many challenges. The surge of positive Covid-19 cases in the country has caused SOPs to be tightened, challenging traditional celebrations for the anticipated Chinese New Year.
One would never know that the idea for this Chinese brush painting was captured from the Deepavali celebration.
An optimistic young academician, Tee Ying Jie, 32, a graphic design lecturer at the INTI Centre of Art and Design (ICAD), INTI International College Subang (INTI), who is also well trained in traditional Chinese calligraphy and brush paintings, amused us with drawings of oxen in various poses and features. With some carrying a shepherd boy on their back, hanging red lanterns from their horns, or even imitating humans by wearing a surgical face mask, Tee’s artwork were all crafted using traditional Chinese ink painting.
The said art form, also known as Chinese brush painting, is one of the brilliant forms of Chinese culture that reflect its unique cultural literacy, artistic appreciation and aesthetic consciousness. Inheriting and carrying forward these fine traditions of traditional culture and coupling it with contemporary experiences improves its practitioners’ aesthetic ability and creativity.
By simply viewing Tee’s Facebook page, as well as his solo Chinese calligraphy art exhibition that is now on display at the Intermark Mall, Kuala Lumpur, one would be easily entertained with his sense of humourous or Zen-like art that provides subtle feelings of happiness.
“Chinese brush paintings are not limited to themes of plum, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum, or high mountains and flowing water, but can capture something close to daily life that resonates with our own,” explained Tee, who was raised in the cultural city of Klang and first held his calligraphy brush at the young age of eight.
“The characteristics of the ox include reticence, calm, patience, methodical and one that can be trusted. Day by day, the ox ploughs the land obediently. In contrast to our daily lives that are often fighting for survival. Especially now during the pandemic , we should take the ox as a role model – abide by the SOPs obediently, do not take any chances, wear a mask at all times, stay away from crowded places and do not go out unless necessary. As long as we practise these patiently, the pandemic will recede,” advised Tee.
Tee Ying Jie, graphic design lecturer with INTI’s Centre of Art and Design at INTI International College Subang who is well trained in traditional Chinese calligraphy and brush painting.
Tee has been committed to continuously painting zodiac signs every year over the last five years, intending to keep challenging himself in terms of creativity and also to fully grasp this form of art, which has a high benchmark set by Qi Baishi and Zhang Daqian, great artists from the Chinese art world during the early to mid-20th century.
As an artist and art lecturer who always strives for the best, Tee got himself well prepared before commencing with this series of ox paintings. He first started with “quick sketches” of the ox, capturing its different movements, habits and details of its features. As a result, there were over 100 oxen on his sketch papers before he continued with the actual painting with ink and some colours, and impressed his audience with oxen in different styles.
“I built the foundation from the sketch and then worked for four months to develop 40 pieces of artwork for my solo exhibition. During this process, I could see the transformation in myself, from someone who was unfamiliar with this subject to someone who became proficient in it,” enthused Tee.
When asked how he got new ideas for his painting, Tee said most of his ideas were captured from books and daily life. He gave a recent example when his neighbour was celebrating Deepavali and setting off firecrackers, when a sudden blast then shocked him from the back as he walked by. This shocking incident was then turned into an illustration – a shepherd boy being shocked by a cracking sound from his back, but not due to firecrackers this time, but a tear in his pants as he climbs up onto the back of an ox.
“Though I do not have a fixed style of expression in my art, I hope my artwork will transmit positive vibes to the audiences from any generation. As the ox represents determination, confidence, hard work, loyalty and honesty, I do wish my students, colleagues and audiences will greatly benefit from all these good values and acquire them. Gong Xi Fa Cai!”
Tee Ying Jie’s Ox-spicious Blossoms Chinese Calligraphy Art Exhibition at Intermark Mall Kuala Lumpur, an exclusive collaboration between Intermark Mall and ICAD, INTI International College Subang, is currently on show until 28th February 2021. You can also visit the exhibition virtually via Master Tee’s personal Facebook page at www.facebook.com/teeyingjie.