Kelvin Chap Kok Leong graduted from Malaysian Institute of Art, Fine Art Department in 1994, majoring in print-making. Kelvin has been very active since his school days, participating in various art activities in and out school. He has won many art competitions and awards at state and national levels, such as the Pilihan Negeri Sabah 1993, 1994 and 1995 and the Philip Morris Art Award Honourable mention 1995.
The works of Kelvin Chap are unusual and extra-ordinary within the sphere of art practices by Malaysian artist. he works in the manner of a master crafts-man. He works with a variety of material, media and expression, striving to bring back the intrinsic spirits of the primitive tribesmen and striving towards the originality of artistic expression of modern artists.
He is popular among the local artists and this coming exhibition has already received much anticipation from the local art circle. No doubt, the exhibition will be the focus of art and culture o Malaysia, and is expected to be a success.
He is no doubt one of the few young and talented artists who will enjoy a good and prospective art career in the future.
Belawing I
142 x 140 cm
Belawing II
142 x 138 cm
Belawing III
142 x 137 cm
He was meant to choose this theme, he said, because he thinks while he paints. He produces works in mixed media, etching, silkscreens and further use them to form gigantic installations. The works are vibrant and the colours are energetic.
Gamal
157.5 x 142 cm
Bejalai & Pedjaka
218 x 153 cm
Pola-Pola Asli
178 x 127 cm
He has made clear statement through his art. In a press interview Kelvin stated "Borneo’s culture is definitely richer than those in the Peninsular Malaysia because of the many different tribes and customs there… Not many artists in Kuala Lumpur know about our natives, so, I hope I can represent Borneo as an artists. The problem is that many artists paint without thinking… I want to expose the Orang Aslis’ rich and unique culture, especially those in Sabah and Sarawak to the world… I ventured into the jungle and got to know more about them. In my case, I spend months on research and weeks to paint my work. I studied the arrangement and looked at colours. The most important thing is harmony… " (Borneo Daily Press)
Pola-Pola Asli III
66.5 x 51 cm
Pola-Pola Asli IV
66.5 x 51 cm
Belawing I
65.5 x 50.5cm
Through his works of totemic images one would encounter the souls and spirit surrounding the installation just like the experiences he had at the far and remote rain forest in one of those aborigines site in East Malaysia.
