Artist Biography

Tham Peng Choon, a distinguished artist who graduated from Singapore's Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in 1971, has dedicated his entire life to the pursuit of art. His journey led him to become a prominent figure in Malaysia's Kinta River School of Aestheticism. Nestled in the heart of Perak, Kinta River has been a fertile ground for beautiful landscapes. In the early 50s & 60s, during the heyday of the mining industry, Ipoh’s art scene thrived as foreign artists flooded the city. As economic fortunes later waned following the downturn of the mining industry, Ipoh's captivating sceneries, caves, and mountains continued to inspire a group of exceptional local artists. Their shared techniques and artistic styles gave birth to the "Kinta River's Style of Drawing" in Malaysia.

A former art lecturer with an artistic journey spanning over four decades, Tham was known for his watercolours depicting the ethereal, impressionistic beauty of the Ipoh. One can sense the warmth of golden sunshine, the serenity of the early morning where white herons glided, and the colours of his soul as he gazed at the majestic view of his homeland. His artistic evolution mirrors his life's journey—a story of personal growth amidst adversity, spiritual transcendence, and an unwavering quest for artistic perfection. Tham held several solo exhibitions across Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur and Penang. He held his 5th and 6th solo exhibitions at his gallery in Ipoh - Artland (2011 & 2012), while his watercolour solo show “Regretless Life” took place at Younie Gallery, Kuala Lumpur (2010). In 2016, Tham was one of the featured artists in "A Raya Celebration of Generations in Art" exhibition held at Curate Henry Butcher, a gallery space inaugurated by Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers, a testament to his dedication to art which has enriched the cultural tapestry of Malaysia and beyond.

谭炳泉自1971年于新加坡南洋美专纯美艺术系毕业之后，就一生潜心于艺术之中。他被誉为马来西亚近打河流派的唯美派代表人物，是我国令人敬仰的水彩大师。近打河是马来西亚霹雳州的一条古老河流，滋养着沿岸山水与文化艺术。上世纪五六十年代，怡保因矿业繁荣，吸引众多艺术家前来办展，被誉为“文化之都”。尽管矿业衰退，怡保仍以独特山水孕育本地艺术家，他们以画笔记录古城风貌，逐渐形成独特的“近打河流派”。

谭炳泉从艺四十余载，曾任艺术讲师，以描绘怡保空灵印象之美的水彩画闻名。他的画作流露出金色阳光的温暖、清晨白鹭翱翔的宁静，以及他灵魂的色彩。其艺术历程映照着人生旅途——在逆境中成长、精神升华，并不懈追求艺术的完美。谭炳泉曾在怡保、吉隆坡和槟城举办多场个展，包括2010年吉隆坡精武画廊的“今生无悔”个人展，以及2011、2012年怡保 Artland 画廊的第五、第六次个展。

谭炳泉水彩绘画技巧与功力，在长年的累积与修习下,已经呈现一种半写实、半写意，近乎天人合一的层次。他的作画方式，往往都以水和颜色混合交流，然后再用左右摆动画纸的方式，把水与色彩自然构成一种超乎自然的景象。在处理大景物如山脉中，我们极少见到他画笔的痕迹。因为他可以把大化小，把小化无，也可以把极为复杂的景色，化为简单的景象，再把简单的景象，化为写意的简练境界。所以，他的山景、湖泊及树林，都呈一气呵成之气，不拖泥带水，潇洒精炼。除此之外，色彩的应用已娴熟精巧，一幅景物画像，虽然采用许多格调的色彩搭配，却依然焦点意向分明，把深度、透视与立体感，都共同并发出其深邃的感染力。他亦以色彩冷热为光暗的处理，加深画像的美感与气势的表达能量。因此谭炳泉，是我国艺术坛上的其中一位佼佼者。


ART EDUCATION 艺术教育
1971
Graduated from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore

SOLO EXHIBITIONS (SELECTED) 个展
Held several solos across Kuala Lumpur, Perak and Penang

2012
6th Solo Exhibition, Artland Gallery, Ipoh, Perak

2011
5th Solo Exhibition, Artland Gallery, Ipoh, Perak (50 artworks, paintings since 1971)

2010
“Regretless Life”, Younie Gallery, Kuala Lumpur
（《今生无悔》，吉隆坡颜丽轩画廊）

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS 联展
2016
“A Raya Celebration of Generations in Art”, Curate Henry Butcher, Kuala Lumpur

2015
Art Exhibition, Memorial Lim Lian Geok, Kuala Lumpur
(《迎风·而立》，林连玉纪念馆)

2012
“Kinta River’s Style of Drawing”, Younie Gallery, Kuala Lumpur

2010
“Painting Destiny”, Penang Chinese Town Hall, Georgetown, Penang
(《画缘》，槟州华人大会堂)

2007
“10 Impressions”, Perak Kwang Tung Association Hall, Perak