Writer, Brushing Harmony, the Alluring Syncretism Between Man and Nature, essay on Chen Wei-Meng’s ‘SMS to Song’ solo exhibition, Published by Wei-Ling Gallery

From April 25 to May 27, 2023, Wei-Ling Gallery exhibited SMS to Song, Chen Wei Meng’s exhibition which explores the harmony between nature’s elements and draws inspiration from Song Dynasty landscape paintings. Departing from realism, Chen’s work focuses on the movement and cryptic patterns of the environment, reflecting his deep engagement with Eastern philosophy. His concept of Shan Met Shui unites mountains and water in a fluid coexistence, embodying the idea that all things interconnect. Through meticulous composition and a refined approach to texture and form, he creates dreamlike landscapes that blur the boundaries between reality and abstraction. 

"Within each vertical-oriented painting in 'SMS to Song', we may observe a combination of bold and thin lines forming an arch oriented in an upright position and creating a sense of enormity. Beneath this depiction of a mountain is a lighter and muted body of visuals that conveys something fluid and flowing. Here, the body of water is depicted without contour lines, but rather through the use of real water as a medium when painting - giving it a sense of existence. The artist's accidental discovery of this method has successfully captured the essence of water in the works. Below this experimental effect is a form that is almost symmetrical to the above arch, oriented upside down, as if evoking the idea of reflection or mirage."

— Excerpt from Brushing Harmony, the Alluring Syncretism Between Man and Nature by Amanda Ariawan, 2023.

Read Amanda’s full writing here.

About Chen Wei-Meng

Chen Wei Meng is a Malaysia-based artist whose hyper-realistic and meditative works capture the spirituality and raw energy of nature. Growing up in Dungun, Terengganu, he developed a deep connection with the landscape–turning it as his muse–often spending months traveling and living in his car to immerse himself in his subject matter. His paintings, influenced by geological study, feature sweeping panoramas that blend realism with an emotional depth. Over time, his practice has evolved from color to a monochromatic palette, leading him to explore Chinese ink on Xuan paper as a means to express the elusive contours and ‘flow’ within nature. Visit his website www.chenweimeng.com to learn more about him and his works.

About Wei-Ling Gallery

Established in 2002 by Lim Wei-Ling, Wei-Ling Gallery aims to nurture the development of Malaysia’s contemporary art scene. In 2011, the gallery expanded with its second space, Wei-Ling Contemporary, dedicated to showcase special projects and more experimental art forms. With two art spaces in Kuala Lumpur, it establishes itself as the largest commercial gallery in Malaysia. In its continuous efforts of cultivating the local contemporary art scene, Wei-Ling Gallery is also one of the most prolific publishers of art publications in Malaysia, valuing the importance of archiving and encourages an appreciation for contemporary art through its publications. Learn more about Wei-Ling Gallery on weiling-gallery.com.