Search for new ideas for Malaysian artist

Press, 29 June 1983, Page 15

Search for new ideas for Malaysian artist

The search for new ideas and inspiration has brought a Malaysian-born potter and painter, Peter Low, to New Zealand. Mr Low, who studied art in Singapore, has worked as an artist in Europe, Singapore, Japan and Taiwan. An exhibition of his pots and paintings will open on Saturday at Studio 393 in Montreal Street. The artist combines contemporary and traditional designs in his work. His paintings are mounted on paper or Chinese silk and reflect the traditional Chinese colours and designs. Scroll paintings will be shown along with two sets of three paintings mounted on wood. The paintings reflect also “what I want to paint", says Mr Low. It is important for an artist to paint what he wants to, rather than what will sell, he believes. “I could paint the Singapore

River and street scenes and do quite well with them but

I think you have to paint what you believe in.”

Mr Low incorporates painted Chinese writing and designs onto his pots also. The pots, unlike the paintings on show, have all been made since he arrived in the country four months ago. Working at a friend’s workshop in Rangiora he has turned out a range of more than 100 pots. He has also learnt new techniques used in New Zealand with which he was unfamiliar. The artist made a similar trip to Japan and Taiwan earlier this year. Four months in Japan enabled him to develop Japanese techniques in potting and painting which he has used in his work. A similar stay in Taiwan allowed him to brush up on Taiwanese styles. When he leaves New Zealand Mr Low would like to return to Taiwan where he hopes to organise a group show featuring the work of New Zealand potters.