Malaysia is developing rapidly. New buildings with contemporary façades are emerging everywhere within the city, a proof of Malaysia’s exponential growth being enjoyed by its people in recent decades. Amidst all these changes Cheng Thak, Lui continues to reminisce the past through his paintings of colonial buildings and other buildings that showcase our multicultural heritage. Not only do these buildings bear testament to our rich Malaysian cultural history, it embodies our heritage.

In Lui’s latest paintings, he combines visual elements with social-cultural commentaries and interpretations of traditions. Against the urban view from the window, he outlines with subtlety the old wares, birdcages, sarongs and plants that are typical of a bygone era. His choice of palette containing earthy colours of umber and sienna enhances the melancholy. One cannot help but wonder about this past which seems to have been lost in this urban settlement. It’s as though Lui is calling for a fresh take on the past, while preserving the values of our unique architecture and pre-war buildings.

This series is a record of our Malaysian history. Not only has he captured an idealised picture of primordial perfection, he pushes the boundaries of representation through his use of colours and composition. By thrusting the building to the fore of the picture plane, Lui brings the viewer straight into the structure and the spaces he created within. It highlights the monumentality of old legacies, conveying a sense of history frozen in time and sombre dignity.