NICHOLAS CHOONG

‘Aphrodite’, 48 x 48 inches, Oil on aluminium composite panel, 2025

Article originally published here

Continuing the saga of oil paintings on bronze aluminium this year – painting this way feels like etchings, to me. One application of mars black pigment. Lots of solvent to keep the work wet on wet. 3 hours of intense focus and problem solving. The result – a snapshot and composition of an all too familiar street in KL, yet indeterminate by any stretch of the imagination.

‘CS-2025-003 (currently untitled)’ 48 x 48 inches, Oil on aluminium composite panel, 2025

The act of painting is not the problem – the challenge lies in devoting the time necessary to be in the state of making art.

Over the years, I’ve learned what works by learning what doesn’t. What doesn’t work, is to allow fear into the act of painting. When we fear the unknown, we don’t allow the magic in. There will be no possibilities, no surprises, no growth. We stay stuck in the old ways of working, thinking and acting.

By practising this perspective, art making has helped me gain clarity and resilience, courage and confidence. In order to change your life, first you must change the way you live.

‘CS-2025-004 (currently untitled)’ 48 x 48 inches, Oil on aluminium composite panel, 2025

‘CS-2025-001 (currently untitled)’ 48 x 48 inches, Oil on aluminium composite panel, 2025