Tweed Museum of Art
1201 Ordean Court
Duluth, MN 55812
Events & Exhibition Contact: Christine Strom
Tweed Museum of Art 218-726-7823
The Way of Cheng-Khee Chee: Paintings 1974-2014
Where: Tweed Museum of Art, University of Minnesota
Duluth
When: May 12 - September 20, 2015
(Duluth, MN - March 16, 2015) The Tweed Museum of Art (TMA)
at the University of Minnesota Duluth will feature the art of
internationally celebrated watercolorist Cheng-Khee Chee from May 12
through September 20, 2015. The solo exhibition brings together 40
watercolor paintings created over the past 40 years (1974 - 2014),
including Duluth Depotof 1974, the first painting Chee exhibited with the
American Watercolor Society, as well as the monumental 100 Koi that
the artist completed in late 2014.
Experiences and influences of both Eastern and Western art
and culture have shaped the six decade artistic career of Cheng-Khee Chee.
Born in 1934 in Fengting, southeastern China, the artist emigrated to British
colonized Malaysia at age 14. As a self-taught artist, with both Eastern
and Western mentors, Cheng-Khee Chee has developed a combined vision that
incorporates the processes of Chinese brushwork with Western painting
styles. Over the years, Chee has developed and adapted a repertoire of techniques
from both East and West that clearly identify his work and have influenced
countless students. For the philosophical underpinnings of his creative
practice, the artist cites Confucianism and Buddhism as powerful
influences.
"After many years of practice, I have concluded that
the watercolor medium is closer to Tao than any other medium. The very
flowing movement of washes has a strong evocative power. The interpenetration
of colors creates mysterious precipitations and nuance. In watercolor, the
artist can let the medium obey its own laws and create wonders in the same
way that nature creates her own works."
- Cheng-Khee Chee, Interview with Betsy Dillard-Stroud
In addition to the artist's aesthetic concerns, Cheng-Khee
Chee has demonstrated a passionate commitment to the medium of watercolor
by working tirelessly to engage new audiences through teaching workshops,
leading cultural tours and organizing international exhibitions.
"In Chee's art the interplay between Taoist philosophy,
Chinese brush painting and Western art forms - from realism to complete
abstraction - offers us an expanded way to look at watercolor painting. He
offers viewers multiple ways to approach his art. Each path yields an
enriching opportunity to perceive the world through his eyes. A focus on
technique is one path; attention to spiritual influences is another. This
exhibition gives everyone - local fans, watercolor aficionados and students
alike - several means to appreciate his work," states Peter Spooner,
the exhibition's guest curator.
The Way of Cheng-Khee Chee: Paintings 1974-2014 is the
first exhibition by the artist at the Tweed Museum of Art since 1992, and will
be accompanied by a publication with essays by artist and writer Ann Klefstad
and guest curator Peter Spooner. A variety of public programs are planned,
including receptions, gallery talks, and a rare three-day workshop for
practitioners and novices alike, led by Cheng-Khee Chee himself.
Watercolor Workshop led by Cheng-Khee Chee
June 12-14, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
with lunch break from 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Workshop half day audit option (lecture)
June 12-14, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Registration and fee information, visit: www.d.umn.edu/tma
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