Biography of Dr Foo Yong Kong
Foo Yong Kong is a highly acclaimed master Artist and Calligrapher well known and recognised both in Malaysia as well as internationally. He was born in 1948 and graduated from an art school in Malaysia in 1971, majoring in Oil and Chinese Ink Painting, as well as Calligraphy. Between 1972 and 1985, he travelled extensively in Asia and Europe, gathering life’s experiences, studying art, painting and holding numerous exhibitions. His distinguished artistic and calligrapher career has spanned 50 years, winning him many prizes and awards at exhibitions both locally and abroad.

Foo has a deep interest in the philosophy of classical Chinese arts and calligraphy. His overwhelming desire to create art that is universal in nature led him to explore the field of abstract art. The result is Foo is one of the few artists who have successfully fused the philosophies of the east and west into a distinctive art form. His works bear his signature style of harmonious blending of form and colour. And over the years his abstract paintings have evolved from the representational to the spontaneous, reflecting the free flow of his thoughts and emotions. His chosen medium is Ink and Acrylic.

Foo is a poetic painter. Poetic writings of the great Chinese masters have a profound influence on him, inspiring him to capture the very essence and emotion of these poems in his works. His brilliant brushstrokes, choice of colours and the rice paper medium which he uses all combine to create bold masterpieces that are active, yet project a muted effect reminiscent of classical Chinese paintings.

In Foo’s calligraphic expressions, in keeping with evolutionary trends, the symbolic meaning of the Chinese characters are explored further and manifested abstractly, reflecting the unique style and creative individuality of the artist. The characters are infused with swirling splashes of colours to project a sense of sheer vibrancy and aliveness yet retaining the balance and harmony that embody his outlook on life.

As a painter, his works are sought after by a select group of art connoisseurs. His paintings take pride of place in many private and public collections including those of High Commissioners, various corporations and discerning private collectors, both locally and abroad.

Throughout his career Foo has held many solo and group exhibitions, including international Biennale exhibitions. His achievements started way back in the 70’s when he won the Young Artists’ Awards and grand prizes in competitions way back in the 1970s.

In May 2008, Foo won the Gold Medal at the Asian Invitation Art Exhibition in Seoul, organised by Korea Culture Art Research Institute. A month later, he again won the Gold Medal at the 2008 Seoul Modern Calligraphy Biennale.

Foo has also taken part in many international art exhibitions. They include the Asia-International Art Exhibition 2002 in Busan; The Biennale of Florence, Italy 2003; the International Ink Paintings Exhibition 2004, Tokyo, Japan; the Korea Malaysia Abstract Art Exhibition, 2005; and the Beijing Malaysia Calligraphy Solo Exhibition, 2005; and Art Exhibition in Gwangju, Korea in September, 2008.

Foo graduated with a Ph.D in Fine Arts from the Inter American University in 2003. As president of the Contemporary Chinese Painting & Calligraphy Association, he is actively involved in the development and promotion of Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy both locally and on an international level. He is based in Asia so as to strengthen his influence and expand his outlook, from Asia to the world. Currently Foo is also a Visiting Professor at Nanjing Art University, China.

Currently his works are being exhibited at international Art Galleries in the major cities of Europe, USA and Asia.