“Art is something that cannot be explained, beyond the fact that it involves creativity from within.” – Anthonie Chong In this extraordinary work, the crouching figure is placed in isolation, which strips him from narrative and symbolization. The subject consciously gazes into the distance, in search of something unknown. The violent sensations are rendered visible through the liberation of lines and colours from their respective functions. Flesh of the body is depicted in broken tones, incorporating variations of textures and colours. The vigorous paint strokes of black, hints of turquoise and red accents used to fill in the background further heightens the intense, dynamic quality. Through experiences of the complexities and dilemma of living in a globalized and technocratic age, Chong created the @-monk series in the year 2000s, which is inspired by ‘Narjar’ a brave child character from an ancient Chinese legend. The series is integrated with Eastern posturing techniques, which aims to communicate to the spectator a recollection of childhood memories. The @-monk characters not only narrate a story but also depict ‘a spiritual release and desire for eternal peace.’ In 2008, the nature inspired Gaia series was conceived and consists of five elements that of metal, wood, water, fire and earth. The child is depicted interacting with elements of nature, fully present in the moment enjoying the wonders of his surroundings. The @-Monk series consists of four major series; E-gen series, Community series, Gaia series and Mechanism series. Chong received his formal education at the Perak Institute of Art, majoring in graphic art. Exposure to western art movements such as social realism has profoundly influenced his artistic practice. Chong’s works have been collected by private collectors and museums, such as the Singapore Art Museum and National Art Gallery, Malaysia. Chong’s work My Father’s Son I and II was featured in Naked Perfection, an exhibition held in 2002 by Singapore Art Museum, which aimed to explore the “tensions, expectations and intrigue of nudity and nakedness in art”. Chong has recently exhibited in Life-Lines: Works from the Life Drawing Community KL, organized by Xin Art Space, which featured original drawings and paintings from ten artists on the study of the human form.