Chua Ek Kay
春讯 Coming of Spring
Ink on rice paper
69x33cm
1994

The main subjects in this painting are two flowers, the peony and the daffodil. Peonies are known as the “King of Flowers” and symbolises wealth, prosperity and honor. Meanwhile, daffodils are associated with new beginnings and hope as they are one of the first flowers to bloom after winter. Since both flowers are considered auspicious and brings about good fortune, they are commonly purchased during Chinese New Year.

In an interview in 2007, Chua Ek Kay shared that in ink paintings, a balance between presence and absence—between detailed areas and empty space—is what gives them their unique form.

In May 1993, Chua Ek Kay travelled to Australia and later obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Tasmania in 1994 and a Master of Arts (Honours) in Visual Arts from the University of Western Sydney in 1995.

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