GEORGE TOWN – A Penang artist will donate 50 of her artworks to 50 selected COVID -19 front liners, namely those who have contributed to the Penang community, during the ongoing fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr Teoh Wei Kium, 52, who is also a former lecturer in accounting, said the idea arose when she saw the persistence of her son, Jason Chow, 23, who works as a lab-technologies at a private hospital here.
"I only have one child. So, when this pandemic started to rage, I was very worried if my only child could be infected.
"But he often reminded me that this is part of his responsibility to the country and he will not run away," she told The Vibes.
Dr Teoh said after hearing her son's words, she decided to also help the country in controlling the spread of Covid-19 by becoming a volunteer at the hospital.
However, she said, the wish was thwarted by her son as she did not have expertise in the field of medicine. And she could be exposed to various risks of infectious diseases.
"After that I got an idea, I decided to do something I like and that I have skills. I submitted this idea to the Penang State Art Gallery and Penang Art District,” she said.
Featuring a painting titled The Monsun Series, all of Dr Teoh's 50 paintings only took a month to complete.
Dr Teoh said she used rice paper as the main medium of her painting with various mixed equipment such as Chinese Inc, oil paint, mineral paint, acrylic, and secret materials.
She said, each painting measuring 50x25cm is different and each has its own character.
Meanwhile, Project Executive of Penang Art District, Stephanie Kee said the nominations for selected recipients are not only limited to medical staff but also open to any individuals or organizations directly who has made an impact in Penang during this pandemic.
“Apart from that, individuals and organizations which are based outside Penang but have contributed to the state in preventing the spread of this pandemic at this time can also be nominated.
“The nominations received will be evaluated by the panel based on the description and information regarding the candidate. The nominations can be written in any language,” she said.
The nomination period is from September 11 to November 11 and it can be done on penangartdistrict.com - The Vibes, October 20, 2020
