Chia Koon Talk #4 – Words & Works is the 4th in a series of 4 video essays about the basics of Chinese Calligraphy. Narrated and featuring the practice of Malaysian Chinese Calligrapher Ong Chia Koon. In this video Chia Koon speak about the basic structure of Chinese characters and share thoughts about some of his work.

The “Chia Koon Talk” series is the first of a 10-year video-essay project tentatively titled M.A.W (Malaysian Artist at Work). This project is an exercise in storytelling with moving images and sound. They are not for sale and are shared on TouTube. For more information please visit www.gansiongking.com

I tell people I make paintings and video works. But actually, I make meaning.

My artistic practice revolves around unpacking expectations of art into simpler parts. Then rearranging those parts in different ways to create meaning by imagining other ways of seeing and doing things. Particularly in ways that make art more accessible. 

For the past couple of years, I’ve been developing my paintings outside the confines of image-making. I often use representation or copying as a means to explore different subjects. A big part of my painting is about figuring out the perimeter of painting and by extension, the different ways of seeing. And how I can use this ambiguity to speak about the status quo. 

My videos are a counterpoint to my paintings. Where storytelling with audio & visual experimentation precedes concepts, they always include other people and their concerns. Both in the making and in their presentation. And usually feature imagery and themes of work and a sense of place. 

Recently, I’ve included writing and exhibition-making in my practice. I’m interested in developing the various formats both as a bridge for communication and collaboration with others.