My Story
My path to becoming a painter has been both deeply fulfilling and transformative. I grew up in a small village in Southeast Asia within a predominantly Chinese community. While attending Malaysian Chinese schools, I was consistently drawn to painting rather than studying the Chinese language. Though some teachers and classmates viewed this as a departure from tradition, it was through this choice that I first discovered art as a powerful way to understand myself and make sense of the world around me.
Later, I moved to the United States to pursue engineering degrees, where I encountered new layers of my identity—particularly as I came to terms with being both gay and Asian. This period of self-discovery became an essential part of my journey toward self-acceptance and self-love, shaping not only who I am but also how I create.
“Painting is more than an a form of expression — it’s the language the soul uses to speak.”
My visual language draws from a wide range of influences, including queerness, Asian cultural elements, healing rituals, and the lived experience of Asian masculinity. These influences intertwine to form a distinct aesthetic that reflects both personal and collective narratives, emphasizing themes of transformation, resilience, and connection. Through this fusion, my work explores identity, spirituality, and cultural heritage, inviting viewers into a layered and nuanced visual experience.
In my paintings, I use color and texture with intention—to evoke emotion and reveal subtle shifts. Each layer works in conversation with the next, guiding viewers through feelings of change, growth, and quiet reflection. This layered approach encourages close looking and deep connection, allowing the artwork to become a space for emotional resonance and personal meaning.