C.N. Liew, a pioneer of contemporary ink from South East Asia, was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Liew is the first artist whose contemporary calligraphy works have been collected by the National Palace of Malaysia. In 2016, Asia Week named C.N. Liew as the “World Outstanding Young Leaders Award” winner for his contribution in art.
Liew’s creations imbue Zen and philosophical elements as well as a fusion of traditional and contemporary aesthetics. He works with a variety of media including ink, calligraphy, acrylic, watercolour, sculpture and has collaborated with other artists from different fields, incorporating his art in contemporary dance, musicals and fashion.
The National Art Gallery of Malaysia has presented “C.N. Liew: Beyond the Borders” in 2020. Liew was the first contemporary ink art artist to be invited to present a solo exhibition at the National Art Gallery of Malaysia, the most esteemed art institution in the nation.
Liew’s works are in the collection of the National Art Gallery and the National Palace of Malaysia, University of Cambridge, Peking University, Xiamen University (Universitas Amoiensis), Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum in Taiwan, The Academy of Contemporary Ink Art of Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts and many important private collections across Asia, Europe and the United States. Various renown archives such as Asia Art Archive, National Art Gallery of Malaysia Artist Archive and Beijing KUART also documented and featured his works.
Liew has been featured prominently for the past 20 years by various media platforms and journals showcasing his evolving creativity. Since his journey in 2000 to date, his works has been featured across more than a hundred publications in various media.
In November 2022 to January 2023, Liew presented an exhibition “C.N. Liew: Rocks from Yon Hills” at Clare Hall, University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, debuting his “The Rocks” series in Europe. Furthermore, Liew’s “Beyond the Border” and “The Great Refinement” series are featured at the Kunming Art Biennale in China, a highly established academic event that showcase major works by the most prominent artists from around the world.
