During the modern era, Malaysia occupied a vital geopolitical position as a crossroads of diverse cultures. The cultural and artistic ecosystem of this land was deeply influenced by World War II, particularly after the mid-20th century. The emergence of Singapore as a new international metropolis marked an unprecedented era of cultural inclusivity, but it also led to deviations in the traditional trajectory of Chinese painting within the lineage of traditional art. This blending of cultural contexts inspired Chung Chen Sun’s artistic exploration: how could Chinese painting preserve its traditional values while integrating global creative methodologies and Malaysia’s cultural heritage?

Grounded in a solid foundation of traditional Chinese painting, Chung Chen Sun sought to recontextualize the medium of ink, separating it from purely artistic concepts and using its expressive potential to explore the intertwined artistic forms of a multicultural environment. Under his efforts, Malaysia’s "Ink Movement" officially began, and between 1982 and 1989, he served as the president of the International Modern Ink Painting Association, pioneering a new direction for the modernization of Chinese painting.

Today, we turn our attention to Abstract Fishing Village, a painting created by Chung Chen Sun in 1980. The composition skillfully uses negative space as an integral element, full of dynamic design and tension. The artist’s mastery of bold, powerful brushstrokes and his deep understanding of traditional cultural roots are seamlessly combined. By shaping ink language and refining abstract concepts, Chung Chen Sun found a way to express his unique cultural identity, revealing his distinct aesthetic vision and artistic philosophy. His work embodies both an international perspective and an emotional resonance that transcends cultural boundaries.

Abstract Fishing Village represents Chung Chen Sun’s experimental efforts in advancing the legacy and transformation of modern ink painting. Through this work, Malaysia’s modern ink art emerged onto the global art stage, becoming a hallmark of Malaysia’s cultural identity that draws the world’s attention.