Blossoming Through Art

JAYNE LOO

JANET Lee shows one can carve out their own path in life and determine their own future.

The international artist and Woman Glamour Award 2021 winner was diagnosed as intellectually and developmentally delayed. She had suffered from epilepsy as a baby. Continuing to push forward, she is presenting her second solo exhibition with the theme “Blossoming Colours”.

And for the first time, it will be held at the Janet Lee Gallery in Kuala Lumpur.

Her first solo show had been in 2018 and was held in Sunway Putra Mall, Kuala Lumpur.

Her works had also been featured in various art exhibitions, including those in Singapore, South Korea and the United States.

“Blossoming Colours”, held in conjunction with International Women’s Day, is divided into four sections showcasing the progress of growth – Nursery, Saplings, Flowering and In Full Bloom.

In the space called “Nursery”, the smaller paintings and sketches have a more innocent technique along with the colours used, said guest curator Danielle Lin.

“We want people to walk into the ‘nursery’ and feel an atmosphere of innocence.

“An artist often does a lot of practice and sketching before they move on to the next stage in their art piece. This is where we can feel the artist is taking baby steps,” she explained.

Over at “Saplings”, the paintings featured different plants using various techniques and colours.

Lin said, “Everyone has a different childhood. The elements of the paintings in Saplings emphasise this fact.”

The now bigger canvases symbolise how the artist is slowly growing into another stage.

“Flowering” is showcased in a cosy space.

“The paintings here focus on adolescents.

“Some teenagers are rebellious, others are finding their way and making their own journey. They are discovering a new path in life. “The whole gallery is a process of Janet’s growth.

“From baby steps in Nursery, growth in Saplings, adolescent in Flowerings and maturity in In Full Bloom,” said Lin.

Finally, “In Full Bloom”, she said the paintings symbolised maturity.

“The paintings here are developed and mature, symbolised by the flowers in full bloom.”

Lee’s mother, Joyce Moi said her daughter was a differently abled adult.

“We hope parents who have talented children like Janet can take comfort and be inspired by her being motivated to move forward.

“Some parents don’t know how or where to start, and I hope that with my journey, I can inspire them as well,” said Moi.

A painting titled ‘Multi Colour Roses’.

“Janet Lee” is a brand that focuses on positivity, empowerment and gratitude, she added.

“Blossoming Colours” is ongoing until March 31. Viewing is by appointment only, via the link on the gallery’s Instagram @artistjanetlee

The Janet Lee Gallery is at 20-1-4, Jalan 2/10C, Cheras Business Centre in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.

Lee also has a collaborative arm, “Art Beyond The Canvas”, where she turns her artwork into retail merchandise, and a portion of the sales are donated to the Rumah Qaseh Ibu orphanage.

For the original article: visit https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2022/03/09/blossoming-through-art