“Truth and Love: Heng Eow Lin’s Blissful Creation – A Retrospective and Donation Exhibition” Opens in Penang

On 13 June 2026, “Truth and Love: Heng Eow Lin’s Blissful Creation – A Retrospective and Donation Exhibition,” organised by SGM Penang, opened at the SGM Penang Culture Centre. The opening ceremony was officiated by Penang Port Commission chairperson cum Tourism Malaysia deputy chairperson Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, and attracted over 160 art enthusiasts. The exhibition will run until 28 June 2026.

The exhibition features 57 paintings and sculptures by renowned Malaysian artist Heng Eow Lin, including his “Singapore Period,” “Travel,” “New Life,” “Mother’s Love,” “Children/Play,” “Love” and “Portrait” series.Together, they trace an artistic journey spanning decades, centred on the human experience.

In his address, Dato’ Yeoh remarked that Mr Heng’s works capture the warmth of childhood, motherhood and humanity through sincere and delicate artistic expression. He also praised the rich layers and inner vitality reflected in the artist’s sculptures, while expressing appreciation for SGM’s longstanding efforts in promoting arts and culture.

SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai noted that despite being in his 80s, Mr Heng continues to create with unwavering dedication and sincerity. He highlighted that the artist had previously donated the large bronze sculpture “Universal Love for Humanity” to SGM in 2011, which has since become a centrepiece at the SGI Asia Culture and Education Centre. On this occasion, Mr Heng further donated all 57 exhibited works to SGM for its collection, reflecting his desire to give back to society.

During the opening ceremony, renowned art critic and curator Ooi Kok Chuen delivered a keynote presentation entitled “You and I – The Human Portraits of Heng Eow Lin,” which was read on his behalf by distinguished artist Dr Chew Teng Beng. Mr Ooi described Mr Heng as an independent-minded and honest realist artist whose works consistently focus on ordinary people, conveying humour, affection and maternal love through themes such as children, lovers and family relationships.

From painting to sculpture, and from artistic creation to generous philanthropy, Mr Heng has spent decades documenting the most genuine emotional connections between people. This exhibition not only celebrates his artistic legacy, but also allows his works, imbued with truth and love, to continue inspiring the public and demonstrating the power of art to enrich society and move hearts.

Reported by Leang Hui Si, photographed by Shuan Tye and Tan Kean Leong