This month, we feature artwork from the collection of Khai and Annie Lee
By Eeyan Chuah
Low Chee Peng, 1M (B series), (2020) Marble and Steel, H560 x W300 x L1200 mm. Image courtesy of Khai and Annie Lee
One Meter distance—the social distance to be maintained between two persons during the Covid pandemic. This sculpture was created as part of a series by sculptor Low Chee Peng while in isolation during the early days of lockdown in 2020.
At that time, the horrors of the virus had become a topic of concern all over the globe. With no complete understanding of the new-found virus, there were no clear measures for dealing with the global outbreak. Hospitals were overflowing, people all over the world were losing their jobs and risking their lives to provide for their families and yet, it was still not enough to overcome the stubbornness and ignorance of men to stop and reflect on our own humanity. Instead, our selfishness caused unnecessary confusion in dealing with the spread of the virus.
In this sculpture, the child’s gas mask brings about a cautionary sense of self-protection, evoking the terrors of past wars. Fingers intertwined in a handwashing posture, with a shadow bordering one metre ahead, this has now become everyone’s reality.
Hailing from Penang, Low Chee Peng is a self-taught sculptor with over 20 years’ experience. Upon graduation from high school, Low started an apprenticeship with a sculpture company and has never looked back since. As a sculptor, Low strives to create works that speak both to him and society. The figure of a baby or a toddler often takes centre stage in his works. For him, young infants represent us, humans, in our purest elements devoid of any worldly contamination and mortal distractions. This fragile innocence is lost in every individual as we grow up. In his own words: ‘I would like to recapture this purity and observe this adulterated world through the eyes of an innocent child.’
Eeyan Chuah—from Penang, lives in Penang. Writing is one of her very few skills.