Paddy Fields

My fascination with the paddy fields of Sekinchan began in 2017, following an en plein air painting trip with a group of fellow artists. I was immediately struck by the vastness of the landscape—the expansive fields stretching endlessly toward the horizon, articulated by precise, orderly grids. Immersed in this environment, I experienced a profound sense of space and freedom, alongside a quiet reflection on humanity’s relationship with nature: our desire to impose order while remaining deeply dependent on the nourishment of the earth.

As I later learned more about the cycles of paddy cultivation and harvest, the landscape revealed itself as a powerful metaphor for life. The recurring rhythms of labor, endurance, harvest, and renewal mirror the chapters of our own existence, reminding us to embrace change with grace—even when outcomes differ from our expectations. Beyond their poetic resonance, the paddy fields stand as enduring symbols of Asia’s rice bowl, representing abundance, sustenance, and prosperity.

In 2017, I presented my first series inspired by the Sekinchan paddy fields in Kuala Lumpur. This exploration continued in 2021 with a second series created for my solo exhibition in Singapore. To this day, the paddy fields remain a source of joy, contemplation, and ongoing inspiration in my artistic practice.