The local art scene has regretfully lost a prominent figure on 26th February. Renowned Chinese ink painter and calligrapher Chung Chen Sun (钟正山) reportedly passed away yesterday afternoon at the age of 89.
The founder of the Malaysian Institute of Art had allegedly been ill prior to his passing. According to his daughter, Chung Chen Sun had been hospitalised and recovering before he took a turn for the worse.
Speaking to Sin Chew Daily, Chen Sun’s daughter shared that her father had gone to a medical center before Chinese New Year for a checkup after experiencing pain in his stomach. It was discovered that his intestines had ruptured and he required minor surgery.
The operation reportedly went smoothly and Chen Sun was recovering well. However, before the doctor could approve of his discharge, Chen Sun’s condition worsened. Allegedly, he had gotten a bacterial infection in his lungs. “In the end, there was no way to save him,” his daughter reportedly said.
Chen Sun was born in Melaka in 1935 and graduated from Singapore’s Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. Known for his mastery in Chinese ink painting and Chinese calligraphy, Chung Chen Sun’s dedication to the art was admirable, as he continuously pushed to promote it via international art education programs, later earning him the nickname Father of Contemporary Art Education.
Chung Chen Sun reportedly passed away at Sunway Velocity Medical Center in Cheras around 1pm on 26th February. His family will be setting up a funeral service later at a memorial hall in Sungai Besi.
Our hearts go out to all who knew him and were inspired by his work. We sincerely hope they will find peace in his passing and that his legacy will not be forgotten in his wake.
Sources: China Press, The Star
