My 'Odd-Balls'

....and now I present my 'odd-ball' works. Why 'odd-ball' because they do not fall into any category..they are just me toying around with creative ideas. Did them when I was having a mental block. Enjoy....

Wayang Kulit Series 2

Year : 2008
Size : 66 x 91 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


My Pseudo-Chinese Series

Auspicious Baby

Year : 2008
Size : 76 x 76 cm
Acylic On Canvas


Heavenly Fairy

Year : 2008
Size : 91 x 122 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


3 Pieces of Works Done With Regards to Global Warming


Plastic Bag Scourge

Year : 2008
Size : 91 x 91 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


Future Legacy.....

Year : 2008
Size : 66 x 88 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


Unforgiving Truth

Year : 2008
Size : 66 x 88 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


Paintings For Longevity ....

Longevity Pink

Longevity Blue

Potraiture

...it's so Beautiful (Sold)

Year : 2008
Size : 53 x 79 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


Networking

Year : 2008
Size : 91 x 91 cm
Acrylic On Canvas

Organic Origins - My 2nd Solo Art Exhibition at a2 Gallery from July 25th to August 16th, 2008

The 14 paintings that were exhibited at the gallery are as below.

As I See It...

Year : 2008
Size : 91 x 91 cm
Acrylic On Canvas

Attachment (Sold)

Year : 2008
Size : 122 x 66 cm
Acrylic On Canvas

Aura

Year : 2008
Size : 136 x 110 cm
Acrylic On Canvas

Blue Endearment (Sold)

Year : 2008
Size : 91 x 91 cm
Acrylic On Canvas

Couplet (Sold)

Year : 2008
Size : 92 x 142 cm
Acrylic On Canvas

Entanglement (Sold)
Year : 2008
Size : 91 x 91 cm
Acrylic On Canvas

Episode l, ll, lll, lV

Year : 2008
Size : 40 x 40 cm each (Set of 4)
Acrylic On Canvas

Euphoria

Year : 2008
Size : 66 x 116 cm
Acrylic On Canvas

Illumination

Year : 2008
Size : 105 x 65 cm
Acrylic On Canvas

Interplay l, ll, lll (Sold)

Year : 2008
Size : 55 x 55 cm each (Set of 3)

Magnetic Field (Sold)

Year : 2008
Size : 122 x 91 cm
Acrylic On Canvas

Magnetism (Sold)

Year : 2008
Size : 92 x 122 cm
Acrylic On Canvas

Radiation (Sold)

Year : 2008
Size : 122 x 92 cm
Acrylic On Canvas

To The Core

Year : 2008
Size : 91 x 121 cm

Acrylic On Canvas

As quoted by the curator of the gallery on my 2nd solo :

Organic Origins, a solo exhibition of Acrylic works by Esther Reutens, one of Penang's own Artists, will be opened July 25th at a2 Gallery, 27 Bangkok Lane at 8pm.

Esther, born in Penang in 1952, is a self taught Artist (her artistic genes could have been inherited from her Art Teacher Father). Creatively talented but discouraged by negative opinions, she spent the last 25 years of her life in creative exile. A 10-month art course in USM in 1980 could have spurred her to continue working on and showing her works to a select few.

In June, 2007, she had a solo showing followed by a group show, "Deciphering the Body", at a2 Gallery, Penang.

Being female, and at her peak of creativity, Esther is still very much into experimentation and new subjects, something very few females artists of her genre seek to attempt.

"I do not follow trends or techniques, I wish to let the psyche of my environment lead me on. A ray of sunlight, the rainbow colours of oil on a puddle of water. All these inspire me to paint. There need not be a message or meaning to my work, only that it comes from my inner-self and the love of painting what I feel."

"My friends say that I am a simple yet complicated person!"

Esther paints with joyful intensity and constant movement. Working around her canvases, she lays down pure colours, that merge and separate to generate amazing perspectives. Her forms are strokes of layered colour over a contrasting background, creating depth through colour intensity.

"In my childhood, I preferred painting rather than playing with toys!"

The works featured are contemporary abstracts of organic origins. Mundane organic forms, not worthy of a second glance, take on a new lease of life on Esther's canvases. They aptly highlight this eagerness of hers to experiment and explore.

Colour, form & texture each vie for attention, bringing the compositions to life with a vibrancy that defies time.

Recognising the subject's origins is irrelevant. Appreciating the life injected into the mundane is inspiration enough!

Organic Origins - My 2nd Solo Exhibition (25th July until 16th August, 2008)

I'm back!!! SORRY for the silence...

I've been ultra creative these past few months experimenting on techniques, ideas and themes to prepare for my solo. After many trials, a2 Gallery accepted to put up my 2nd solo themed "Organic Origins". It's a contemporary abstract rendition of seed and plants I meet up everyday during my morning walks around my neighbourhood. Enjoy them for now at the gallery's website http://www.a2artgallery.com/Esther/thumbnail.html

Will write more about the episode after I get more feedback. I am now taking a short few days break from creativity to catch up with life's more mundane priorities like major 'house cleaning'!!!

Below are some visuals on my opening on July 25th, 2008

The a2 Gallery at 27 Bangkok Lane
10250Penang, Malaysia

Frontage of the a2 Gallery

Esther next 'to the core'

Interior of the gallery

Another interior setting of the gallery

The 'Aura' with Esther

'Attachment' with Esther

Guests viewing 'To the core'

Sharing a joke at the 'Couplet'

Guests admiring the paintings

Guests listening to Esther's explanation

Esther showing a sample of her inspiration - a 'biji saga' pod

She's very happy with 'Magnetism'

Art Life After My 1st Solo Exhibition

My 1st solo exhibition, entitled Eclectic Mindscape, exposed me to the art circle of Penang. After being a near recluse and self-imposed exile from the art scene (after 25 years), this encounter gave me mixed feelings of exhilaration and frustrating confusion.

Exhilaration came about from the recognition that Esther Reutens existed but then confusion arose from criticisms from many quarters. To cut things short, my perception of the outcome was this:

a) Malaysian culture especially Penang's is not a strong advocate for abstract / contemporary art, let alone the idea of adorning the home with art.
Sadly and shockingly even among my close schoolmates, my exhibition was the 1st and only art exhibition they had attended in their 55 years. And believe me, they are an educated lot.

Esther's Schoolmates Giving Their Support

b) The biodata / 'going overseas to study art' questions put to me constantly made me wonder whether without these credentials, you are basically an art nobody - talent or no talent.

c) The question of where 'is your style' / identity followed.

d) Then the discouraging perceived 'rules' and 'age factor' on what is necessary for fine art from curators and collectors alike came down hard on me.

The end result - a sense of being lost, like as if my soul was being regulated into different avenues of thought. It was from these differing avenues that I have ventured / experimented with different 'styles', although again observers will disagree with me - I am still strongly advocating my interests, namely - brilliant colours and the 'Play Theory' in art.

From abstract to photographic / illustrative renditions, welcome to the new series of Esther Reutens' Art World.

Fire Ice

Year : 2007
Size : 91 x 122 cm
Acrylic On Canvas
(Realistic Abstract)

Exotic Folds

Year : 2007
Size : 91 x 122 cm
Acrylic On Canvas
(Realistic Abstract)

The painting below (Interactive Culture) was exhibited in the Penang State Art Gallery in conjunction with the Pesta Pulau Pinang 2007.

Interactive Culture

Year : 2007
Size : 75.5 x 57 cm
Acrylic On Canvas
(Illustrative Rendition)


Concentration

Year : 2007
Size : 60 x 48.5 cm
Acrylic On Canvas
(Illustrative Rendition)


Portraitures - Illustrative Portraits with Cultural Nuances

Aquarius

Year : 2007
Size : 46 x 46 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


Facade

Year : 2007
Size : 44.5 x 60 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


Tattered Future

Year : 2007
Size : 44.5 x 60 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


I Want To Go To School (Sold)

Year : 2007
Size : 46 x 46 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


Maxuda - Water Fire Boy (Sold)

Year : 2007
Size : 46 x 46 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


Freedom (Sold)

Year : 2007
Size : 46 x 46 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


Green Eyed Bitch

Year : 2007
Size : 46 x 46 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


Little Emperor

Year : 2007
Size : 46 x 46 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


PMS Syndrome

Year : 2007
Size : 46 x 46 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


Penetration (Sold)

Year : 2007
Size : 46 x 46 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


Indian Girl (Sold)

Year : 2008
Size : 61 x 55 cm
Mixed Media On Canvas


Gold Face

Year : 2008
Size : 61 x 61 cm
Mixed Media On Canvas


Lunar Wish

Year : 2008
Size : 45 x 45 cm
Mixed Media On Canvas


Frigid Concubine

Year : 2007
Size : 58.5 x 61 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


Her Commitment

Year : 2007
Size : 30.5 x 69 cm
Acrylic On Canvas

(1 of 2 panels)


His Commitment

Year : 2007
Size : 30.5 x 69 cm
Acrylic On Canvas

(1 of 2 panels)


Cultural Heritage With Feng Shui Elements

Dragon Series 1

Year : 2007
Size : 55.5 x 60 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


Dragon Series 2

Year : 2007
Size : 55.5 x 60 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


Happiness 2

Year : 2007
Size : 45 x 68 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


Nine Fishes

Year : 2007
Size : 90 x 48 cm
Acrylic On Canvas


The next 3 'Nude' paintings were exhibited in the A2 Gallery, Penang from Nov 30 to Dec 18, 2007. The show was entitled "Deciphering The Body".

Violet (Sold)

Year : 2007
Size : 50 x 76 cm
Mixed Media On Canvas


Marblerela

Year : 2007
Size : 50 x 92 cm
Mixed Media On Canvas


Pink Lady

Year : 2007
Size : 50 x 92 cm
Mixed Media On Canvas


Washing Hair (Sold)

Year : 2007
Size : 50 x 75 cm
Mixed Media On Canvas


WATCH OUT FOR OTHER ASPECTS OF MY ART LIFE SOON!!!

Paintings At The Eclectic Mindscape Exhibition

The 'Play' theory sets in strongly in my artworks. Colors are raw and bright. There is a strong design element in them.



Sensual Rhapsody (Sold)

Year : 1981
Size : 92 x 183 cm
Mixed Media On Canvas
















Purple Rhapsody

Year : 1981
Size : 123 x 123 cm
Mixed Media On Canvas











Rainbow Bird

Year : 1981
Size : 92 x 183 cm
Mixed Media On Canvas















Growth

Year : 1981
Size : 153 x 114 cm
Mixed Media On Canvas









Spark Of Life

Year : 1981
Size : 99 x 153 cm
Mixed Media On Canvas













Wayang Kulit Pink (Sold)

Year : 1980
Size : 91 x 60 cm
Mixed Media On Canvas







Wayang Kulit Orange

Year : 1980
Size : 78 x 80 cm
Mixed Media On Canvas








RainBow Mat
(Set Of Three)

Year : 2005
Size : 162 x 77 cm
Mixed Media On Plastic Board





Refractions

Year : 2006
Size : 54 x 77 cm
Mixed Media On Plastic Board










Gold Mania (Sold)

Year : 2006
Size : 77 x 54 cm
Mixed Media On Plastic Board






Blue Mania

Year : 2006
Size : 54 x 77 cm
Mixed Media On Plastic Board











Pink Bamboo

Year : 2006
Size : 108 x 77 cm
Mixed Media On Plastic Board






Happiness

Year : 2006
Size : 108 x 77 cm
Mixed Media On Plastic Board






Fireworks

Year : 2006
Size : 58 x 171 cm
Mixed Media On Tarpaulin














Fire Stone

Year : 2006
Size : 77 x 108 cm
Mixed Media On Plastic Board











Wau

Year : 2006
Size : 154 x 108 cm
Mixed Media On Plastic Board








Coloured Stone (Sold)

Year : 2007
Size : 77 x 54 cm
Acrylic On Plastic Board







Life Changes

Year : 2006
Size : 108 x 77 cm
Mixed Media On Plastic Board








Wayang Kulit Blue

Year : 2007
Size : 91 x 168 cm
Mixed Media On Synthetic Paper















Water (Sold)

Year : 2006
Size : 77 x 54 cm
Mixed Media On Plastic Board






Fire (Sold)

Year : 2006
Size : 77 x 54 cm
Mixed Media On Plastic Board






Metal

Year : 2006
Size : 77 x 54 cm
Mixed Media On Plastic Board







Transformation (Sold)

Year : 2007
Size : 91 x 122 cm
Acrylic On Canvas
















Chinese Gong (Sold)

Year : 2007
Size : 61 x 91 cm
Acrylic On Canvas











Tribal Aura (Sold)

Year : 2007
Size : 61 x 122 cm
Acrylic On Canvas















Perspex Painting Decorative Charm & Blind
(Sold)

Year : 2007
Size : 122 x 91 cm
Acrylic On Canvas








The Controversial 'Bocor' Word

Year : 2007
Size : 91 x 122 cm
Acrylic On Canvas














Green Frog (Sold)

Year : 2005
Size : 64 cm Diameter
Mixed Media On Tarpaulin










Catch Gold (Sold)

Year : 2006
Size : 80 cm Diameter
Mixed Media On Tarpaulin












Wayang Kulit Green (Sold)

Year : 2006
Size : 80 cm Diameter
Mixed Media On Canvas











Ethnic Masks

Year : 2006
Size : 117 x 86 cm
Mixed Media On Tarpaulin








Meditative Mask

Year : 2006
Size : 73 x 159 cm
Mixed Media On Tarpaulin

Preparation & Opening of Eclectic Mindscape

Esther Working Hard To Put Up The Paintings At The Gallery

Dato Anwar Fazal Delighted With The Colours

Tunku Congratulates Esther

Tunku Opens The Exhibition

Esther With Tunku's Wife

Encik Ismail Hashim Having Some Discussions With Esther

Dr Chew Teng Beng & Mdm Oh At The Exhibition

Mr Chew, Mr Aslam And Mr Allan Soon

Esther With Mr & Mrs Tan Leong Theng

Paintings Exhibited At The Gallery

More Paintings Seen At The Gallery

Paintings Exhibited At The Gallery

Eclectic Mindscape - My First Solo Exhibition

I had my 1st solo exhibition from June 3, 2007 - June 30, 2007 at the Ghara Seni Tanjung Art Gallery and it was officiated and opened by Y.T.M. Tunku Dato' Dr Ismail Jewa D.S.D.K., P.K.T., P.K., P.P.A. Vice President of Penang Heritage Trust. My appreciation and heartiest 'Thank You' to Tunku for graciously agreeing to open this exhibition.

After paying my dues to society and family as a wife and mother, I went back on the creative track again. PLAY was the key word to describe my style. I shun away from realistic renditions because to me they were too full of disciplines, restrictions and expectations. I am passionate about colour first, then the design and finally the incidental 'just put it in' element in my work. No stories, no meanings, just sheer creative colourful fun. Finding titles was really an unwanted necessity. Inspiration was from nowhere and everything. I went through phases of heightened imagery in a somewhat trance-like state, then the Esther 'just wants to have fun' kicks in. Some works have a more intentional design to them as these were originally done to adorn my home.

If there was such a thing as creative evolution, I want to experience it in my future works. Simply put, I love the power of being creative.

Being a Penang Eurasian with a really mixed up 'rojak' parentage there was no concrete symbol to identify my Eurasian heritage except for the use of the western attire and food we eat thus I borrowed the rich heritage from the other races especially the Malay, Chinese and the Indian festival colours. I do have a soft spot for the Wayang Kulit - a disappearing heritage art form, One of my first ever paintings proper is a portrayal of the Wayang Kulit done in 1980. I also love the Chinese concept of Feng Shui and used it in some of my works.

Eclectic Mindscape takes you through my creative works from the early 1980's to 2007. I am a very strong advocate for the "Play Theory" in art. I love colour, experimentation, change and design. What is my style.....? I have no style, I just want to have fun. I'm a rebel refusing to 'kowtow' to traditionalist rules and regulations from the art fraternity on how a piece of artwork must be done or viewed. I love going through the process of creative evolution. I look forward to experimentation. I love the anticipation of the results and believe me, I have murdered a couple of art pieces because the end result was disastrous. Creativity gives me a sense of power and achievement. My paintings are the crystallization of my being in life. Inspiration is from everywhere and from everything. My artwork is an ongoing learning experience. Art now plays a major part in my life. Before that the demands of family life took priority.

This Eclectic presentation of abstract and semi abstract paintings can easily enhance your home or office.