Emerging artist Fletcher Then Thye Tien, inspired by Kandinsky, Picasso, and Warhol, blends vibrant colours and semi-abstract expressions to challenge traditional art norms. Despite his culinary arts background, Fletcher’s passion for art has been a lifelong journey, enriched by his multicultural roots and global experiences.
Vibrant Expressions
His work features veritable shapes using a bright colour palette, and in a controversial manner, it draws your attention. The artist rejects the “rules” of traditional art, with imperfect strokes that emphasise colour, composition, and emotion instead.
Currently based in Sibu, in the East Malaysian region of Sarawak, this emerging artist is inspired by Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944), the creator of the first modern abstract paintings, and Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), whose art style is characterised by large, colourful surfaces and distorted proportions.
Thirty-three-year-old Fletcher Then Thye Tien is a graduate in culinary arts from Melbourne, Australia, but he is keener to establish himself as an artist.
He said, “Ever since I was 10 years old, I have loved art, and during my travels, I make it a point to visit a gallery or an exhibition. My medium is mixed media, using crayon, acrylic, and watercolours. I like to present my art in rich colours, similar to those seen in the works of famous artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Picasso, and Andy Warhol, who was a leading figure in the pop art movement.”
Coming from a family with a Chinese background, Fletcher thinks there are many rules and cultural aspects that need to be learned.
“Sarawak is so diverse in culture, and we, as citizens of a multiracial country like Malaysia, should embrace each other’s cultures and languages,” he said, claiming he can speak many different dialects, including a family dialect.
His artwork is influenced by our diverse local culture, but he paints with semi-abstract expressions.
Nowadays, the younger generation, like millennials, are participating in major acquisitions at auctions. Buyer taste has changed; classic art has waned, and more contemporary art is being produced.
Fletcher’s “Portrait of a Cheongsam Lady” is particularly interesting. In fact, it is his favourite, and he admitted that he went to his mother’s closet to take a close look at her cheongsams. The work took him almost three months, as he added different elements each time.
“This painting is a memorable one, showing respect to my mum. The lotus flower on the green cheongsam is a symbol of strength. She gave birth to me and continues to take care of me even now when I am not in the best of health. The armchair with peonies is my symbol of love and honour for her. Peony flowers have a great deal of meaning. Not only can they symbolise prosperity, good fortune, and happiness, but peonies can also symbolise honour and compassion,” said Fletcher, the filial son.
“First Portrait of the Cheongsam Lady” is my favourite. I like his odd expression, the strong colours, and the lady who seems to have different personalities or strengths.
When asked who his biggest influence was, besides the great abstract artists he had highlighted, he said: “My mum and my teacher! My mum brought me to art school and encouraged me in art since I was six years old. My first art piece was drawing in my textbook, and later, I drew action figures of Ultraman or Power Rangers during high school. I was also taken around the world to visit art galleries, including the famous Louvre Museum in Paris.”
About his thoughts on what art can bring to our society, he said that art and design are expressions of culture and can enhance the cohesion of the global village. People can gain a deeper understanding of the culture of other regions through art.
“It plays important roles in every human society. It can inspire our thoughts, improve emotions, promote cultural exchange, enhance social cohesion, and reflect and explore social issues. Art can also serve as a catalyst for change, driving social reform and innovation.”
Fletcher can be contacted at thsbfletcherthen@gmail.com.
