KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 — At 70, most people would be content to take life easy; read a book, enjoy some coffee and simply watch the world go by. But for Smith Sein Lynn, 73, he keeps a hectic pace which life has to keep up with.

Watercolour ‘Canal Scene’ depicts a busy morning market in Thailand.

A graduate of Rangoon University and trained at the Academy of Art Dresden, Germany, Smith is not only a full-time artist and art lecturer, but also runs an art school and gallery in Bangkok where he has been based for over 20 years.

At his most recent solo show in Malaysia entitled “Oriental Dreams”, Smith, whose Myanmar name Sein Lynn means “Light of the Diamond”, continues to surprise his collectors and fans with works that shine with youthful vigour. This is his fifth solo in the country.

“At 73, I think I still have to explore new uses and techniques to enlighten society on various subjects,” he said. “And I will continue to inspire them as long as I live.

“This solo exhibition depicts realism and modern art which reflect my philosophy towards the Asian way of life,” he said.

At the show held at City Art Gallery in Jalan Ampang, Smith showcases 21 works done in watercolour, mixed-media and oil. The Myanmar master artist shows his experience and versatility in handling a wide range of subjects, ranging from traditional landscape and life of the common people of Burma to the more modern works in his “Lady with the Mask” series which was conceived recently.

If his earlier works celebrated the environment and life around him and his countrymen, Smith surprises many young collectors with his latest exploration of various themes around women, their dreams, and desires. 

Mixed media on canvas, ‘Juliet’ examines a woman’s dreams and desires.

These contemporary pieces feature Asian women as the main subject matter and were inspired by women whom Smith came across during his research and gathering of material.

In most of the pieces, the woman and her mask are almost inseparable. Generous play of vibrant colours such as flaming red, bold orange, neon blue, and glittering gold make the subjects come alive as the veteran artist encrypts his works with his philosophy on the canvas.

In the piece “Juliet”, for instance, a woman is depicted with a jewel encrusted golden opera mask. She is dressed in black chiffon blouse with colourful embellishments. An emerald pendant sits just above her left breast, closest to her heart. Above her left shoulder is a dream-like outline of a Venetian gondola.

Juliet’s silent stare raises a hundred questions in the viewer’s mind. Who is this woman behind the golden mask? Is she yearning for the material comforts of life? Or is she merely a stage performer and all the material possessions around her are not what they appear to be? Only the artist can tell.

‘Hot and Cold’ — another mixed media on canvas — captures the moods of a woman.

In “Hot and Cold”, Smith portrays the different moods of the women using different colours. One woman is featured against a backdrop of red, hinting of sensuality. At her side is another woman, separated by a glass panel, depicted in a relaxed mood, in blue, taking a bath.

For followers of Smith’s traditional subject themes, there are two outstanding pieces on display. In the Song of Pagan, Smith features a farmer driving a bullock cart home after a long day. The countryside, with an old ruin as the backdrop, is bathed in the golden yellow of fading light in this oil piece. 

Light from the setting sun is well played against the shadows to bring out the details of the ruin. One can almost feel the quiet that is about to descend upon the countryside.

Another piece is “Canal Scene”, depicting a floating market in Thailand. The artist’s mastery of the tonal values in this piece, such as the wake left behind by the sampans and the misty horizon, brings the lively floating market scene into the living room. It was as if one was looking through a window of one’s room down at the floating market below.

Oil painting ‘Song of Pagan’ shows a sunset in the Myanmar countryside.

‘The Legend’ — mixed media — explores local folklore.

With over 200 group and solo shows in South-east Asia and Europe over the past 25 years under his belt, Smith still takes part in several group shows in Thailand each year and tries to do at least a solo abroad.

Blessed with three sons, two of whom are following in his footsteps, Smith said his gallery and his art are his legacy to his children.

“But creating paintings will remain my main duty for society,” he added.

Smith’s show at City Art Gallery ends on December 25. For details, call: 03-2775 3993