From scars to sculptures: A look inside Gabriel Cheah's artistic journey

For many artists, art serves as a window into their souls, a way to convey what words often cannot. For Gabriel Cheah, art is a medium through which he represents his emotional scars, turning pain into beauty.

Gabriel is a 26-year-old ceramic, crystal and contemporary artist artist who creates beautiful art with narratives drawn from experiences of his own life.

Through his art, Gabriel intends to transport viewers to an alternate, more calm, post-apocalyptic world. At his very first exhibition titled COLLAPSE by Gabriel Cheah at HARTA, Gabriel shares the endearing story of his life and how his childhood was filled with many carefree days back in his kampung in Kuala Kangsar, where he enjoyed the simplicity of life outside the city.

But at the age of 13, he moved to Kuala Lumpur. Reflecting on the shift from a nature-filled childhood to the bustling city life, he admitted it was hard to fit in to the city lifestyle.

School life wasn’t any easier. “All the girls liked me, and all the guys hated me,” he laughed remembering his school days as one of the few Chinese students in a predominantly Malay school.

He was bullied, and that left deep emotional scars.

“In my paintings and art, you will see a lot of holes. They represent my scars," he said.

Art became Gabriel's refuge and a way to heal. Overtime, he built courage to stand up for himself and chase positive energy.

Gabriel's path to becoming an artist wasn't straightforward. Like many Asian parents, his wanted him to pursue a more traditional career.

"My dad wanted me to be a mechanic," he recalled.

But evidently, Gabriel had different plans. After a brief stint in luxury sales, he realised he needed a more fulfilling path. "Every day was the same. I needed something different," he said.

A friend's invitation to create sculptures for a show marked a turning point. Despite initial doubts, Gabriel took on the challenge, creating two concrete horses that sold for RM5,000 each.

This success boosted his confidence and solidified his artistic direction. "I think this was God's way of telling me what to do," he added.

Gabriel's art is deeply personal, reflecting his life experiences. His pieces, adorned with vibrant colors, symbolises the transformation of pain into beauty. "You can't change the scars, but you can make them look better," he explained.

He speaks candidly about the importance of mindset, urging others to "find joy in daily life" and to appreciate the small moments that often go unnoticed.

Always one who dares to try something new, he continuously embarks on making personal discoveries when it comes to experimenting with materials other than ceramics and European crystals.

But no matter how much he loves to explore different art forms, sculpting will always be his first love. COLLAPSE by Gabriel Cheah is available until July 27, 2024 at HARTA event space.