Recent Work by Yvonne Cheng

Yvonne Cheng was born in 1941 in Surabaya, Indonesia. From an early age she was educated in Dutch schools and privately tutored in art. Cheng's art schooling was in a variety of media; however, she has always been drawn to the human figure. In 1967 Cheng moved to Honolulu where she enrolled in a batik class at the Bishop Museum. She used batik as her primary medium from 1970 to the early 1980s. Later, she worked on paper and in collage. This exhibition presents several new acrylic paintings and large scale pastel drawings of Polynesian women.

Cheng's compositions are a melding of memories, influences and experiences and are not created from photographs or found images. Her figures are relaxed and are often lounging in comfortable positions, creating the feel of an "Island" lifestyle. Cheng's figures are layered in fabric decorated with patterns drawn from her extensive research on Hawaiian and Tahitian textile design including the ancient patterns of Hawaiian kapa cloth and the Tahitian pareo.

In Cheng's works, large areas of color are bounded by clearly marked lines. Recurring shapes help to unify the various patterns within the garments. Color fascinates Cheng and she is able to represent numerous emotions or moods by combining and layering the washes of acrylic paint. Cheng also draws inspiration from the environment surrounding her studio, located on four acres of lush foliage deep within Palolo valley.

In her pastel drawings, the gestural quality of a single, quickly drawn line shows a mastery of the medium and envelops the figure in such a way that it seems to have appeared magically. Another detail of interest is that the features of the women are treated loosely, yet an individual spirit appears to inhabit each figure.

Cheng's use of bright colors, bold patterns and balanced compositions creates pleasing images that portray a yearning for the simple, uncluttered "Island" lifestyle idealized by many who live and work in today's society.