On a recent visit to the sanctuary of It Hao Pheh’s art studio in the leafy suburbs of Melbourne, the artist revealed with endearing humility a new series of paintings destined for his 19th Solo exhibition. It became clearly apparent that I was in the presence of a true master of the watercolour genre. His extraordinary works display a breath-taking mastery of composition and reflect an inimitable style. He displays a striking virtuosity in capturing the often illusive and ephemeral nature of light on his subjects. With great dexterity, his latest series encapsulates both large panoramic cityscapes and intricate miniature masterpieces. It Hao is truly an enigmatic artist. His paintings may appear at first to be a traditional account of the subject, yet as we look closer, the works move beyond conventions. They evolve into something much more resonant and profound.

It Hao Pheh was born in Penang, Malaysia, in 1972. The capital city, Georgetown, being on the UNESCO world heritage list, is celebrated for its diverse historical buildings. The city’s eclectic cultural influences became an early source of fascination for him, especially the classical influence he observed in the numerous colonial buildings residing in the streets he loved to explore. He would later pursue this architectural interest working as a draughtsman, creating drawings for a notable architectural firm in Kuala Lumpur.

He embraced his newfound journey into the art world at just sixteen years of age. It Hao rapidly became a proficient watercolourist, developing his own unique style and attracting a loyal following of art students to his studio. He had effectively commenced his lifelong dedication to teaching as a respected art tutor.

He was invited to enter the national scholarship competition, organised by the Malaysia Institute of Art. His natural talent resulted in the offer of a full-time scholarship upon which he successfully graduated with a Diploma in Fine Art. He travelled to the UK to engage in further art studies, completing an Honours Degree in Fine Art at The Surrey Institute of Art and Design, University College.

With a freshly ignited appetite to travel, It Hao began exploring major cities in both Europe and Asia in search of new sources of inspiration for his art practice. The journey would be pathed with discoveries, challenges and artistic breakthroughs.

The 'Window Journey' series was just one of the acclaimed solo exhibitions stimulated by his inspired visual diaries derived from these extensive journeys.

Choosing to live in Melbourne as a professional artist and art tutor rejuvenated his creative purpose, particularly as the city offered a myriad of classical architectural buildings which he had always admired. It was simply an irresistible opportunity for him to highlight in the watercolour medium the sublime grace of these grandiose buildings. The city’s amiable people and their appreciation of their cultural heritage also had a positive effect on It Hao’s creative expression.

His paintings reminds us that our present awareness and sense of belonging can be significantly enhanced by the depiction of rare beauty imbued in the architecture that came before us.

It Hao Pheh has elevated the genre of architectural paintings to a new level. The decades of artistic exploration have refined his acute observations, harmonious palette and instinctive tonal mastery. His style possesses a rare sensitivity and captures a sensuous translucent light. As privileged viewers, we are left joyful and enriched by the experience of his art, knowing he has the rare ability to move hearts and take us to a grander place in the imagination.

It Hao Pheh’s current exhibition hints at a heightened humanity, reflecting upon the spiritual aspirations imbedded in the heart of both iconic and classical architecture. In his own words, 'As I observe my surroundings, I notice the crossway between the horizontal and vertical lines, and to me, the horizontal is unlimited whereas the vertical is majestic; and when they intersect, it is perfection.' In the artist’s view, the horizontal aspect becomes symbolic of the unlimited creativity of man and the vertical a reflection and expression of divinity.

We observe the artist has stayed true to his art and his life’s work.

It Hao Pheh’s paintings will remain timeless. A frequent recipient of major art awards, he will continue to be eagerly collected, impressing art collectors and the upper echelons of the international art world for years to come.