STROKE of INSPIRATION

Rooted in the philosophy of harmony and balance, Jaee Tee invites viewers to delve into the layers of meaning within her art

- Elizabeth Soong

Works of art can evoke curiosity and imagination in a viewer, inviting them to interpret the story behind the piece and uncover its deeper meaning. This is true for contemporary artist Jaee Tee, who shares, “I vividly remember the first time I encountered one of Anselm Kiefer’s massive pieces in the collection of Dato’ Azman, a prominent art collector in Asia—I was brought to tears. It was a powerful reminder of how art can stir up such intense emotions.”

In her artistic journey, Jaee Tee draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists from both the east and west, such as renowned figures like Zhang Da Qian and Liu Kuo Song for their ability to breathe new life into traditional Chinese art, as well as Zao Wou-Ki, who’s a master at blending eastern and western influences. She says, “What I truly admire about his work is how it seems to capture the very spirit of motion and energy. It’s as if his brushstrokes breathe life into the canvas,” she says.

As for the aforementioned Kiefer, a German painter and sculptor, Tee finds the sheer scale and complexity of his works “mind-blowing.” She adds, “What truly resonates with me is how he manages to convey such deep, layered emotions through his art.”