Apart from being a qualified medical doctor, Caryn Koh obtained her Diploma in Fine Arts from Dasein Art Academy in Kuala Lumpur. Her works incorporate themes that thrive on emotional and psychological characteristics of individuals. Her series of illustrations known as Sekolah have gained a following along with her murals, which feature subjects that portray the tenderness of human emotions —a contrast against the turmoil of city life.

What are the usual themes in your work?
My artworks are usually personal as it revolves around my past and subjects dealing with life and death. Additionally, I reimagine myself during my adolescent years in various situations based on I’ve been through or my own personal thoughts on certain issues.

Tell us about your latest project/s or anything you are currently working on.
I’m working on a showcase of paintings as well as experimental works on relationships and connections between us, particularly focusing the one between mother and daughter. I am also participating in an International Container Street Art Festival which will be held in Penang Island with 9 other artists.

How do you study or research for a project?
With the given theme, I research the definitions of the subject matter, finding its direct meaning, then its rooted meanings. I will also research on its origin and history. I’ll write my thoughts down and carry out mind mapping. As I do so, I will try to understand and put in my perspective of the subject.

What are the processes involved in your art-making?
After research, I experiment, sketch different symbols and compositions that can emote the particular feelings I have. Usually in the beginning I would paint in a way of play, creating bigger brush strokes, expressive yet keeping the details later on to bring the painting together.

When working for an exhibition, how do you know which work to include?
I will go through the theme and against that, observe the works created to decide whether the works do convey the message I want to present. At times, involving further tweaking or omissions to reach the final stage.

Name some of the artists who have influenced you in your practice.
Liu Xiodong, who is a contemporary Chinese artist, a painter of modern life. Bill Viola, who is an American contemporary video artist in New Media.

Among your works, which of them could be called your favorites?
“Fragments”, multiple paintings of broken Malaysian school uniforms that I painted for during my solo exhibition with Artemis Art Gallery in Malaysia. Another one of my favourites is the video artwork I made at a place I call my serenity, titled “Right Here”, a single-channel video, also exhibited during my solo exhibition with Artemis Art Gallery.