In What Makes A Mountain, Yeoh Choo Kuan explores “Shan Shui”, branching from his Streaming Mountain series where his ‘paint streaming’ technique is employed as the element of “Shui” (water). The individual paintings are configured in an assorted format which are then placed in varying heights. The variation of heights mimic the layers and rhythm of mountain ridges, aligning with the idea of “Shan” (mountain). Through the process of paint dripping from different directions, the various gestures allow Yeoh the freedom to create and experience dynamics within each scene. To him, the process of making art and a mountain are the same, both challenge one’s perspective in understanding things differently and one must endure trials for things to be made right.


Credits: Yeoh Choo Kuan, Installation of What Makes a Mountain, 2022. Variable dimensions, acrylic on linen. Image courtesy of Yeoh Choo Kuan and RKFA.

Artists: Yeoh Choo Kuan