In a world increasingly riven by hate and rivalry, Eng Tay’s utopia of family life and togetherness, even only on canvas, are heart-tugging paeans of love that reminds us of the forgetfulness of being human. Spending precious time together in simple pleasures can be far more touching and meaningful than the perfunctory gesture of showering each other with expensive gifts. It may just be an intimate tete a tete over tea, or playing chess in the park, or in this case creating a melodious tune that reverberates in the soul long after playing. As always, there is always the sense of plentiful, as shown by the bowl of fruits and vegetables on the small table covered with embroidered floral-lace cloth. It’s love that binds in spirit and makes the world go round. The theme gains greater resonance ever since the Sept 11, 2001 terror attacks on the World Trade Tower in New York, just a stone’s throw from one of Eng Tay’s apartments. Eng Tay has gained international recognition in the United States and Asia for his endearing figure types finely honed from his travels all over, especially to traditional societies, and from a half-century of creating in paint, prints and sculptures after his studies at the Art Students League, the New York School of Visual Arts and the Pratt Graphics Centre. Galeri Petronas honoured him with a Retrospective called Eng Tay: The Exhibition in 2009. His works are collected by institutions in Japan, United States, Taiwan and Malaysia, and he has commissioned monumental sculptures in Kuala Lumpur (Kiaraville SENI Condominiums in Mont Kiara, the Zehn Condominium in Pantai Hills, and the Marc Residences near KLCC).