Eng Tay’s works revolve around the theme of relationships – between husband and wife, mother and child, siblings; and even in Post-911, communal togetherness as in his Columbus Park (New York) paintings. These endearing subject matters – whether executed in etchings, paintings or sculptures – are played out in exaggerated shapes, whimsical features, simple costumes and changing backdrops in soothing, melancholic colours. Much travelled and his heart drawn towards mostly traditional communities, Eng Tay harps on the essentials that define us, despite having lived in New York since 1968. He seems to be telling us through every pore of pigment in his painting that love indeed is what makes the world go around. The precious moments of togetherness, side by side, hand in hand, are all symbols of affection in Eng Tay’s works. The world of innocence and old-world charm stays in the art of Eng Tay, whose full name is Tay Eng Chye. After secondary education in Alor Setar, he took a bold step and headed for New York City to pursue his art education at the Art Students League (1969-1972) and then the Pratt Graphics Centre (1972-1977). He began exhibiting solo shows in the US for his prints, paintings and sculptures before etching his name in Malaysia and the rest of Asia. In 2009, Galeri Petronas hosted a retrospective entitled Eng Tay: The Exhibition.