- February 3, 2019 @ 8:35pm
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| It took N. Poolohgasingam, or Poh Lo, 20 years to master the art. During Chinese New Year, hotels and malls seek him out for his skills. OLIVIA MIWIL writes. (NSTP/KHAIRULL AZRY BIDIN) |
WHEN Chinese New Year approaches, N. Poolohgasingam, 69, often has his hands full.
Poh Lo, as he is also known, is an expert in Chinese calligraphy. He is much sought after by hotels and shopping malls that want to bring “prosperity” to their patrons during the auspicious occasion.
His work, with its firm and tidy strokes, often depicts bamboos, floral motifs and mountains.
“I am mostly self-taught, but I did pick up some skills from several masters and experts. It took me about 20 years to master the art, but I am still learning.
“Besides Chinese, I also write in Arabic, Korean and Roman characters,” he said at Suria Sabah Mall in Kota Kinabalu recently.
Born in Johor, the Economics graduate and former businessman moved to Sabah about 40 years ago.
“If I had not quit business, I would not have realised my passion in Chinese calligraphy.”
For the past 10 years, Suria Sabah Mall has been inviting him two weeks before Chinese New Year to write calligraphy for patrons.
“The mall provides me a space, free of charge.
“Visitors who request writings get it for free. If they insist, (they can) pay any amount. I find joy in knowing that the patrons are satisfied with my work,” Poh Lo says.
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| N. Poolohgasingam, with a finished piece, which reads ‘ru yi ji xiang’, meaning good luck and happiness. (NSTP/KHAIRULL AZRY BIDIN) |
He says during Chinese New Year, people usually wish for family harmony, good health and prosperity to be written on the red Chinese couplet papers.
He says those words of wisdom, which he also writes on paper, cards and bookmarks, can motivate people.
“For Chinese characters, I use a brush, while for other styles, such as Arabic, Korean and Roman, I use a bamboo pen.”
This Chinese New Year will be his 21st year celebrating the festivity at Promenade Kota Kinabalu Hotel with his foster son and two grandchildren.
“As usual, I will spend a few hours at the hotel, doing calligraphy for guests on the first day of Chinese New Year.
“The proceeds go to the underprivileged of Bukit Harapan,” he says, adding that he has helped raise funds for several charities and schools through his calligraphy.
This Chinese New Year, Poh Lo, who also speaks Chinese and Kadazan, will join Malaysians to celebrate the festive occasion.
Asked if any of his family members share his interest in calligraphy, Poh Lo shook his head.
“My son has no interest in calligraphy. Art cannot be forced. It’s driven by interest and passion.
“However, my grandson, Muha-mmad Qualish Rayyan, would play with ink and paper whenever I am practising. He could well be my successor,” Poh Lo says, adding that he plans to give talks to students on his journey and travel to China to learn more about the culture.
He says he will travel to Russia next year at the invitation of the Russian Calligraphy Museum to give a talk about his journey.
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