An Exclusive Dialogue with Artist-Scholar Dr Jolly Koh
Presented by The Culture Story
17 August 2017
The Culture Story hosted an exclusive event with Dr Jolly Koh, a leading Malaysian artist-scholar widely regarded as a seminal figure in modern Malaysian art. Known for his sharp intellect and outspoken nature, he is a fiery commentator on artistic discourse and the role of the artist in contemporary society.
In 1959, Koh pursued a National Diploma in Design at Hornsey College of Art and an Art Teacher’s Certificate in London. In 1975, he earned a Doctorate in Philosophy of Education from Indiana University on a Fulbright Scholarship.
Koh was part of the landmark GRUP exhibition in 1967, alongside Syed Ahmad Jamal, Latiff Mohidin, Ibrahim Hussein, Anthony Lau, Cheong Laitong, and Yeoh Jin Leng, often referred to as the “Magnificent Seven.”
Over the past 50 years, he has lived and worked in Malaysia, London, and Adelaide, balancing his artistic practice with a deep commitment to art education. His works are held in major private collections and institutions across Asia, including the National Visual Arts Gallery Malaysia and National Gallery Singapore.