A Journey Shaped by Persistence and Place
By SeeFoon
By any measure, the recent art exhibition at Meru Valley Golf Resort was a resounding success. Most of the works were sold, conversations flowed freely, and the atmosphere was one of quiet appreciation. Yet for Dey Tai, the artist behind the exhibition, the event represented something deeper than commercial achievement — it marked a full-circle moment in a lifelong journey shaped by resilience, independence, and an unwavering commitment to self-expression.
Born and raised in Ipoh, the artist’s path into the art world was far from conventional. After completing her secondary school education, she was unable to pursue formal training in art — not due to lack of talent, but because of societal expectations placed on women at the time.
“I wasn’t given the opportunity to attend art school,” she shared. “So I had to learn everything on my own — through exploration, books, online resources, and many years of trial and error.”
That self-taught foundation became the bedrock of her practice. Over the years, her work has evolved through distinct phases — beginning with abstract and figurative explorations, and gradually moving toward a more contemporary modern language. Experimentation has remained a constant.
“I enjoy challenging traditional boundaries,” she said. “That means working with different mediums, colours, and styles, and allowing the work to change as I do.”
Her dedication to process is as important as the finished piece. Unlike many artists who outsource preparation, she is involved from the very beginning — stretching raw canvasses, applying gesso, priming surfaces — all the way through to personally delivering completed works to collectors.
“Being involved in every part of the process matters to me,” she explained. “It’s how I stay connected to the work.”
Inspiration, she says, comes from the world around her — from contemporary society, lived experiences, and quiet observations. Each decision within a painting is deliberate, from technique and materials to style and subject matter.
“Nothing is accidental,” she noted. “Every choice plays a role in how the piece communicates.”
Holding her most recent exhibition in Ipoh carried particular emotional weight. Returning to her hometown to share her work created an environment she describes as intimate and grounding.
“It became a space for reflection, conversation, and connection,” she said. “That meant a great deal to me.”
For this artist, success is not defined by milestones or destinations. Instead, it lies in the act of continuing — of remaining open to growth, curiosity, and discovery.
“Art isn’t about arriving somewhere,” she reflected. “It’s an ongoing journey — of expression, learning, and understanding myself a little more each time.”
As the sold tags at Meru Valley Golf Resort quietly testified, that journey resonates — not only with the artist herself, but with the community that continues to engage with and support her work.
