From Ipoh to the Louvre; A Young Artist to Look Out For
By KT Leong
The art scene in Ipoh has experienced a shift over the years. While it was once known for historical heritage and street art, a more contemporary and youth driven community is now flourishing. Places like People of Remarkable Talent (PORT) or 22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery, and events like the Ipoh International Art Festival (IIAF), provide the platform for young artists to thrive.
But the young talent of the future might not be gathering at these places. Some of them may be more low key.
Ipoh Echo has recently come across one such young talent. Her name’s Marion See Leen, who is currently studying at Quest International University, Ipoh. Despite only having attended art classes since 2022, she’s already an accomplished artist who just October last year, won a Gold Award at the 2025 Louvre International Art Competition, organised by the Union of Western and Eastern Education (UWEE).
But as remarkably creative and enchanting as her work was, the story of how it came to hang on the walls of the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, France, shows just how low key Marion is.
The piece, which won her the gold award and a letter of appreciation from the Chairman of the Education, Higher Education, Youth, and Sports Committee for the state of Perak, was just a piece that she had completed and left sitting idly in a room. Her mother was the one who recognised its quality and submitted it for her. When Marion first received the message, early in the morning, telling her that she had won, she simply went back to bed.
Besides that, Marion had also won 3rd Prize and Gold Award at the 2025 International Young Painter Open Competition organised by Yrete Tenue International Culture Fellowship, and participated in the Malaysia Top 10 Outstanding Young Artists Awards 2024 by The One Academy.
All this while not even 19 years of age yet.
Ipoh is a city of hidden gems and Marion is a shining example of one. As she furthers her education and continues to polish her skills, the art scene’s youth can look forward to adding one more member to its ranks.
