Lily Foo Sau Kwan began her artistic journey in 2018, pursuing traditional Chinese ink painting with passion and dedication. Entering the art world later in life, her progress has been rapid and impactful, driven by continuous learning and a deep commitment to creative growth.

In 2022, she expanded her practice under the guidance of master artist Tay Poi San, exploring abstraction and blending contemporary techniques with traditional ink. Her works reflect themes of earth, myths, love, and life’s contemplations, expressed through vibrant colours, layered textures, dynamic lines, and intuitive gestures.

Key recognitions include:

• 2018 – Award of Excellence, Culture Art Competition, TeoChew Eight District Association (Youth Section)
• 2019 – Selected Award, National Elite Calligraphy Competition
• 2021 – Merit Award, Global Culture & Art Exhibition
• 2022 – Merit Award, Fo Guang Shan Hsing Ma Temple Competition (Open Group)
• 2023 – Second Prize, National Ink Painting Contest
• 2024 – Silver Award, Black & White Category, Superior Culture International Art Competition (Hong Kong)

She has exhibited widely, including the Wu Changshuo 180th Anniversary Memorial Exhibition (2024), the Southern Style – International Women’s Day Special Exhibition (2024, 2025), the Art from the Heart Exhibition (Wanawani ARt Center,Johor Bahru, 2025), Nanyang Impressions – Works by Members of the Malaysia Seal Engraving Association at China Seal Museum & Gushan Shanfang, Imaginative Artistry Ink Painting Group Exhibition at FGS Hsingma Si (2025),Xpre88ions & Frens di UTM (2025), Torrent of Art at Dragon Art Calley, Kalng (2025), Getaran Best  of Malaysia Art (BoMA) di KL Art Festival, KL City Art Gallery (2025)

Lily Foo’s practice combines the resilience of traditional ink with the freedom of abstraction, positioning her as an emerging figure in Malaysia’s contemporary art scene.