Huang Fong was born in Genteng, Banyuwangi in 1936. His original name was Oei Ping Liang. As his pet name, Liang, was similar to his brother's name "Liong", he changed his name to Huang Fong which means "Angin Kuning" in Malay. "Angin" is air that moves non-stop, while "Kuning" is yellow which symbolises "high status and mighty".

Huang Fong initially learnt paintings from Tan Kiauw Tek in 1952 in Surabaya. Then he continued to learn under Nurdin BS. He was a special graduate of IKIP Seni Rupa in Surabaya. He learnt from many seniors who eventually became his friends. Among them is Affandi whom he befriended in Bali in 1968.

He has held 10 solo exhibitions since 1961. One of his solo exhibitions, named "Sanggar Kambodja - Bali", showcased more than 30 pieces of his works. His works were also exhibited in Taiwan, South Korea, Australia and many cities in Indonesia.

His paintings and autobiography were captured in the books "Lukisan Surgawi" (1993) and " Citra Surgawi" (2000). The author and critic of these books is Agus Dermawan T.

(Translated by Mr Zulkifli Osman)

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