A look at Queenie Chow’s innocently curious artworks

by Aisha Capulong

Childlike characters furnish the portfolio of works by Queenie Chow, a Pahang-born artist driven by her intrinsic desire to help those going through life's struggles

All those who personally knew Queenie Chow share one common observation of her nature, and that is her pure and guileless outlook on the human condition. Clearly translated across her works, this innocence manifests into dreamlike characters resembling children and cats. Arguably, Chow is best known for her piece titled ‘Trust Me’ which depicts a kiddy caricature looking up with the naivety that comes from putting one’s full trust in someone.

Despite her cheerful outward disposition, Chow battled with paralysing emotional and physical turmoil. Her art was a means of escape while being a lending hand to others, a selfless benevolence she perhaps yearned for during her own pains. Through this, Chow found a sense of purpose to her difficult journey. To instill peace and hope in her audiences, she created a whole universe made of sentimental expressions and simple behaviours that portray freedom and give glimpses into beings brimming with life.

Chow’s art opens doors into mental and emotional vulnerability, seeing it from an unfeigned perspective of, ‘What’s so wrong with feeling emotions?’ Her refreshing approach takes away the stigma often associated with pain and the healing process. Chow used her brush to speak for those who often feel unseen.

About Queenie Chow

Born in Pahang, Malaysia, Queenie Chow Siao Qun (1974-2025) spent her formative years surrounded by art. She went on to study at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Kuala Lumpur before embarking on a career in design and advertising. Chow then started her own arts and crafts venture in the year 2000, but continued to consistently create and paint on the side.

Chow was actively involved with multiple charity initiatives like Voice of the Children, an NGO that fights for children’s rights in Malaysia, as well as a school for autism, a centre for mental health research and various counselling workshops. Chow has even illustrated a book for Voice of the Children with all proceeds going on to support the work of the organisation.