Lawyer/restaurateur Ed Soo collects ideas from art.

In the last 7 years he has procured almost 80 pieces. Each one graces a space in his five restaurants in Bangkung Row, Bangsar, each telling its own story.

A small, varied group had gathered at his latest venture, Bobo Upstairs, a live jazz bar and restaurant conceptualised to reflect Ed’s love of food, wine, art and music. More known for his restaurants and his activism, this time Ed spoke about his art. ‘Art of Collecting’ was an event organised by newly-formed KL Society, an inclusive platform to discuss issues that concern Malaysians locally and globally.

Ed began his talk with his first acquired piece on an easel next to him. As an Australian National University student he had bought it for AUS$5 at an auction. It still hangs in his office as a fitting reminder.

Although the eclectic collector loves beautiful things – his grandmother’s antique dresser is in the Green Room – for a long time he could not afford art. But when he set up his own law practice at 30, to adorn the walls of his office he bought two Eng Tay etchings.

“Today, it has become a bit of an addiction,” he confessed. Mr. Soon, who personally prefers contemporary art, bought a painting of a dog that reminded him of his own that had recently died. It took him 10 months to pay it off. “My artworks have become a part of my life.”

He advised the gathered group, mostly novices, to start collecting slowly. “As you gain interest, the deeper you get into it the richer the experience.“ He chooses his pieces more for their messages than their craftsmanship. He looks for up-and-coming artists exploring new notions.

The eclectic art collector considers himself a steward of these good ideas, passing them on and pushing the world forward.