Tracking Singapore art across a century

CHEONG Soo Pieng, Chen Wen Hsi and Georgette Chen are just some Singaporean masters whose artworks are on display at the 100 Years of Singapore Art, an exhibition organised by Chinese newspaper Lianhe Zaobao in partnership with Qiu Zhai Art Studio and the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC).

The exhibition is part of the 100th anniversary celebration of Zaobao, which started life in 1923 as Nanyang Siang Pau in the Straits Settlement. Its Singapore edition later merged with Sin Chew Jit Poh and became Zaobao in 1983.

Altogether, there are about 170 paintings and calligraphic works in the exhibition by over 80 artists, including some rare seldom-seen gems by the aforementioned masters, as well as works by Lim Hak Tai, Chen Chong Swee, Lee Man Fong, Liu Kang, Chua Mia Tee, Sarkasi Said, Tay Bak Koi, Lim Tze Peng, Chua Ek Kay, Tan Swie Hian and Ong Kim Seng.

Of the 170, 21 are paintings and works of calligraphy from SPH Media Chinese Media Group’s (CMG) private collection. All of them were donated by the artists to the newspaper in recognition of the role journalists play in promoting Singapore art.

SPH Media CMG also launched From Gifts to Treasures: The Chinese Media Group Art Collection, a book by art journalist Ng Siang Ping that features nearly 90 works from more than 60 artists. In the book’s foreword, Ng writes: “The CMG art collection reflects the unique culture of literati being actively involved in the Chinese press and the friendship between the journalists and the art circle.”

Simultaneously, Qiu Zhai Art Studio released the book 100 Years of Singapore Art – A Qiu Zhai Singapore Art Collection, which features the studio’s famous collection of Chinese ink paintings, many of which are on display at the exhibition.

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Chan Kok Hua, owner of Qiu Zhai Art Studio, says: “100 Years of Singapore Art is more than an exhibition, it is a celebration of Singapore’s artistic spirit and artists. Their stories and visions are woven into each artwork, creating a vibrant tapestry that represents our cultural narrative.”

The exhibition is held at Level 7, Multi-Purpose Hall at SCCC, 1 Straits Boulevard, Singapore 018906, and is open to the public for free from 10 am to 6 pm, from now to Jul 16, 2023.