6 Awesome Art Paintings in Singapore You Must See

Paintings Singapore

Singapore is home to some of the world’s greatest paintings, and you don’t have to take our word for it. You don’t have to trust us; ask any art connoisseur! There are works of art in Singapore that you must see before you die because they might not last indefinitely. If painting and art jamming appeals to you, this blog post can help you in deciding what to see if you visit Singapore. Here are 6 paintings that we think you should see while in town which will inspire you to go for an Art Jamming Workshop!

1. Drying Salted Fish (1978), Cheong Soo Pieng

Cheong’s painting on the reverse of the $50 note, which depicts a group of Malay villagers processing and drying salted fish, is still visible in parts of Southeast Asia, surrounded by lush greenery, overturned baskets and farm animals in a pasture; an unbroken chain that has continued up to the present.

The painting was created for the king’s court artist, Cheong Cheok-hwa, who is known for his dragon paintings. The work was painted with Chinese ink and color on cloth, then highlighted with gold leaf from the Nanyang region’s distinctive Nanyang art style established by Cheong. This piece is unforgettable for its vivid colors and crowd of people which shows their togetherness and community.

2. National Language Class (1959), Chua Mia Tee

This educational setting, National Language Class, likewise shows a school scenario as well as the issues of identity and national pride that a group of Malaysian students confront when learning Bahasa Melayu in school.

Many expansions have been made to the school since its inception in the mid-1960s. On the wall, the building’s completion date is inscribed in vivid red paint, suggesting Singapore’s independence from British imperial rule. Basic questions were asked in Bahasa on the blackboard to determine both students’ and spectators’ origins at the time. Chua is a significant figure in Singapore’s art world, with numerous honors in recent years, including the Cultural Medallion in 2015.

3. Life by the River (1975), Liu Kang

This is an existing photograph from Bali’s rural countryside, which transports you away from the bustle and noise of the city center. Liu Kang was able to capture typical kampung living’s communal way of life, including attap homes on stilts and gatherings of people on riverbanks, in this shot.

Liu Kang spent time in Paris as a youngster, and he was influenced by fauvism and post-impressionism. The city’s influence is evident in the bright hues and staccato brushwork. He journeyed to Indonesian islands with other early painters, such as Chen Wen Hsi and Cheong Soo Pieng, in an effort to preserve the climates that had vanished during Singapore’s development and growth.

4. Modern Art (c. 1960-170), Chua Tiag Ming

A guy is seen laboriously working on the side of a home alone in this dreary black and white photograph. This shot was taken during political and social upheaval. In sharp contrast to the clean, bright light on the roof and surrounding walls, the man’s concentration and serenity on his (by today’s standards) flimsy ladder provides the photograph with a sense of empathy. Chua’s has a vintage, antique look about it that harkens back to an age when it was exclusively known by the old. Chua’s catches the attention of today’s audiences because of its authentic appearance, which is reminiscent of an era when it was only known by older people.

5. Black and White (c. 1970), Anthony Poon

Among a gallery of natural-themed works, this monochrome work stands out. Poon was Singapore’s first modern painter, and he is still one of the most renowned Optical Art artists today.

He completed his master’s degree from Cheong Soo Pieng, a prestigious London university, after studying at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore for a year. He experimented with various styles before deciding on Op Art. It is evident that each one of his pieces was meticulously planned and methodically finished, from the black and white perfection.

6. Lotus In A Breeze (c. 1970), Georgette Chen

This is a good example of a Nanyang School artist using Western pictorial methods to depict a locally-themed subject. Chen was passionate about the lotus blossom, and it frequently served as a motif in her works to demonstrate her Chinese roots. The strokes and colors in this painting were strongly influenced by the Impressionist painters at the same time.

Paintings Singapore

Artworks in Singapore can showcase the country’s vibrant history and culture. Artworks in Singapore are able to take your breath away, whether it’s a black-and-white of an unassuming guy working on his home alone or paintings of the traditional Kampung life with its Attap homes on stilts and riverbank gatherings. 6 of the most beautiful paintings depicting the splendor of this Southeast Asian island nation may be found in this post; but there are several others to discover as well!

Looking to start your own painting or art jamming? Get in touch with our helpful events staff right away! We’d be happy to assist you plan the most wonderful Art Jamming Singapore experience!

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