Collecting the Spirit of Singapore: Art Collector’s Journey and Exhibition

A Legacy in Art and Sculpture

Aw Tee Hong (1932 – 2021) was born in 1932 in Wenchang, China, and migrated to Singapore in 1950. He embarked on his artistic journey at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and later pursued further education at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, China. Returning to Singapore in 1958, Aw’s artworks mirrored local experiences and captured the city’s evolving landscapes. Over his illustrious career, he held more than 30 solo exhibitions, showcasing his constant pursuit of artistic excellence and versatility. His works adorn public spaces like Raffles Place and Tanjong Pagar MRT Stations and along the Singapore River. Aw’s legacy extends beyond Singapore, with his artworks presented as gifts to foreign dignitaries. He passed away in 2021, leaving behind a profound impact on Singapore’s art scene.

Golden Dream, 1998, 68cm x 106cm

Ocean, 1968, 226cm x 56cm (with frame)

Charting Artistic Frontiers

Chen Cheng Mei, also known as Tan Seah Boey, was a trailblazing Singaporean artist celebrated for her pivotal role as a founding member of the Ten Men Art Group. This collective of Singapore-based artists embarked on transformative journeys across Southeast Asia in the 1960s and expanded their explorations to China and India in the 1970s.

Initiating the group’s inaugural trip to Peninsular Malaysia in 1960 with three fellow artists, Chen catalysed a series of expeditions that reshaped the artistic landscape. Subsequent journeys, spearheaded by artist Yeh Chi Wei, saw the group venture to Borneo, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, and beyond. These voyages were marked by encounters with notable artists, as well as the creation of sketches and photographs capturing the essence of temples, villages, cities, and countryside scenes.

Chen’s artistic trajectory evolved with her solo expeditions, which took her to Africa and South Asia following their decolonisation. Her work from these periods, including poignant depictions of Nairobi, New Delhi, and the Sahara, reflects her deep engagement with the evolving global landscape and her commitment to capturing the diverse cultures and landscapes she encountered. Through her pioneering spirit and artistic vision, Chen Cheng Mei left an indelible mark on the art world, enriching it with her unique perspectives and profound explorations.

Northern Thailand, 1965, 42.7cm x 123.5cm

Pioneering Innovation Across Art and Technology

Lim Hsin Hsin is an interdisciplinary artist, IT visionary, and inventor, renowned for her groundbreaking work that merges art and technology. Rooted in mathematics and computer science, Lim is also a poet and composer, demonstrating a diverse range of talents. As a student of Singaporean pioneer artists Liu Kang and Cheong Soo Pieng, she was influenced by their artistic philosophies.

A trailblazer ahead of her time, Lim made early forays into digital techniques for visual and performing art, establishing herself as an innovator in the intersection of art and technology. In 1994, she achieved a significant milestone by launching the world’s first virtual museum, challenging traditional notions of art presentation and curation. Since then, Lim has continuously pushed the boundaries of artistic expression by discarding conventional painting methods and embracing new technological paradigms. Through her pioneering approach, Lim Hsin Hsin has reshaped the landscape of contemporary art, inspiring generations of artists to explore the limitless possibilities of technology in artistic creation.

Paper works, 1986, Etching on Paper, 20cm x 14.5cm, Set of 8 prints

Capturing Emotions in Impressionist Landscapes

Tan Choh Tee is celebrated as a master of impressionist oil painting, renowned for his ability to evoke deep emotions through his vibrant landscapes and still life compositions. A recipient of the 2006 Cultural Medallion for Visual Arts bestowed by the Singapore Government, Tan’s artistic journey was shaped by his education at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, where he studied under the guidance of pioneering artists such as Cheong Soo Pieng, Liu Kang, and Georgette Chen.

Inspired by his mentors, Tan developed a distinctive style characterised by intense colours and expressive brushwork, creating compositions that resonate with viewers on a profound level. Through his impressionist approach, Tan captures the essence of his subjects, infusing his paintings with a sense of life and emotion. With each brushstroke, Tan Choh Tee invites viewers into a world of beauty and introspection, where the natural landscape becomes a mirror for the human experience.

Singapore Skyline, 1997, 130cm x 78cm

Old Wine, 1984, 65cm x 53cm

Pink Rose, 2005, 41cm x 31cm

Pink Tulip, 2013, 31cm x 41cm

Harmonising Cultures Through Artistry

Wang Guoping is a prominent figure in the realm of contemporary art, renowned for his dedication to bridging Chinese and Western cultures through his unique style of Zen oil painting. As a Visiting Scholar and Art Consultant at the Singapore Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Huayi Gallery, Wang’s influence extends across borders, reflecting his commitment to cultural integration.

A member of esteemed organisations such as the National Oil Painting and Acrylic Painting Artists Association of the United States and the Chinese Popular Literature and Art Research Association, Wang has earned recognition for his innovative approach to oil painting. His works, characterised by a harmonious blend of Eastern philosophy and Western techniques, have garnered attention both domestically and internationally.

Among his notable achievements is the collection and exhibition of his twelve-piece series Mythical Love oil paintings at the headquarters of Tee Yih Jia Group, endorsed by prominent figures including the Ambassador of Singapore to Brazil, Forbes Singapore Top Ten Billionaire, and Chairman of the Board Sam Goi. Wang Guoping’s artistic journey embodies a profound exploration of cultural identity and artistic expression, inviting viewers into a world where tradition and innovation converge.

Hidden Peace in Wulin, 2021, 60cm x 50cm

Emerald Odyssey, 2021, 60cm x 50cm

The exhibition was curated from the collections of three passionate individuals who have dedicated themselves to supporting the Singapore art scene.

Mr John Teng

• Singapore Entrepreneur
• Digital Artist
• Co-founder of the Nanyang Cultural Endowment Fund
• Art Collector for almost 30 years

Mr Joseph Zhang

• Real Estate Developer, Investor
• Chairman of Asian Pacific Art Collecting Forum
• Focus on South East Asian Art Collection and art philanthropy

Mrs Audrey Zhang

• Documentary Filmmaker
• Art Collector, Art Gallery Owner
• Founder of Asian Pacific Art Collecting Forum
• Focus on Asian Female Artists Collection and contemporary ink collection