The Garden Within 心之花园

Exhibition Introduction 

In “The Garden Within”, visitors are invited into a tranquil space where colour, texture, and spirit converge. This exhibition brings together the works of a group of artists from Singapore — Ang Ah Tee, Eng Siak Loy, Koeh Sia Yong, Wang Mo Ping, Chua Ek Kay, Chen Wen Hsi, Lim Tze Peng, Nai Swee Leng, Chen Chong Swee, Liu Xuan Qi, Claudia Koh, and Victor Ang — each interpreting the timeless beauty of flowers through their unique artistic language.

From the delicate ink orchids by Chen Chong Swee to Lim Tze Peng’s vibrantly detailed 1975 chrysanthemums, these works capture both the fragility and vitality of nature. In contrast, the oil paintings of sunflowers by Koeh Sia Yong radiate warmth and intensity, while Eng Siak Loy’s gentle blooms dance lightly across the canvas, as if caressed by the breeze.

Together, these paintings reveal the boundless charm of floral subjects — symbols of renewal, peace, and joy. As viewers wander through this celebration of ink and oil, may they find calm in each petal and happiness in every brushstroke.

展览简介

在《心之花园》展览中，观众将步入一座宁静的艺术花园，感受色彩、质感与心境的交融。本次展览汇聚了新加坡多位杰出艺术家的花卉作品——包括洪亚弟（Ang Ah Tee), 翁锡礼（Eng Siak Loy）、许锡勇（Koeh Sia Yong）、王模平（Wang Mo Ping）、蔡逸溪（Chua Ek Kay）、陈文希（Chen Wen Hsi）、林子平（Lim Tze Peng）、赖瑞龙（Nai Swee Leng）、陈宗瑞（Chen Chong Swee）、刘轩齐（Liu Xuan Qi）、许宁（Claudia Koh）与洪礼信（Victor Ang）。他们以独特的艺术语言，描绘出花之永恒之美。

从陈宗瑞笔下细腻的水墨兰花，到林子平1975年色彩明丽、笔触精致的菊花；从许锡勇厚重而热烈的油画向日葵，到翁锡礼轻盈柔和、仿佛随风舞动的花瓣——这些作品在对比中呈现自然的多样面貌。

每一幅画作都在诉说花的生机与宁静，象征着生命的更新、和平与喜悦。愿观众在墨与油彩的交融中，感受到花开的欢喜与心灵的安然。

Ang Ah tee 洪亚弟

Ang Ah Tee (b. 1943) is a renowned Singaporean painter celebrated for his dynamic use of palette knife and brush creating textured, expressive works in acrylic that blend semi-abstraction with strong colour and spontaneity. While best known for his landscapes and cityscapes, his practice also includes still life paintings, reflecting his continual exploration of form and composition.

A NAFA graduate and full-time artist since 1977, he is a Cultural Medallion recipient (2009) with numerous awards throughout his career. His works have been widely exhibited, including major solo shows at the Cape of Good Hope Art Gallery such as Changing Perspectives (2021) and The Spirit of Bhutan(2016), alongside group exhibitions over the decades.

Today, Ang remains a key figure in Singapore’s second-generation art movement, with works held in significant public and private collections.

CHEN CHONG SWEE 陈宗瑞 (1910-1985)

Mr Chen Chong Swee is one of the few well known pioneer artists in Singapore who specialised in creating paintings using the ink and watercolour mediums. He also also one of the first Southeast Asian painters to paint an Asian landscape using the Chinese ink medium.

Born in Guangdong China, Mr Chen migrated from China to Malaya before moving to Singapore in the early 1930s where he taught art at several Primary and Secondary schools such as Tao Nan School, Chung Cheng High School and The Chinese High School. He became the head of Chinese painting at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in the 1950s where he taught until the 1970s.

Mr Chen painted in the realist style and often painted outdoors. He painted many different subjects in his ink paintings throughout his practice, including mountains, landscapes, villages, farmers, birds and flowers etc. He also wrote essays on art, discussing Chinese and western art. He also advocated for a centralised museum or gallery as well as a national collection for everyone in Singapore to enjoy art.

chen wen hsi 陈文希(1906-1991)

Chen Wen Hsi was a highly influential painter and is regarded as one of Singapore’s pioneering artists. Born in a village in Jieyang, China, he developed a deep fascination with the sparrows, chickens, and ducks that surrounded his childhood home. His love for art was evident from an early age, and he later pursued formal studies at the Shanghai Art Academy and the Xinhua Academy of Fine Arts in the 1920s, where he had the privilege of learning under the renowned ink master Pan Tianshou. By the 1930s and early 1940s, Chen had become both an accomplished artist and a respected art educator, showcasing his works at various exhibitions.

In 1948, Chen Wen Hsi travelled to Singapore and staged an exhibition at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. He was persuaded to settle in Singapore upon the expiration of his visa. He was then employed to teach art at both Chinese High School and NAFA. He later retired from teaching in the 1960s.

Chen Wen Hsi specialised in Chinese ink painting. He painted many subjects such as gibbons, fishes, ducks, frogs, herons and sparrows. They were realistic and lively. Chen Wen Hsi was also known for utilising the finger-painting technique in his creations, making them unique when compared with other artists of his generation.

Chen Wen Hsi’s painting “Herons” was part of the National Gallery Singapore’s highlight programme titled “My Masterpiece” where 12 significant artworks were selected and talked about by 12 well known personalities. His painting “Two Gibbons Amidst Vines” is featured on the reverse of the $50 SGD note, but not as part of the Portrait Series released in 1999.

CHUA EK KAY 蔡逸溪 (1947-2008)

Chua Ek Kay is a renowned local artist celebrated for his distinctive interpretations of lotus ponds and vibrant street scenes of Singapore. He studied under the esteemed brush master Fan Chang Tien and later earned a Master of Arts in Visual Arts from the University of Western Sydney.

In 1991, his ink painting My Haunt, depicting Liang Seah Street, earned him the prestigious United Overseas Bank Painting of the Year Award. Eight years later, in 1999, he was honoured with the Cultural Medallion for his contributions to the arts. Today, his works can be found on display at Clarke Quay MRT Station.

In several of Chua’s paintings of the lotus pond, he moved the lotus flower away from its stem, exaggerated on the size of the lotus leaves or repeatedly painted vertical and horizontal lines that represents the plant’s stem to form an abstract composition. These ideas reflect the artist’s intention to move away from traditional ways of painting the lotus pond and approach this classical subject matter in a creative manner. Chua Ek Kay also looks to bring across the beauties of lifecycles in nature, a theme that some artists have approached fleetingly in the past. He demonstrates this interest by painting flowers that are either budding, blooming and withering in different creations.

The piece titled 清供 refers to decorative arrangement of objects placed in indoor settings for aesthetic enjoyment. They often include flowers, seasonal fruits, unique stones and fine artefacts. These items serve to enhance the ambience of living spaces and are a common subject matter in classical ink painting.

In this artwork, the central focus is on the four flowers, each carries rich symbolism in Chinese culture. The chrysanthemum symbolises longevity; the peony for wealth and prosperity; the daffodil for new beginnings and hope while the plum blossom represents endurance and perseverance.

Through the repeated appearance of these flowers in Chua Ek Kay’s various classic paintings, it is evident that he had a deep liking for them.

claudia koh 徐宁

A radiant white cloud drifts across a calm blue sky, touched by a faint rainbow that glows softly to its side. Below, a fragile flower with a human face and form stands in a shallow puddle, her tears mingling with the water.

Around her, lush foliage and blossoms rise in quiet harmony, echoing the promise of renewal. The painting speaks of struggle transformed—of pain ripening into growth beneath skies of hope.

Claudia Koh, a young Singaporean artist, is known for her emotive explorations of nature and the human spirit. Her works have been exhibited in local exhibitions and at shows in the US and Italy. They celebrate resilience, sensitivity, and the beauty of becoming.

eng siak loy 翁锡礼

Eng Siak Loy’s vibrant paintings of orchids and bougainvillea - in pinks, purples, whites and yellows - capture the delicate sway of petals in a gentle breeze. A former chief designer at the National Parks Board, he spent many years at the Singapore Botanic Gardens observing the grace of tropical flora and fauna. His mastery of light and movement evokes both serenity and vitality.

Recipient of the President’s Design Award: Designer of the Year in 2007, Eng Siak Loy is celebrated for his many nature-inspired designs, including Singapore’s portrait Series banknotes and numerous stamp issues.

koeh sia yong 许锡勇

87 years old this year, Mr Koeh Sia Yong is a well known artist in Singapore. Mr Koeh studied western painting at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in the the 1950s. It was also during that period that he joined the now defunct Equator Art Society that focused on paintings related to social issues and the working class.

In the later part of his practice, Mr Koeh went on to paint a wide range of subject matters. They include nostalgic scenes of the Singapore River and street scenes during the 1980s and 1990s. He also painted sunflowers, places and people living in Bali. Several well known paintings by Mr Koeh Sia Yong can be found at the National Gallery Singapore. They include “Here They Come” a painting of street vendors appearing to run away from the police, “Persecution” a painting revolving around the atrocities of the Japanese Occupation in Singapore.

lim tze peng 林子平 (1921-2025)

Mr. Lim Tze Peng is one of Singapore’s most renowned artists. He began practicing Chinese ink painting at a young age and was mentored by prominent artists Liu Kang and Yeh Chi Wei. For much of his career, Lim was a dedicated educator, serving as principal at the now-defunct Sin Min School. Upon his retirement, he realized his long-held dream of becoming a full-time artist. In 2009, he made history as the first Singaporean to hold a solo exhibition at the National Art Museum of China. Three years later, in 2012, he became the first living Singaporean artist to have a work sold for over $100,000 at an auction.

His paintings have been exhibited widely in Singapore and in different parts of the world. Some of Mr Lim’s international shows were held at China’s National Art Museum in 2009, at the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Mumbai, India during 2019 and Saatchi Gallery, London UK in 2023. Many exhibitions related to Mr Lim’s paintings were also held in Singapore. An example would be the exhibition titled “Becoming Lim Tze Peng” which was held at the National Gallery Singapore in 2024. Mr Lim Tze Peng was conferred the Cultural Medallion Award in 2003 for his artistic excellence and contributions to the arts in Singapore.

liu xuan qi 刘轩齐

In 只为这一朵, vivid pink blossoms unfold in gentle layers as a butterfly hovers, seeking its chosen bloom. soft washes of green and yellow leaves create a sense of lightness and quiet devotion within the scene.

In the companion scene, pink flowers flourish by a riverbank, where a frog and tadpoles enliven the tranquil waters. Together, the two works radiate joy and serenity, revealing a tender, lyrical side of the artist’s expression.

Liu Xuan Qi, recipient of the Platinum Award at the 31st UOB painting of the year, is acclaimed for his technical versatility. Known for his realistic charcoal and acrylic depictions of stone lions, he explores a gentler, more contemplative vision in these two paintings of flowers.

nai swee leng 赖瑞龙

Completed 25 years ago, these two ink paintings by Singaporean master Nai Swee Leng depict the chrysanthemum and the plum blossom - two of the four gentlemen that every ink painter must learn. The chrysanthemum, symbolising autumn, showcases the artist’s control over tone and space in this demanding medium.

The plum blossom, emblem of winter and perseverance, is rendered with refined strokes that balance precision and spontaneity. Both works reflect the deep discipline and poetic spirit required in traditional ink painting.

Nai Swee Leng is celebrated as one of Singapore’s foremost ink masters. His paintings have been exhibited at numerous exhibitions and featured in National Gallery Singapore’s ink masters series. Mr Nai Swee Leng was conferred the Cultural Medallion Award in 2025 by the National Arts Council for his artistic excellence in ink painting and contributions to the local art scene.

victor ang 洪礼信

In the 1980s, Victor Ang 阿信 received training in bird and flower painting, calligraphy writing as well as seal carving from different masters such as Liu Ming Chew, Wong Yi and Chen Wen Hsi. With a strong foundation in classical forms of Chinese ink painting and writing, Victor Ang has since developed unique ways of presenting the ink medium. This includes his Creative Layered Calligraphy series and his well known Creative Yin Yang Calligraphy works.

Victor Ang’s paintings and creative calligraphy creations have been showcased in Singapore and Malaysia. In the mid 1990s, Victor Ang was invited by NAFA as Guest Assessor due to his vast experience in creative design and film. In 2024, Victor Ang was conferred the role of visiting professor at the Japan International Art Research Institute, Tokyo. In recognition of his artistic excellence, he was awarded the Gold Prize at the 18th International Art Award Exhibition held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2025.

These two acrylic on canvas paintings by local artist Mr Victor Ang capture the quiet beauty of flowers floating gently on a pond’s surface.

In the first smaller piece, delicate white blossoms emerge against a background of soft black abstract ink washes, evoking a sense of introspection. The second larger work features the same white flowers, this time surrounded by soothing green ink washes that convey renewal and harmony.

Together, the pair embodies an atmosphere of calmness and peace, inviting viewers to pause and slow down amidst the fast paced rhythm of life in Singapore.

wang mo ping 王模平

A cluster of pink roses rests in a rectangular glass container, the stems partially submerged in clear water. Beside them, two glasses of whiskey and a scattering of peanuts evoke a scene of quiet sociability.

Rendered with precise realism, the composition captures the warmth of shared moments and familiar company. The painting invites reflection on friendship, simplicity, and the quiet beauty of everyday gatherings.

Wang Mo Ping is a Singaporean artist whose work Jurong Fishery Port won first place at the 2019 Dr Tan Tsze Chor Art Awards. His practice reflects a keen observation of local life, combining technical mastery with an intimate human touch.

xue ru 薛茹

A cluster of peonies in shades of pink, white, and pale yellow rests elegantly within a greenish-blue vase. Each bloom is modelled with sensitivity, revealing a quiet balance between fullness and restraint.

The background, animated by short, rhythmic strokes in dark and light blues with touches of white, introduces subtle movement.Together, these elements merge classical still life traditions with a distinctive contemporary vitality.

Xue Ru, a member of the Singapore Art Society and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Alumni Association, is recognised for her poetic approach to form and colour. Her paintings reflect a deep engagement with nature and an enduring commitment to painterly expression.