Chua Ek Kay
Under the Shade
Ink on rice paper
34x34cm

This painting by Chua Ek Kay presents a serene, yet dynamic portrayal of a Singapore street scene. In the foreground, a pair of cars rest near the foot of the shophouses, their sleek lines a subtle contrast to the organic flow of the surrounding trees. The trees, with their soft curves and textures, seem to gently embrace the scene, echoing Chua’s poetic lens where even urban elements like traffic lights and vehicles become part of the natural world.

The shophouses, with their rich architectural heritage, stand proudly in the background, their vibrant facades imbued with history and character. The simplicity of the brushwork and the expressive strokes capture the essence of these buildings, not just as structures, but as symbols of a cultural narrative that is fading with time. The lone figure in the scene—perhaps a passerby—adds a human presence to this otherwise tranquil landscape, grounding the viewer in the everyday rhythm of Singapore’s streets.

Much like Chua’s approach, the scene blends tradition with modernity. The juxtaposition of trees and urban elements, along with the simplification of details through the xieyi style, elevates the composition beyond a mere representation of the streetscape. Instead, it becomes a meditation on the connection between the city’s past and present, inviting the viewer to pause and reflect on the stories these streets silently hold.