Lee Chee Min, born in Malaysia in 1947, moved to Singapore at a young age, where he first cultivated his passion for art during his high school years. He subsequently studied at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and went on to graduate from the National Institute of Education in 1975. For over 30 years, he dedicated himself to teaching art at various secondary schools. Outside of teaching, he engaged with local art communities through urban sketching and participating in group exhibitions. His works were featured in Nanyang Siang Pau and exhibitions such as National Day Art Exhibition (1975, organized by the Ministry of Culture).

This exhibition offers an in-depth look at Lee Chee Min’s artistic journey over several decades, showcasing his exploration of various mediums – notably chinese ink and watercolor. His early works intimately captured the simple, rustic lifestyles of the kampong and kelong communities in Singapore and Malaysia, while his travels through China and Taiwan inspired dramatic portrayals of landscapes such as the Yangtze River and paddy fields. In the later years, his focus shifted to the urban landscape of Singapore, capturing iconic streetscape and buildings like the Singapore River, Bukit Timah, East Coast Park and Jurong Brickworks.

Through Lee Chee Min’s art, we are invited to revisit places of the past — those that are gone but not forgotten. His bold yet graceful brushstrokes breathe life into the scenes they depict—be it the bustling energy of the city’s streetscape, or the serene, tranquil moments by the kelongs. This exhibition offers a window into the past, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the quiet nostalgia of a rapidly changing world.