Artist

Ling Cher Eng – 林子影

Ling Cher Eng - 林子影

Ling Cher Eng - 林子影

About the artist

LCE-1

Born in 1940, Ling Cher Eng was a second-generation Singaporean artist. Ling studied Chinese painting under the pioneer artist Fan Chang Tien (1907-1987) from 1957, when he attended Chung Cheng High School.

The literati tradition of the Shanghai School of painting as practised by Fan, which can be traced back to the Shanghai School masters Wang Geyi, Wang Yiting, Pan Tianshou and Zhu Wenyun deeply influenced Ling and resonated with his passion for ink painting.

Ling greatly admired Fan and studied under him with determination to master the arts of verse, painting, calligraphy and seal-carving, the four attributes of the literati tradition. Ling’s dedication and perseverance led him to continue his tutelage under Fan for the next thirty years from 1957 to 1987, making him the first and longest disciple of Fan Chang Tien.

Having acquired a strong foundation from Fan’s tutelage, Ling Cher Eng’s works captured the carefree and effortless expressionism of the Shanghai School xieyi  style. Ling’s oeuvre spans a wide range of subjects.

Not only was he adept at classical themes of the plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo and chrysanthemum (known in Chinese as the sijunzi  or ‘four gentlemen ’), Ling was also creative in applying his talents to more uncommon subjects in Chinese painting, including tropical fruits and flowers, the regional landscapes of Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore, both urban and rural; nudes and portraits, and his lively depictions of snails and sparrows among other subjects. Ling especially won recognition and praise for his paintings of plum blossoms and his landscape works, noteworthily their bold composition and for his daring use of ink as an expressive force in itself.

His Themes

In his Southeast Asian themes, he painted sceneries of Singapore, Malay kampungs and Balinese landscapes, bringing to life these regional vignettes in his vigorous style which still preserves the finesse and detail of his subject matter. The largeness of spirit and expression typical of the Shanghai School can be seen in his classical themed paintings of birds and flowers. But Ling went beyond the traditions in which he was schooled, incorporating increasingly abstract qualities in his work. By the 1990s, his work in the landscape genre had included the usage of acrylic paints, making him stand out as a modern Chinese painter of the times.

Personal Achievements

Other than his personal achievements as an artist, Ling is also one of the founders of the Hwa Hun Art Society, serving as president and vice-president of the Society several times. He played a pivotal role for the promotion and education of Chinese ink painting in Singapore. He was the head of department of art at the New Town Primary School for many years, where his students often scored good results in art competitions. Through all these, Ling has contributed to the teaching of art and Chinese painting in Singapore, with dedication to his profession as a teacher and an artist.

Ling Cher Eng – an ink legacy of our time – passed away of a sudden illness while on tour with his artist friends to Taiyuan, Shanxi Province in China, in 1995. Nearly 20 years on, he is very much remembered by those who knew him, and his works are still enthusiastically mentioned among ink painting circles.

His works brought together the tradition of the Shanghai School with the regional characteristics of the Nanyang region and certain elements of Western art. All his efforts have ensured his place in our Singaporean art history.

About Singaporean Artist – Ling Cher Eng:

1957 ; Learnt art from Fang Changqian (Fan Chang Tien)

1959 ; Published small personal painting album

1962 -95 ; Participated in the annual art exhibition by The Society of Chinese Artists

1967 ; Called up for 2-year National Service

1969 ; Graduated from Singapore Teachers Training college and taught at New Town Primary Schoool until demise.

1972 ; Organized the “Hwa Han Art Society” which was officially set up the following year.

1973 ; Participated in the art exhibition held by Hwa Han Art Society at the Victoria Theatre to raise fund for the building of Chung Hwa Free Clinic.

1974 ; Participated in the art exhibition held by Hwa Han Art Society at the National Stadium auditorium to raise fund for Singapore Amateur Swimming Association.

1975 – 95 ; Participated in the annual art exhibition by Hwa Han Art Society.

1980 ; Held solo art exhibition in “Art Inaction” at the National Museum Art Gallery.

1982 ; Contributed works to the building fund of Thomson Community Centre.

1984 ; Works exhibited at the Japanese Embassy in Singapore.

Participated in Singapore – Korea Joint Art Exhibition in celebration of Singapore’s 25th National Day.

1985-95 ; Participated in Teachers’ Art Exhibition sponsored by the Ministry of Education

1985 ; Participated in art exhibition to raise fund for Hong Kah Estate Education Centre.

Awarded Prize by The Society of Chinese Artists on her 50th Anniversary.

 Participated in “Pan-Pacific Art Exhibition”.

1987 ; Participated in Singapore National Museum’s Centenary Art Exhibition

1989 ; Works exhibited at “Singapore – Sarawak Art Exchange held at Kuching Museum.

1988-90 ; Work selected to be exhibited at UOB Group’s Annual Art Exhibition.

1990 ; Awarded “Chen Zhichu Art Award” and Excellence Prize in the art competition sponsored by the Ministry of Information and the Arts.

Highly-commended IBM Art Award.

1992 ; Participated in the “Four-artist China Tour Joint Exhibition” jointly sponsored by Hunan Yueyang Cultural Association and Foreign Affairs.

1993 ; Participated in the “Four-artist China Tour Joint Exhibition” held at National Museum Art Gallery.

1994 ; Held “Three-artist Joint Art Exhibition” at Orchard Point.

1994 ; Participated in “Huangshan Scenery Art Exhibition” in Hefei, China.

1995 ; Participated in “95 Singapore Art Exhibition”.  

Work selected to participate in the Grand Competition of Art and Calligraphy held by “Beijing International Chinese Calligraphy & Art Exposition”.

Participated in “Art Exhibition of Chinese Art Celebrities” and awarded the “Brass Tripod Prize”.

Personal particulars recorded in “A Compilation of Contemporary Chinese Art Celebrities”.

Works selected to participate in the “14th UOB Annual Art Exhibition”.

Joint art exhibition to raise fund for Hainan Clan Association.

Participated in “Yunnan Scenery Art Exhibition” held by Singapore Nanyang Art Academy.

1995 ; 11 December, Died of sickness while on a tour to Taiyuan, Shanxi Province with friends in the art circles, aged 55.

 

Check out this catalogue curated by us here.

Check out our blog on The Art and Life of Acclaimed Singaporean Artist Ling Cher Eng 林子影 here!

His Art Works

Plum Blossoms 梅花图 68x 136cm
Plum Blossoms 梅花图 68x 136cm
槟城市郊 40x 69cm
Outskirts of Penang 槟城市郊 40x 69cm
墨梅 69x 138 cm
Ink Blossom 墨梅 69x 138 cm
古城钟楼即景 46 x69cm
Malacca Clock Tower 古城钟楼即景 46 x69cm
古城 35 x 89cm
Malacca - Historical Town 古城 35 x 89cm
天然之美 34 x 137cm
Natural beauty 天然之美 34 x 137cm
青绿山水图 48 x180cm
Mountain Waterfall 青绿山水图 48 x180cm
山水昼（树里人家） 48 x182cm
Human and Nature 山水昼（树里人家） 48 x182cm
峇里岛柏沙村廟 34 x132cm
Balinese temple 峇里岛柏沙村廟 34 x132cm
美女出浴图 43 x71cm
Beauty from bath 美女出浴图 43 x71cm
峇里岛沐浴图 56 x138cm
Bali bath 峇里岛沐浴图 56 x138cm
竹林沐浴图69 x138cm
Bamboo Forest bath竹林沐浴图69 x138cm
Plum blossom with spring 梅花迎春图70x140cm
LCE-20-1024x511
Plum blossom with bamboo梅花竹子图 68 x137 cm

Upcoming exhibition: 31 Oct-2 Nov 2025 <THE PRIVATE ART SALE II>

The Private Art Sales 2 Singapore Asia Art Collective

From 31 October to 2 November 2025, collectors and art enthusiasts will have an exclusive opportunity to experience Yeo Hoe Koon’s legacy at The Private Art Sale 2:

📍 Location: Artspace @ Helutrans, 39 Keppel Road, #01-05, Singapore
📅 Dates: 31 October 4pm-8pm (VIP Preview) | 1-2 November 10am-8pm (Public Viewing)
⏰ Time: 11:00am – 8:00pm daily

This highly anticipated event will present more than 100 carefully curated artworks offered at 20%–80% below current market prices, providing collectors with a rare chance to obtain meaningful pieces of Singapore’s art history while engaging deeply with the artist’s legacy.

Click here to enquire for E-catalogue & RSVP your attendance!

About us – Asia Art Collective

For years, Asia Arts Collective is an advisory and consultancy specialised in Singapore and Asian Modern and Contemporary Art. Professional art services include providing clients with art advice on Mo Ni’s artwork purchase and sales, Mo Ni’s artwork valuation and assessment, art acquisition and collection planning, Mo Ni’s artworks sale and brokerage, as well as art commissioning and artwork sourcing. Asia Art Collective seeks to promote a culture of art appreciation and Mo Ni’s artworks acquisition and collection for Singapore art, modern and contemporary Asian art through its diverse and rotating art exhibitions and art appreciation programmes, courses and talks. Enquire with Asia Art Collective for advice and support and on your art-collecting journey.
Contact curator for artwork consultancy & viewing of Mo Ni’s artworks:

WhatsApp& Call : 62550711 (Office) & 67332155 (Office), 90056716 (Iola Liu), 92398226 (Iola Liu)

Email: [email protected]

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Agree Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions – Neon Glow Art Jamming & Colour Blast Party (Saturday Sessions Only)

  1. Participation
    • Participation in the Neon Glow Art Jamming & Colour Blast Party is voluntary. By participating, all participants acknowledge that they understand and accept the nature of the activities and agree to participate at their own risk.
  2. Health & Safety
    • The event takes place in an outdoor festival environment featuring bright lighting effects, flashing lights, amplified music, and high sound levels, which may not be suitable for individuals who are sensitive to light, sound, or have related medical conditions.
    • Participants are responsible for ensuring that they are medically fit to participate in the activities.
  3. Colour Blast Party
    • The Colour Blast Party uses coloured cornflour powder.
    • By participating in the Colour Blast Party, participants confirm that they:
      • Do not have any known allergy or sensitivity to cornflour, corn, coloured powder, or similar materials.
      • Do not suffer from asthma, respiratory conditions, or any medical condition that may be aggravated by airborne powder.
      • Understand the nature of the activity and voluntarily choose to participate.
  4. Face & Body Painting
    • Optional face and/or body painting may be available during the event.
    • Participants choosing to receive face or body painting confirm that they have no known allergies or skin conditions that may be affected by cosmetic or body paint products. Participants with sensitive skin are advised to refrain from participating.
  5. Assumption of Risk
    • Participants acknowledge that participation in the event, including but not limited to art jamming, the Colour Blast Party, face and/or body painting, and related activities, carries inherent risks, including accidental slips, falls, minor injuries, allergic reactions, respiratory irritation, or other unforeseen incidents.
  6. Indemnity and Release
    • By participating in the event, participants agree, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to release, discharge, and indemnify Visual Arts Centre, CHIJMES, their respective officers, employees, volunteers, contractors, sponsors, partners, and representatives from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, expenses, injuries, or actions arising out of or in connection with participation in the event, except where such claims arise directly from the negligence or wilful misconduct of the organisers.
  7. Personal Responsibility
    • Participants are responsible for their own personal belongings and should exercise reasonable care while participating. Appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for an outdoor event are recommended.
  8. Organiser's Rights
    • Visual Arts Centre and CHIJMES reserve the right to refuse participation or remove any participant whose behaviour is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or poses a risk to others. The organisers also reserve the right to modify, postpone, suspend, or cancel the event due to weather, safety concerns, or unforeseen circumstances.

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Terms & Conditions For All Course/Workshop(s) at Visual Arts Centre (VAC):