Nanyang Style and First-Generation Singapore Artists

In 2013, Asia Art Collective was established with the support from first-generation art collectors. Our first exhibition — Masterpieces, A Selection of Fine Artworks By Pioneering First-Generation Nanyang Artists (Cheong Soo Pieng, Chen Wen Hsi, Chen Chong Swee, Fan Chang Tien, Lim Cheng Hoe, and Liu Kang) — hence showcased some of their collected artwork, which revolved around the Nanyang Style art created by first-generation Singaporean artists. Through this exhibition, we gained a deeper understanding about the histories and lives of first-generation artists from the art collectors themselves. By appreciating the artwork of these artists, we also learnt more about the Nanyang Style art that they pioneered. 

Since 2013, we have organised many large-scale exhibitions. This includes exhibitions revolving around the artwork of late first-generation artists; second-generation artists; contemporary artists; powerhouse artists; young artists etc. Through our interactions with art collectors during our countless exhibitions, we realised that the artwork of first-generation and second-generation artists still remains most important to them. It really goes to show: Without the first-generation artists, there will be no Nanyang Style and therefore, no Singaporean art. 

What exactly is Nanyang Style? Who is representative of Nanyang Style in Singapore? 

Let us first learn about one of the founders of Nanyang Style — Chen Wen Hsi (1906 – 1992).

The younger generation might not be familiar with this name, but most people have actually come across his artwork before. His work, Two Gibbons Amidst Vines, is actually printed on the back of the Singapore $50 note!