Choo Keng Kwang, 5-1-3 May 13th Student Riot, 1954 (reprinted in 1997)

Woodcut print
21.5 x 15.5 cm
Condition: Very good
Edition of 5
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Choo Keng Kwang (Singaporean, 1931–2019) was a prominent artist renowned for his oil paintings depicting landscapes, animals, and nature. A graduate of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in 1953, he balanced his artistic pursuits with a distinguished career in education, serving as the principal of Sin Hua School and later as the head of the Art Education Department at NAFA. Choo's artistic style harmoniously blended Eastern and Western techniques, notably merging traditional Chinese brushwork with Western impressionism. His paintings of doves, a recurring motif, are particularly celebrated for their elegance and symbolic resonance.

Throughout his career, Choo received numerous accolades, including the Public Service Medal in 1976 for his contributions to art and education. His works were commissioned by royalty and governments, with his work gracing postage stamps, and the Singapore government presenting his paintings as state gifts to foreign dignitaries. 

Choo Keng Kwang's legacy endures through his significant contributions to Singapore's art scene, his influence as an educator, and his philanthropic endeavours, all of which have left an indelible mark on the nation's cultural heritage.

5-1-3 (May 13th Student Riot) is a woodcut print carved in response to the student protests against the British colonial government’s National Service Ordinance. The piece conveys the frustration and defiance of Chinese middle school students who felt marginalised by a system that prioritised English-educated individuals while neglecting Chinese education. The piece was created during a time when materials were costly, with Choo ingeniously carving double-sided images on each wooden board to make the most out of his limited resources. It is a reflection of his social consciousness and dedication to the working class, but also an expression for a lifelong commitment to philanthropy and community support that exhibited well beyond his practice in arts.