Chua Ek Kay, The Reflections (Chinatown Rice Merchant), c. 2000s

Chinese ink on paper
120 x 70 cm (each)
Condition: Very good
Certificate of Authenticity and Proof of Purchase available

-

Lauded as the “bridge between Asian and Western art”, Chua Ek Kay 蔡逸溪 (Singaporean, 1947-2008) was an artist who adeptly blended Chinese painting forms such as Chinese ink on paper, with Western art theories and techniques. His bold reinterpretation of ink traditions won him accolades such as the UOB Painting of the Year Award in 1991, being the first Chinese ink-painter to do so, and the Cultural Medallion in 1999. 

Chua’s early life was rich with Chinese cultural influences — he wrote Chinese poetry, read Chinese literature and practised calligraphy. In 1975, he was taught Chinese brush painting by Fan Chang Tien, Singapore’s master ink painter of the Shanghai School. As Chua trained in the Shanghai School style, he found similarities to the works of Western artists like Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock, as both were rife with artistic spontaneity. As he continued to hone his artistic practice, he realised that the discipline of Chinese art helped strengthen his lines whilst Western techniques helped him in the mixing of tones. 

Photo courtesy of Land Transport Authority.

The Reflections — Chinatown Rice Merchant is a preparatory work for Chua’s 60-metre long mural found at Clarke Quay MRT station. These images were silkscreened onto vitreous enamel panels now found at the station. The mural depicts life on the Singapore River, showing the arrival of early migrants in the 19th century, the tongkangs that used to ply the river, the buildings surrounding the river and street celebrations by the riverside. As Chua fondly said of this installation “My works at Clarke Quay are some of my largest works of my entire career. It will be a magical moment for me when the public views my works for the first time.” View a virtual tour of Chua’s full installation at the station here.

Art in Transit: North East Line MRT by Tan Su Yen

Acquired from Art Outreach Charity Auction in 2004.

(Photographed in November 2025)

Chinese ink on paper
120 x 70 cm (each)
Condition: Very good
Certificate of Authenticity and Proof of Purchase available

-

Lauded as the “bridge between Asian and Western art”, Chua Ek Kay 蔡逸溪 (Singaporean, 1947-2008) was an artist who adeptly blended Chinese painting forms such as Chinese ink on paper, with Western art theories and techniques. His bold reinterpretation of ink traditions won him accolades such as the UOB Painting of the Year Award in 1991, being the first Chinese ink-painter to do so, and the Cultural Medallion in 1999. 

Chua’s early life was rich with Chinese cultural influences — he wrote Chinese poetry, read Chinese literature and practised calligraphy. In 1975, he was taught Chinese brush painting by Fan Chang Tien, Singapore’s master ink painter of the Shanghai School. As Chua trained in the Shanghai School style, he found similarities to the works of Western artists like Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock, as both were rife with artistic spontaneity. As he continued to hone his artistic practice, he realised that the discipline of Chinese art helped strengthen his lines whilst Western techniques helped him in the mixing of tones. 

Photo courtesy of Land Transport Authority.

The Reflections — Chinatown Rice Merchant is a preparatory work for Chua’s 60-metre long mural found at Clarke Quay MRT station. These images were silkscreened onto vitreous enamel panels now found at the station. The mural depicts life on the Singapore River, showing the arrival of early migrants in the 19th century, the tongkangs that used to ply the river, the buildings surrounding the river and street celebrations by the riverside. As Chua fondly said of this installation “My works at Clarke Quay are some of my largest works of my entire career. It will be a magical moment for me when the public views my works for the first time.” View a virtual tour of Chua’s full installation at the station here.

Art in Transit: North East Line MRT by Tan Su Yen

Acquired from Art Outreach Charity Auction in 2004.

(Photographed in November 2025)

Artwork located in: Singapore