Hua Chai Yong, Clarke Quay Back Lane, 1980
Watercolour on paper
41 x 31 cm (visible), 52 x 42 x 2 cm (framed)
Condition: Good, with slight foxing throughout the work.
Proof of purchase available.
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Hua Chai Yong (Singaporean, 1943–2018) studied at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts from 1963 to 1964 and participated in numerous group exhibitions across Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. In recognition of his artistic achievements, he received the Special Award at the National Day Art Exhibition in 1979, presented by the Ministry of Culture. He later won the UOB Painting of the Year Competition in 1983, 1986, and 1992.
Hua was known for his distinctive flat-brush technique, which infused his works with a sense of movement and vitality. His sketchy yet expressive brushstrokes captured the emotional essence of his subjects, even in moments of stillness.
Purchased this piece at Hua Chai Yong’s solo exhibition “Good Morning, Yesterday” 2010 at the ION Art Gallery. Hua’s style stands out from his contemporaries due to his use of the flat brush, resulting in more angular shapes. I remembered attending the exhibition on the last day and all the smaller pieces were sold by then. Luckily for me, there were two unframed pieces in the gallery!
(Photographed in September 2025)