Hua Chai Yong, Untitled (Boat Quay, Singapore River), 1981

Watercolour on paper
52 x 72 cm (visible), 69.5 x 89.5 x 2.5 cm (framed)
Condition: Very good

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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, where sketchy yet dynamic strokes vividly captured the emotional essence of his subjects, even in moments of stillness.

This perspective of the Singapore River is particularly striking, with the bridge and buildings appearing to emerge from the lush greenery spilling into the landscape. The stark whiteness of the boats, bridge, and buildings creates a strong sense of contrast and transformation. Painted during a period of rapid urban renewal, this pervasive whiteness symbolises not only a cleaner environment but also the futuristic vision of Singapore’s progress. The artist’s use of negative space further reinforces this theme—perhaps a reflection of the city's ongoing evolution, where much remains to be built, defined, and shaped. The painting captures a moment suspended between past and future, nature and modernisation, structure and openness.