Koeh Sia Yong, Telok Ayer Street, 1993

Oil on canvas
91.5 x 91.5 cm (visible), 106 x 106 x 5 cm (framed)
Condition: Very good, light accretion of dust on the surface.

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Koeh Sia Yong (Singaporean, b. 1938) is a pioneering second-generation artist known for his realist depictions of everyday Singaporean life. He graduated from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in 1958, where he studied under renowned figures like Cheong Soo Pieng and Lim Hak Tai. Beyond his studio practice, Koeh worked as a newspaper illustrator, a role that sharpened his keen eye for social observation.

Working primarily in oil and acrylic, Koeh’s compositions document the changing face of Singapore—from bustling wet markets and kampongs to political rallies and urban development. His works are characterised by dynamic brushstrokes, expressive colour, and a grounded sense of humanity. Often referred to as a social realist, Koeh’s paintings don’t just record—they comment, drawing attention to themes of displacement, labour, and resilience.

Today, Koeh Sia Yong’s works are recognised as critical to Singapore’s cultural memory. His paintings have been exhibited and collected internationally, and he remains an enduring figure in Southeast Asian art history, celebrated for his empathy-driven storytelling and commitment to painting the people.

(Photographed in February 2025)