Ong Kim Seng, Untitled (Street Scene), 1979

Watercolour on paper
50 x 70 cm (visible), 83.5 x 104 x 4 cm (framed)
Condition: Very good, with foxing throughout
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I’ve always loved how this piece captures a quieter, older Singapore — a moment in time that's slowly disappearing. It reminds me of the stories our city holds, tucked away in corners we sometimes forget.

Ong Kim Seng (Singaporean, b. 1945) is one of Singapore’s most celebrated watercolourists, renowned for his masterful ability to capture light, atmosphere, and a deep sense of place. A largely self-taught artist, Ong’s works document landscapes both local and abroad, reflecting a sensitivity to fleeting moments and everyday life.

He is a six-time winner of the prestigious American Watercolor Society awards and has exhibited widely across Asia, Europe, and the United States. His paintings are held in major collections, including the National Gallery Singapore and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside numerous private collections around the world.

His style — luminous, detailed, and richly atmospheric — honours the cultures and environments he portrays, bridging traditional watercolour techniques with a contemporary appreciation for memory and observation.