Ng Eng Teng, Chick, 1980
Ciment fondu
10 x 8.5 x 8.5 cm
Condition: Very good
Bonhams Hong Kong, 27 May 2023, Lot 61
Acquired as part of a group of sculptures from the above sale by the present owner.
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Best known for his public sculptures, Ng Eng Teng carried the study of the body into three dimensions with a seriousness that few of his peers brought to the figure. He was a member of Group 90, a collective that formed to sustain life drawing and the study of the nude at a time when few institutions would take either discipline seriously.
Although his work is seldom discussed through the lens of his sexuality, his lifelong preoccupation with the strained, contorted figure invites such a reading. His bodies, which T.K. Sabapathy described as being "predominantly afflicted", embody both physical and psychological tension. Ng himself characterised some of these works simply as being about "the difficulty of getting out of being what you are."
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Ng Eng Teng (Singaporean, 1934–2001) was a seminal figure in Singaporean sculpture, celebrated for his figurative works found in public spaces across the country. Renowned pieces include "Mother And Child" outside Far East Shopping Centre and "The Explorer" at the entrance of the Singapore Art Museum. Ng's career was distinguished by his blend of Eastern and Western influences, honed through formal training at the Slade School of Fine Art in London.
Returning to Singapore, Ng initially worked in applied arts, designing ceramics for Carrigaline Pottery in County Cork, Ireland. However, he felt drawn to pursue his passion for sculpting and returned to his homeland. Ng's artistic journey was marked by financial challenges, but he persevered, eventually establishing himself as a full-time sculptor.
His career reached new heights with solo exhibitions and prestigious awards, including the Cultural Medallion Award in 1981 for his contributions to Singapore's art scene.
(Photographed in March 2026)