Ong Kim Seng, Chinatown, 1983
Watercolour on paper
52 x 72 cm (visible), 69 x 89 x 2 cm (framed)
Condition: Very good
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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.
(Photographed in May 2025)