Chua Mia Tee, Untitled, 1996

Charcoal & acrylic on canvas 
41 x 58 cm (visible), 62.5 x 80 x 2 cm (framed)
Condition: Very good

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Chua Mia Tee (b. 1931. Singapore) is so far the only living artist in Singapore who managed to have his solo exhibition held in National Gallery in 2022. In 2024, he was chosen to represent Singapore to have his artwork featured in Venezia Biennale Arte. 

Chua Mia Tee is a very important realist artist in Singapore history. Many of his iconic artworks featuring Singapore history, such as Epic Poem of Malaya (1955) and National Language Class (1959) are collected and permanently displayed in National Gallery. 

As mentioned by curator at National Gallery, Dr Clarissa Chikiamco, Chua Mia Tee believes in not only capturing the physical likeness of his subjects but also their spirit, as he subscribes to the principles of “truth, virtue, and beauty” in his art. In this piece of artwork, Chua Mia Tee successfully captured the fresh and joyous spirits of the two beautiful Balinese girls during their festive celebration. The joyous atmosphere is further enhanced by the life-like stone lion statue named Barong, which symbolises the guardian of the forest.

This artwork comes with a letter of authenticity, signed by Chua Mia Tee.