Tay Bak Koi, Untitled Diptych (Shadows of Reflection), Undated

Ink and colour on rice paper
41 x 44 cm each (visible), 84 x 136.5 x 2.5 cm (framed)
Condition: Good, slight foxing and stains on the lower section of both paintings, consistent with age. 

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Tay Bak Koi (Singaporean, 1939–2005) was a prominent artist known for his distinctive style that blended realism with abstraction. Trained at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Tay was deeply influenced by the Nanyang Style, which fused Eastern and Western artistic traditions, combining Chinese ink painting techniques with Western approaches to form, perspective, and composition.

Tay’s art often featured serene and dreamlike depictions of rural landscapes, idyllic village scenes, and traditional kampongs. His signature motifs included koi fish, buffaloes, and rustic scenes of fishermen and farmers, symbolizing harmony with nature and the simplicity of pastoral life. He skillfully used vivid, rich colors and bold, flowing lines, creating works that exuded movement and vitality. Unlike many of his usual works, this piece adopts a dark colour palette that inspires reflection within viewers. 

Despite his affinity for tradition, Tay was unafraid to experiment with different materials and forms, incorporating elements of cubism and surrealism into his paintings. His ability to capture the essence of Singapore’s vanishing rural heritage while infusing his works with a sense of nostalgia and modernity earned him widespread acclaim. Tay Bak Koi remains celebrated for enriching Singapore’s artistic landscape, leaving a legacy of innovation and cultural storytelling through his unique visual language.

Acquired from KLAS Art Auction, Malaysia.

(Photographed in January 2025)