Chen Wen Hsi was proficient in both traditional Chinese ink and Western oil painting, and experimented with a variety of styles ranging from Fauvism to Cubism. In Chen’s exhibition held in May 1956, Frank Sullivan noted his fascination for man made things and clutter. The artist loved to experiment with the interplay of light and forms in chaotic subjects. His unique style which showed interest in angles but not Cubist; strays not far from reality and is obsessed with shapes, and yet not an abstract painter. In this painting, despite the simplicity that comes with it, Chen Wen Hsi’s effortless skill makes this piece truly an exquisite one indeed. Chen Wen Hsi was born in 1906 in Baigong, Guangdong. He moved to Singapore and was based there until his death in 1991. Despite his uncle’s objection during the early years, Chen decided to pursue fine art at the Shanghai College of Art before transferring to the Xinhua College of Art in Shanghai where his mentor was Pan Tianshou. For his contributions to the fine arts in Singapore, he was awarded the Public Service Star in 1964. He also founded the Chun Yang Painting Society in Shantou.
CHEN WEN HSI Singaporean, 1906-1991 Gibbon Playing on a Pine Tree ink and colour on paper, haning scroll inscribed and signed 'Wenxi', with one artist's seal 陈文希《松猿图》 款识：旭忠宗境 文希 墨猿 钤印
Lot: 914 - Chen Wen Hsi (1906 - 1991, Singaporean); Cranes; ; ink and colour on paper; 137 x 68.5 cm; signed in chinese characters on lower right; Tags: Singaporean, Singapore, modern, animals, cranes, drawing IMPORTANT INFO Bidders need to know We encourage all buyers to check for condition reports and or other photos before bidding. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is free from damage and wear. Please go through photos for more details on conditions and age; color will be different depends on your screen. All the items are sold as is and all sales are final. We encourage all bidders to review our terms and conditions before bidding. Please contact us through email info@larasati.com if you need any further information.
Chen Wen Hsi (China/Singapore 1906-1991) "Sparrows and Bamboo" pen and ink signed lower right, provenance purchased in the 1970's in Singapore from the Artist Gallery, 33 x 34 cm
CHEN WEN HSI 1906-1992 Possum ink and colour on paper mounted and framed signed and two red seal of the artist 陳文希 《負鼠》設色紙本 44 x 34cm PROVENANCE: Gifted by the artist to Christine McEachran and James Liao. Bridging Cultures: The Collection of Christine and James Tzeng Chiang Liao -a distinguished assemblage of Asian paintings and works on paper from the estate of the late Dr Christine McEchran Liao (1943-2025), founding director of the Chinese Museum in Melbourne, and her husband, James Tzeng Chiang Liao (1933-2021). The collection features works by important modern and contemporary artists including Huang Yongyu, Guan Shanyue, Zhao Shao'ang, Ding Yanyong, Huang Miaozi, Ai Qing, among many others. Born during the final years of the Second World War, Dr Christine McEchran Liao was one of twins to architect William Henderson Eales and microbiologist Jean Dudley Eales. In 1962, she entered the newly established Department of Oriental Studies at the University of Melbourne, becoming one of the institution's first students of Chinese language and linguistics. Christine's early fascination with Asia can be traced to her grandfather-a Scottish sea captain whose voyages stirred her imagination like a wind blowing in from distant oceans. Weekend dinners in the family home in Camberwell were often shared with visiting students from Singapore and Malaya. Asia, it seemed, had always been quietly guiding her path. Graduating with distinction in 1965, Christine received a full scholarship to study in Taiwan-the first time the University of Melbourne awarded such support to a newly graduated student. The move introduced her to a vibrant world of thinkers, artists and writers, and to the man who would become her husband-mentor, friend and future partner in life-James Liao, ten years her senior. Three months later the pair married, and their first son, Bill, was born the following year. While undertaking her master's degree, Christine returned to the University of Melbourne as a lecturer-the first alumna to teach in the Chinese department. Her MA thesis, completed in 1972, examined the works of modern romantic poet Xu Zhimo. Her doctoral thesis, completed in 1980, compared the symbolist poetry of Bian Zhilin and Ai Qing. She became the first Western scholar to earn a PhD in Chinese Studies at the University of Melbourne-an enduring testament to her devotion to the lyric romanticism of modern Chinese literature. In 1985, when the Chinese Museum opened its doors in Melbourne's Chinatown, Christine was the natural and unanimous choice as its founding director. Her fluency in Chinese, her passion for Asian culture, and her deep commitment to cross-cultural understanding positioned her uniquely for the role. At a time when contemporary Chinese and Asian art was gaining momentum, Christine recognised a profound absence within Australia's cultural landscape: a need for visibility, scholarship, and representation. She devoted herself wholly to the museum-juggling donors, sponsors, funding bodies, and community expectations-so intently that, as she joked, she nearly lived inside its walls. Her second son, Tristan, was born amid that whirlwind of purpose. During this time, James Liao served with Radio Australia, overseeing Chinese-language programming and producing extensive interviews with leading Chinese artists and cultural figures. Together, the couple co-founded the Chinese Artists Society of Australia, championing Asian art and artists across the nation. Their advocacy paved the way for exhibitions-including presentations at the National Gallery of Victoria-and helped foster a vibrant artistic community bridging continents. Among the family's closest friends was the celebrated artist Huang Yongyu, who visited Melbourne many times and stayed with the Liaos for extended periods. Huang was charmed by Australia's landscapes-most of all the soaring mountain ash forests of the Dandenong Ranges, which sparked new creative energy. Several works in the present collection were born from these visits, including portrait drawings of Christine's father and sketchbooks for her young son-rare and intimate gestures of affection. The Liaos also enjoyed lasting friendships with Guan Shanyue and poet-painter Ai Qing, whose inscriptions and dedications across works in the collection speak to decades of shared ideals, artistry, and camaraderie. This collection is, above all, a portrait of two lives lived across cultures. It reflects Christine and James Liao's scholarship, friendships, and unwavering belief in art as a meeting ground between worlds. More than a gathering of paintings, the collection charts a journey across languages, communities and continents. Here, art becomes not only a bridge between cultures, but a vessel of memory-carrying forward the spirit and legacy of a family whose lives were shaped by both China and Australia. 淡水河谷：单一藏家廖伊利斯博士（Dr Christine McEachran Liao）与廖增强（James Tzeng Chiang Liao）伉俪亚洲艺术珍藏 2月23日，LEONARD JOEL将隆重带来墨尔本澳华历史博物馆（Chinese Museum)的奠基人/首任馆长廖伊利斯博士（Dr Christine McEachran Liao），与其先生廖增强（James Tzeng Chiang Liao）伉俪的亚洲艺术书画珍藏，其中包括：黄永玉，关山月，赵少昂，丁衍庸，黄苗子，艾青等重要的现当代艺术家。 廖伊利斯博士（Dr Christine McEachran Liao）出生于二战时期，是建筑师William Henderson Eales和微生物学家Jean Dudley Eales的双胞胎女儿。1962年，恰逢墨尔本大学新开设了Department of Oriental Studies东方研究系，Christine如愿成为了墨尔本大学的第一批汉语语言学学习者。 伊利斯女士的祖父是一位苏格兰船长，远航的种种经历像一阵海风，为伊利斯捎来了对于亚洲最遥远的想象。在墨尔本Camberwell家中的周末餐桌上，父亲和母亲也常常会自邀请来自新加坡和马来亚的交换学生一起用餐。与亚洲的不解之缘似乎一直在引导着她未来的每一步。 1965年，伊利斯以优异的成绩从墨尔本大学毕业，并获得了去台湾留学的全额奖学金，这是墨尔本大学首次给予应届毕业生此等殊荣。来到台湾，她接触到了更多的有趣而鲜活的灵魂，像是换了一个世界，她的周围聚集着作家、艺术家和哲学家们的讨论，也遇见了比自己大9岁的老师，未来的人生伴侣，廖增强。三个月后，他们结婚了，第二年，他们有了第一个孩子Bill。 伊利斯在攻读硕士学位期间便被任命为墨尔本大学中文系的导师，成为该系首位重返母校任教的墨尔本大学毕业生。她的硕士论文于1972年完成，研究对象是现代浪漫主义诗人徐志摩。她的博士论文于1980年完成，论文比较了象征主义诗人卞志林和艾青。是墨尔本大学首位获得中文研究博士学位的学者。一个西方人，却始终眷恋着东方文学中的浪漫主义情怀。 1985年，澳大利亚华人历史博物馆（Chinese Museum)在墨尔本唐人街开幕，伊利斯博士也当仁不让的成为了博物馆的创始馆长。她流利自然的中文，对于亚洲文化的热情和理解，对于亚洲艺术的关注和积极推动，使她成为了这个角色的不二人选。80年代，正是中国的现当代艺术蓬勃发展的年代，伊利斯深切的感到亚洲文化与亚洲艺术在澳大利亚的多文化体系中的存在的认知上的空白。为了改变这个现状，伊利斯博士几乎住在了博物馆里，努力在捐赠人、赞助商、拨款机构和社区期望等各方利益冲突中寻求平衡。她的第二个儿子Tristan便是在这样积极而繁忙的工作中出生的。 届时，丈夫廖增强先生在澳洲广播电台（Radio Australia）担任中国部的工作，他监制的华语节目为多位重要的现当代华人艺术家做了大量专访。而在伊利斯女士的不懈努力之下，许多本地和国际的现当代艺术家得以将他们的作品在澳华博物馆展陈。之后，伊利斯与增强伉俪又共同创立了「澳洲华人艺术家协会」，致力于支持与推广华人艺术在澳洲的发展。在他们的推动下，协会成员作品曾在维多利亚国家美术馆展出，伊利斯与增强伉俪作为跨文化交流倡导者，也始终积极活跃在中西文化交融的领域中，并乐在其中。 著名的艺术家黄永玉先生，曾多次到访墨尔本，与伊利斯夫妇二人及两个儿子感情十分亲厚，多次在其家中居住。黄老的性格幽默豁达，十分喜爱澳洲的风土人情，尤其钟爱丹德农山脉的参天巨木，深得创作的灵感。本次收藏中，多件作品正出自此段往来，包括黄永玉为伊利斯的父亲所绘肖像，以及为其幼子创作的写生手稿，珍罕亲切。著名画家关山月，中国现代诗人艾青也是夫妇俩的挚友，在此收藏中亦可见多次为「澳洲华人艺术家协会」题字题诗作画，尽显文人风华。 廖氏夫妇的艺术珍藏，映照着他们融合和跨越中澳文化边界的一生，传递者他们的专业素养、私人关系和共同的艺术热情。这并非单纯的艺术品汇聚，更是跨越两种文化人生轨迹的叙述。在其中，艺术既是桥梁，更是一种情感的沉淀和精神的传承。 OTHER NOTES: Chen Wen Hsi (1906-1992) Pioneer Singapore Artist · Modernist Painter · Master of Chinese Ink and Avant-Garde Experimentation Chen Wen Hsi was born in Guangdong, China, in 1906 and is widely recognised as one of Singapore's most influential pioneer artists. Educated at the Shanghai College of Art and later the Xinhua Academy of Fine Arts in Shanghai, he was part of a generation that absorbed both traditional Chinese painting methods and the emerging currents of European modernism. In the late 1930s and 1940s, Chen Wen Hsi taught at various art academies in China before settling in Singapore in 1948, where he became a central figure in the development of modern art in the region. Alongside fellow pioneer artists such as Cheong Soo Pieng, Chen Chong Swee, and Liu Kang, he played a vital role in shaping the distinctive "Nanyang" style-blending Chinese ink traditions with Southeast Asian subject matter and Western modernist techniques. Chen was a prolific and highly versatile painter, known for his elegant ink works-especially gibbons and other animals-executed with a refined, calligraphic sensitivity. He also explored Cubism, abstraction, and various experimental modes in oil, demonstrating a bold, inquisitive approach that placed him at the forefront of Singapore's modern art movement. A dedicated educator, Chen taught at The Chinese High School and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, profoundly influencing younger generations of artists. Throughout his lifetime, his work was widely exhibited, and he received numerous honours, including the inaugural Cultural Medallion for Visual Arts in 1979. Chen Wen Hsi passed away in 1992, leaving behind a rich and diverse artistic legacy. His paintings remain highly sought after and are celebrated for their disciplined technique, lyrical spirit, and foundational importance to the cultural history of Singapore and the region.
Chen Wen Hsi 1906 - 1991 Eight Gibbons signed 文希, inscribed 南洋作 and stamped with the artist's seal (lower right) ink and colour on paper 106 by 234.5 cm. 41¾ by 92⅜ in. ---------------------------------------------- 陳文希 1906 - 1991年 八隻長臂猿 款識 文希南洋作，藝術家鈐印（右下） 彩墨紙本 106 x 234.5 公分 41¾ x 92⅜ 英寸
Chen Wenxi / Chen Wen Hsi (1906-1991) attr. Singapore, 20th c. 33,5 x 43 cm (52,5 x 59 cm R.) Sparrows and bamboo. Ink and colours on paper, matted and framed under glass. Signature: "Wenxi ji" (painted by Wenxi) and a seal of the artist. Inscribed "(Dr Chen Wen Hsi)" (possibly added by the collector) in pencil lower left. Inscribed on the reverse in pencil "Mrz. 77". German private collection Chen Wenxi (1906-1991) was born in Jieyang of Guangdong province. In his youth, he already showed great talent and passion for art and painting. He studied in the Xinhua College of Art in Shanghai with renowned artists such as Pan Tianshou and had later solo exhibitions in Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, etc. Since 1948, he lived in Singapore and worked as an art school teacher. Chen is known for his avant-garde Chinese paintings, especially animal paintings of monkeys and herons - In good condition Chen Wenxi / Chen Wen Hsi (1906-1991) attr. Singapur, 20. Jh. 33,5 x 43 cm (52,5 x 59 cm R.) Spatzen und Bambus. Tusche und Farben auf Papier, mit Passepartout und unter Glas gerahmt. Signatur: "Wenxi ji" (gemalt von Wenxi) und Siegel des Künstlers. Unten rechts in Bleistift bez. "(Dr. Chen Wen Hsi)" (möglicherweise ergänzt vom Sammler). Rückseitig in Bleistift bez. "Mrz. 77". Deutsche Privatsammlung Chen Wenxi (1906-1991) wurde in Jieyang der Provinz Guangdong geboren. In seiner Jugend zeigte er bereits große Begabung und Leidenschaft für Kunst und Malen. Er studierte in der Xinhua College of Art in Shanghai bei berühmten Künstlern wie Pan Tianshou und hatte Einzelausstellungen in Guangzhou, Hongkong, Shanghai u.a. Seit 1948 lebte er in Singapur und arbeitete als Kunstschullehrer. Chen ist bekannt für seine avantgardistische Chinesische Malerei, insbesondere Tiermalerei von Affen und Reihern - Gut erhalten
Chen Wenxi / Chen Wen Hsi (1906-1991) attr. Singapore, 20th c. 36 x 42,5 cm (49,5 x 59 cm) Gibbons. Ink and colours on paper, matted and framed under glass. Signature: "Wenxi ji" (painted by Wenxi) and a seal of the artist. Inscribed "(Dr Chen Wen Hsi)" (possibly added by the collector) in pencil lower left. Inscribed on the reverse in pencil "Mrz. 77". German private collection Chen Wenxi (1906-1991) was born in Jieyang of Guangdong province. In his youth, he already showed great talent and passion for art and painting. He studied in the Xinhua College of Art in Shanghai with renowned artists such as Pan Tianshou and had later solo exhibitions in Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, etc. Since 1948, he lived in Singapore and worked as an art school teacher. Chen is known for his avant-garde Chinese paintings, especially animal paintings of monkeys and herons - In good condition Chen Wenxi / Chen Wen Hsi (1906-1991) attr. Singapur, 20. Jh. 36 x 42,5 cm (49,5 x 59 cm) Gibbons. Tusche und Farben auf Papier, mit Passepartout und unter Glas gerahmt. Signatur: "Wenxi ji" (gemalt von Wenxi) und Siegel des Künstlers. Unten links in Bleistift bez. "(Dr. Chen Wen Hsi)" (möglicherweise ergänzt vom Sammler). Rückseitig in Bleistift bez. "Mrz. 77". Deutsche Privatsammlung Chen Wenxi (1906-1991) wurde in Jieyang der Provinz Guangdong geboren. In seiner Jugend zeigte er bereits große Begabung und Leidenschaft für Kunst und Malen. Er studierte in der Xinhua College of Art in Shanghai bei berühmten Künstlern wie Pan Tianshou und hatte Einzelausstellungen in Guangzhou, Hongkong, Shanghai u.a. Seit 1948 lebte er in Singapur und arbeitete als Kunstschullehrer. Chen ist bekannt für seine avantgardistische Chinesische Malerei, insbesondere Tiermalerei von Affen und Reihern - Gut erhalten
Chen Wen Hsi 1906 - 1992 Two gibbons signed 文希 and stamped with the artist's seal (center right) ink and colour on paper diameter: 38.5 cm. 15⅛ in. ---------------------------------------------- 陳文希 1906 - 1992年 兩隻長臂猿 款識 文希，藝術家鈐印（右中） 彩墨紙本 直徑：38.5 公分 15⅛ 英寸
Chen Wen Hsi 1906 - 1992 Goldfish signed 文希, inscribed 南洋作, and stamped with the artist's seal (upper left) ink and colour on paper 60 by 59.3 cm. 23⅝ by 23⅜ in. ---------------------------------------------- 陳文希 1906 - 1992年 金魚 款識 文希南洋作，藝術家鈐印（左上） 彩墨紙本 60 x 59.3 公分 23⅝ x 23⅜ 英寸
Chen Wen Hsi 1906 - 1992 Three birds and purple flowers signed 文希, inscribed and stamped with the artist's seal (upper left); stamped again (lower left) ink and colour on paper 98 by 50.3 cm. 38⅝ by 19¾ in. ---------------------------------------------- 陳文希 1906 - 1992年 紫花山雀 款識 文希題生紙，藝術家鈐印（左上） 藝術家鈐印（左下） 彩墨紙本 98 x 50.3 公分 38⅝ x 19¾ 英寸
CHEN WEN HSI (SINGAPORE, 1906-1991) Sparrows and Blossoms Ink and colour on paper, framed Signed and one red seal of the artist. 陳文希 (新加坡，1906-1991) 麻雀與竹 設色紙本 帶框 題識：文希水墨 鈐印：陳 源流： 墨爾本私人收藏，早年購自東西畫廊。 53.5 x 43cm PROVENANCE: East and West Art Gallery, Melbourne, possibly July 1974. A private collection, Melbourne.
Chen Wen Hsi (Singaporean, 1906-1991) Squirrels, Sparrows both signed in Chinese, with one seal of the artist ink and colour on paper 32.5 x 42.7 cm (12 3/4 x 16 7/8 in) each (2)
Chen Wen Hsi (Singaporean, 1906-1991) Gibbons at Play both signed in Chinese, with one artist's seal (left) and one collector's seal (lower right) ink and colour on paper, hanging scroll 33.5 x 44.3 cm (13 1/4 x 17 3/8 in) each
CHEN WEN HSI (1909-1991) Carp ink and colour on paper signature and seal of the artist lower right 66 x 66cm PROVENANCE Private collection, Melbourne The Bryan Collie Collection
This composition pairs delicate bamboo fronds with a lively group of chicks, a subject Chen often revisited with both affection and spontaneity. Rendered with brisk, expressive brushwork and a refined control of ink tones, the work captures a sense of vitality and natural harmony. Chen’s ability to balance playfulness with elegance speaks to his deep understanding of classical Chinese aesthetics, while subtly pushing the boundaries of form and abstraction. A fine example of the artist’s poetic vision and technical brilliance.
Chen Wen Hsi’s Sparrow Perched on a Banana Tree and Flowers is a masterful example of the artist’s refined ink technique and his deep appreciation for the natural world. Executed with elegant brushstrokes and a harmonious composition, the painting captures a delicate sparrow resting amidst broad banana leaves and blooming flora, a scene imbued with vitality, balance, and poetic stillness. A pioneering figure in Singaporean modern art, Chen was celebrated for merging traditional Chinese ink painting with modern aesthetics. His depictions of birds, especially sparrows and gibbons, reflect not only technical precision but also a profound sensitivity to form and movement. In this work, the interplay between fluid lines and controlled washes exemplifies Chen’s ability to breathe life into his subjects with economy and grace. Sparrow Perched on a Banana Tree and Flowers is a timeless ode to nature, resonating with both visual beauty and quiet contemplation.
59 x 79 cm ; 76 x 106 cm (with frame) ink and colour on paper, finger painting signed in Chinese with one seal of the artist upper right; additional seal of the artist lower left The entire proceeds from the sale of the painting will go to Professor Lim Chong Yah's NTU bursary/scholarship fund. 陈文希《鸭》年作 彩墨 纸本 指画 款识：崇椰教授致之文希（右上）钤印：匃画癖（左下) 文希指画（右中） 这幅画的拍卖收益将全部捐赠给林崇椰教授的新加坡南洋理工大学助学金/奖学金基金。
Property formerly from the collection of the late Professor Arthur Lim Chen Wen Hsi 1906 - 1992 Two fishes signed 文希, dated 乙未六月, inscribed 南洋之作, and stamped with the artist's seals (upper right); stamped again with artist's seal (lower left) ink and colour on paper 108 by 55.1 cm. 42½ by 21¾ in. Executed in 1955. ---------------------------------------------- 曾為林少明教授舊藏 陳文希 1906 - 1992年 兩條魚 款識 乙未六月文希南洋之作，藝術家鈐印（右上） 藝術家鈐印（左下） 彩墨紙本 108 x 55.1 公分 42½ x 21¾ 英寸 1955年作
Property formerly from the collection of the late Professor Arthur Lim Chen Wen Hsi 1906 - 1992 Lots of Fishes signed 文希, inscribed 南洋作 and stamped with the artist's seal (upper left); stamped with the artist's seals (lower right) ink and colour on paper 67.8 by 67.8 cm. 26¾ by 26¾ in. ---------------------------------------------- 曾為林少明教授舊藏 陳文希 1906 - 1992年 魚群 款識 文希南洋作，藝術家鈐印（左上） 藝術家鈐印（右下） 彩墨紙本 67.8 x 67.8 cm. 26¾ x 26¾ in.
CHEN WEN HSI 陳文希 (CHEN WENXI, SINGAPORE, 1906-1991) Sunflowers and Chicks 向日葵和小雞 Signed and stamped with the artist's seal Ink and colour on paper 45.5cm x 37.7cm diameter; 57cm x 46cm (framed) - PROVENANCE: English Private Collection, acquired in Singapore.
CHEN WEN HSI 陳文希 (CHEN WENXI, SINGAPORE, 1906-1991) Gibbons 長臂猿 Signed and stamped with the artist's seal Ink and colour on paper 36.5cm diameter; 54cm x 54cm (framed) - PROVENANCE: English Private Collection, acquired in Singapore.
CHEN WEN HSI (CHEN WENXI, 1906-1991). Rural Happiness. A set of four scrolls, mounted for framing, ink and colour on paperEach scroll measures 36.5 x 47.2 cm. (14 3/8 x 18 5/8 in.)(4).
XU BEIHONG (1895-1953) AND CHEN WEN HSI (1906-1992). Plantain and Bird. Scroll, mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper130.5 x 34 cm. (51 3/8 x 13 3/8 in.).
Chen Wen Hsi (1906 - 1991), Chinese painting of birds, back has ink writing of documentation. Image: 17"h x 13"w (43.18 x 33.02 cm), frame much large. Condition: frame has damage. NOTE: THIS ITEM IS IN OUR NEW YORK WAREHOUSE WHERE IT CAN BE SHIPPED FROM. For additional information, including condition reports, please email Clars Los Angeles at ask@ClarsLA.com. The absence of a condition statement does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition.
CHEN WEN HSI (CHINESE,1906-1991) Flowers and Chickens watercolour and ink on paper signed upper left 69 x 69 cm PROVENANCE Collection of the late Professor Arthur Lim Sothebys, Hong Kong, Modern Discoveries, 29 August 2023, Lot 6207 Private collection, Singapore
CHEN WEN HSI (CHINESE,1906-1991) The Bird on a Fruiting Palm Tree watercolour on paper signed upper left 95 x 43 cm PROVENANCE Private collection, Singapore
CHEN WEN HSI (CHINESE 1906-1991) Gibbons watercolour and ink on paper signed and monogrammed lower left 33 x 43cm (image size) 50 x 58cm (frame size) PROVENANCE Private collection, Melbourne
Chen Wen Hsi was proficient in both traditional Chinese ink and Western oil painting, and experimented with a variety of styles ranging from Fauvism to Cubism. In Chen’s exhibition held in May 1956, Frank Sullivan noted his fascination for man-made things and clutter. The artist loved to experiment with the interplay of light and forms in chaotic subjects. His unique style which showed interest in angles but not Cubist; strays not far from reality and is obsessed with shapes, and yet not an abstract painter. In this painting, despite the simplicity that comes with it, Chen Wen Hsi’s effortless skill makes this piece truly an exquisite one indeed. Chen Wen Hsi was born in 1906 in Baigong, Guangdong. He moved to Singapore and was based there until his death in 1991. Despite his uncle’s objection during the early years, Chen decided to pursue fine art at the Shanghai College of Art before transferring to the Xinhua College of Art in Shanghai where his mentor was Pan Tianshou. For his contributions to the fine arts in Singapore, he was awarded the Public Service Star in 1964. He also founded the Chun Yang Painting Society in Shantou.
