Lim Cheng Ho, Rolling Meadows, watercolour on paper, 31 x42 cm, 1959

Spurred by a desire to spotlight local talents, especially the contribution of senior artists to the development of Singapore’s arts scene, Cape of Good Hope Art Gallery aims to showcase the works by Second-Generation Singaporean artists annually. This year, the gallery’s inaugural exhibition is titled Classic Nanyang, signalling the timelessness of Singapore art.

Ang Ah Tee, Ann Siang Hill, Acrylic on canvas, 70 x 90 cm, 2014

Coinciding with SG50, the exhibition pays tribute to notable pioneer artist Lim Cheng Hoe. A First-Generation virtuosos watercolourist, he stirred an interest in watercolour amongst local artists and founded the the Watercolour Society in Singapore. Lim Cheng Hoe’s paintings will be joined by the works of three Second-Generation artists Ang Ah Tee, Chua Ek Kay and Lim Tze Peng. Recipients of the prestigious Cultural Medallion Award, all three have achieved artistic excellence and recognised for their contribution to the growth of art in Singapore.

Chua Ek Kay, Lotus Series – Summer Rendezvous 荷花系列－夏之荷, Ink on rice paper, 21 x 106 cm

The exhibition will exhibit a range of artworks by these four senior artists, which highlights the Nanyang Style, a distinctive blend of Eastern tradition and Western modernity focused on regional subjects. However, as each artist has a individual artistic approach, the style is expressed in four different mediums: Acrylic, Chinese Calligraphy, Chinese Ink and Watercolour. Ang Ah Tee’s textural strokes transfer the synergy of cities of local region onto canvas. Chua Ek Kay’s minimalist approach to Chinese Ink renders age-old subjects with an air of modernity. Lim Tze Peng, Singapore’s most significant artist, re-defines tradition with the addition of colour to Calligraphy. Lim Cheng Hoe’s watercolour rendition of the natural world enwraps viewers into a tranquil scene, where the days are warm and filled with delightful song.

Lim Tze Peng, Colour Calligraphy, Ink on rice paper, 100 x 104 cm

Dates: 3 – 12 July 2015
Hours: 11 am – 9 pm
Venue: ION Art Gallery, ION Orchard, Level 4, Singapore
Gallery Website: www.capeofgoodhope.com.sg