Tan Cheng Gay, Bird's Eye View of The Padang, 2018, Oil on canvas, 120 x 150 cm
The showcase of over 35 oil paintings on landscapes and still lifes from Mr. Tan Cheng Gay’s private collection spans from 1979 to 2018, providing audience a quick survey of Tan Choh Tee’s artistic progress over the three decades. Many works are on exhibit for the first time, including rare scenes of winter landscapes and Balinese statues stores, as well as two relatively large oil landscapes (each measuring over 1.5 x 1.5m), similarly completed en plein-air by the artist.
Tan Choh Tee (b.1942) studied at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts where he was taught by Singapore’s pioneer artists such as Cheong Soo Pieng, Liu Kang and Georgette Chen. As a student, he was deeply influenced by Western modern art, particularly Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. His pictorial language inclines toward a realist-impressionist style; characterized by solid yet gestural brushwork, and a dynamic palette. He remains a persistent plein-air painter when it comes to rendering nature, rural scenes and urban landscapes, translating the intrigue of fleeting light conditions on colour onto the canvas. His paintings, lauded for being skilful and lyrical, are highly sought-after in Southeast Asia.
Mr. Tan Cheng Gay serves as Managing Partner at iGlobe Partners. He has been the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of EnGro Corporation Limited since November 27, 1973. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has undertaken many important roles, including being a Member of Asian Advisory Committee to the Chairman at GIMV, Belgium, a Senior Honorary Council Member for Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce, a Panel Member, Requisition of Resources, Compensation Board (Undertakings) at MINDEF, a Member of the Board of Trustees at Chinese Development Assistance Council, a Director of Business China, and a Member of Singapore-Shandong Business Council.
Veteran artist Tan Choh Tee is among Singapore’s finest modern oil painters and has garnered critical acclaims for his refined brushwork and palette knife technique in landscape and still life painting. For his artistic accomplishments and contributions to the Singapore art scene, he was awarded the Cultural Medallion by the Singapore Government in 2006.
Special Art Talk – Introduction to Tan Choh Tee’s Art: 3 March 2018, Saturday, 7 – 8.30pm (free admission!)
Venue: artcommune gallery, 231 Bain Street, Bras Basah Complex, #03-39 Singapore 180231
When: 3 - 18 Mar 2018,
