Sun Yee, Happy Ducklings, Chinese ink on rice paper, 43 x 59 cm
World renowned female artist Sun Yee was born at Zhejiang in 1919. Since young, she grew up in an artistic cultured environment. Sun Yee furthered her education at Shanghai Art College and graduated in 1938. Her devotion for art did not cease there, taking a bold step to travel across the globe in search of new inspirations. In 1940, Mdm Sun held her first solo art exhibition. From there, Mdm Sun decided to further her studies in art at Nihon University in Japan, and travelled to France thereafter for comprehensive studies in Fernard Leger Studio. In 1953, Mdm Sun’s art pieces were recognised and received great compliments, with her works bought by the French government.
In 1955, Mdm Sun set foot in Singapore. She took part in the establishment of School of the Arts, Singapore, holding the position of principal and lecturer. Throughout her career, Mdm Sun established a cornerstone for a growing cradle of new local artists, devoting her soul for local art education. Mdm Sun did not forsake her passion for art in the meantime. Publishing her first book in 1956, she continued to publish six additional books for her art piece promotion, the last in 1984.
Sun Yee devoted her life to the arts for more than 60 years. During this period, she has travelled the world thrice, seeking out astounding ideas for her creativity. With a total of 94 exhibitions in various scales, her contributions to the art scene held no bounds. Through her works, we gain insights and new perspectives, especially how ideals of different poles found mitigations and compromises, showcasing a new form of art work never before seen by many.
Mdm Sun’s works had garnered the attention of the National Gallery Singapore and avid art collectors. Her “Multi-Racial” piece fetched her record high of HKD $457,000 in 2015 at the Christies Auction in Hong Kong. National Gallery Singapore also collected two of her inks entitled “Malay Dance- Ronggeng” and “Indian Dance”.
In Jan 2014, St Luke’s Hospital benefited with a SGD$100,000 gift from similar charity art exhibition. The family members of Mdm Sun donated the remaining 31 pieces of her works to The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) for this charity endeavour, leaving behind a legacy of Sun Yee’s love to humanity. Goshen Art Gallery, in partnership with Dynasties Antique & Art Gallery, also showcases part of Sun Yee’s collection as a mark of respect to her. NKF is the beneficiary of this charity. We appeal to your generous support. Thank You!
Opening Reception: 2nd Dec, 3pm (RSVP to info@goshenartgallery.com)
Exhibition dates: 30th Nov – 4th Dec
Venue: Visual Arts Center
10 Penang Road (Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station Exit B)
Singapore 238469
Hours: 11:00 am – 08:00 pm daily
When: 30 Nov - 4 Dec 2017,
