LOT 912
Choo Keng Kwang
(1931-2019, Singaporean)
Dressing Up
painted in 1993
oil on canvas
105 x 150 cm
signed on lower right; signed and dated on the reverse
S$ 20,000 - 30,000
US$ 15,445 - 23,170
Pick up point: Singapore
CHOO KENG KWANG
Choo Keng Kwang (b. 3 June 1931, Singapore–d. 14 December 2019, Singapore), a first-generation Singaporean artist, was well-known for his oil paintings of landscape, animals and nature. A former school principal of Sin Hua School, Choo later headed the Art Education Department of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) until his retirement.
Born in Singapore on 3 June 1931, Choo was the only son of a Teochew diamond trader, Choo Kim Kye. As a young child, Choo's interest in fine arts was sparked by comics and print-cartoons that he enjoyed reading. He attended Catholic High School and braved criticism and disapproval from his school teachers for enrolling in art courses at NAFA. His hard work and determination paid off when he graduated in 1953 with two certificates, one from Catholic High School and the other from NAFA.
Choo did not become a full-time artist upon graduation. Instead, he began his career as a teacher and subsequently became the school principal of Sin Hua School at Upper Changi Road. He had married by this time and had to support a family of nine, including his elderly parents, his wife – Nah Chong Ngian, as well as her six brothers.
Although Choo is primarily known as an artist, he had spent more than 30 years in public education. Even in his professional career, Choo sought to improve the teaching of the arts. In 1984, he was seconded to NAFA where he was appointed a senior lecturer, before becoming head of the Art Education Department.
Choo held and participated in numerous solo and group art exhibitions in Singapore and abroad. His works toured Southeast Asia, Japan, Europe and the United States. In November 1990, he became the first Singaporean artist to participate in a cultural exchange exhibition in Jakarta, Indonesia. In July 1993, he was invited to exhibit his paintings in Brunei to commemorate the Sultan of Brunei's 47th birthday. His artworks are sought-after by art collectors, national leaders,23 museums, as well as public and private corporations.
For his contributions to art and education, Choo was conferred the Public Service Medal (PBM) in 1976 and the Long Service Award (PBS) in 1986.
Condition Report
The painting is in good condition. The canvas is in plane, free of deformations and under adequate tension. No retouching was detected upon examination under ultraviolet light. Paint layers are intact and in stable condition. The painting is offered with frame.
Please note that this report has been compiled by Larasati staff based solely on their observation on the work. Larasati specialists are not professional conservators; thus the report should be treated only as an expression of opinion and not as a statement of fact. We suggest that you consult your own restorer for a more thorough report. We remind you again that all work is sold 'as is' and should be viewed personally by you or your professional adviser before the sale to assess its condition.
IMPORTANT NOTICE :
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How To Bid
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