There has been a slow, but steady, renewed interest in the medium of watercolor. Singaporean watercolor artist Ong Kim Seng was recently named one of the Top 25 Watercolour Artists in the World at the Watercolour Festival in Greece; he also most recently presented 25 works at The Arts House in August. Over at the National Gallery, the resident exhibition houses 60 works from pioneer watercolor artist Lim Cheng Hoe. While the artist passed in 1979, his deftly painted landscapes of Singapore from the 1930s to the 1970s live on.
Like his contemporaries, watercolor artist (Harry) Chin Chun Wah was an early talent in the arts scene. Born in 1941, the Singaporean artist became a founding member of the Singapore Watercolour Society at age 28, in 1969. He would go on to lead several local art groups, all while perfecting his distinct style of sketches in pen and wash—a painting technique using marker pens and watercolors. In 1977 however, he left the painting scene to become an advertising manager at Far East Organization; but he never stopped painting.
Now, 43 years later, he’s made an official return to the scene—starting with a new exhibition at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. Capturing Moments showcases 22 stunning watercolor paintings depicting the nostalgic sights of 1970s Singapore, along with iconic scenes around the region inspired by Chin’s travels. From rickety fishing villages in Selangor to the serene temples of Bali, to the one and only river that brings us life, Chin’s light, deft strokes convey a sense of heart that photography cannot always claim to do. If you’re looking for a heady dose of nostalgia, the exhibition runs from now through Oct 30. See some of his works below.
Capturing Moments runs from now through Oct 30 at the East Garden Foyer of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. Admission is free.
