Widely considered one of the leading realist artists in Singapore’s art history, Chua Mia Tee is best known for his works that spotlight everyday life in Singapore during the ‘50s-‘80s. And as the local talent turns 90 this Nov 25, Southeast Asian art museum National Gallery Singapore will be staging a brand new exhibition to celebrate Chua’s art and vision.
Taking place at the gallery from Nov 26, 2021-Nov 20, 2022, Chua Mia Tee: Directing the Real will be the painter’s first solo institutional exhibition since 1992.
Spanning four decades of Chua’s artistic practice, the showcase is set to feature over 50 works alongside archival materials, video recordings and quotes from the artist’s writings, essentially offering an insight to Chua’s artistic philosophies.
Besides the paintings of everyday life, all are also invited to view Chua’s artistic growth that ran parallel to the development and transformation of Singapore as a nation in its early years.
Chua Mia Tee. Portable Cinema. 1977. Oil on canvas, 76.9 x 78.2 cm. Gift of Times Publishing Limited. Collection of National Gallery Singapore.
Some highlights include Workers in a Canteen (1974), Portable Cinema (1977) and The Blacksmiths (1981); all of which are aptly named realist depictions of trade, labour and lifestyle.
Furthermore, Chua had dabbled in creating busts of his kin, artists and key local figures as a sculptor. A couple of these will be up on display at the upcoming showcase.
So head down to National Gallery Singapore when you have the chance to check out the gorgeous creations and take a trip down memory lane.
More information available here.
