LOT 34
SEAH KIM JOO
B. Singapore, 1939
Singapore River, 1970’s
Batik
59 x 43 cm
Private Collection, Canada
Signed “Seah Kim Joo” on lower right
RM 5,000 – 9,000
Singapore River is a vivid batik painting that captures both the atmosphere and spirit of one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks. Known as a pioneer of batik painting in Southeast Asia, Seah Kim Joo was among the first artists to elevate the medium from traditional craft to a fine art form. In this work, the river becomes more than a backdrop; it is the lifeblood of the city, bustling with boats, trade and daily activity, rendered through Seah’s mastery of wax-resist dyeing techniques. The interplay of colours and patterns gives the scene a rhythmic vitality, while his sensitivity to detail conveys the richness of local culture and the dynamism of urban life in transition. Singapore River embodies Seah’s ability to merge tradition with modern storytelling, preserving a slice of history while celebrating the timeless energy of place and community.