LOT 35
ONG KIM SENG
B. Singapore, 1945
Singapore River, 1983
Watercolour on paper
27 x 35 cm
Private Collection, United Kingdom
Signed and dated “Seng ‘83” on lower right
RM 18,000 – 35,000
Ong Kim Seng’s Singapore River is a masterful watercolour that reflects his deep connection to the city’s heritage and changing landscape. Renowned for his ability to capture light, atmosphere and architectural detail, Ong uses his brush to immortalise the river as both a historical artery of trade and a symbol of Singapore’s transformation. The work resonates with nostalgia, portraying shophouses, boats and riverside activity with a warmth that recalls a bygone era, yet also celebrates the enduring spirit of the place. His delicate washes of colour and precise handling of perspective give the painting a luminous quality, where every ripple in the water and shadow on the buildings contributes to a vivid sense of life. In Singapore River, Ong offers more than a picturesque view; he creates a visual memory, reminding us of the river’s role in shaping the cultural and economic identity of the nation.