LOT 20
CHOO KENG KWANG
B. Singapore, 1941
Emerald Temple, Bangkok, 1961
Signed and dated “KENGKWANG 1961” on upper left
Oil on canvas board
60.5 x 45 cm
Provenance Private Collection, Singapore
RM 12,000 – RM 25,000
Choo is distinguished for his landscape or landmark paintings, by his travels around the world which resulted in a series of exceptional pieces between the 1960’s and 1970’s. He clearly illustrated his exposure to diverse cultures from his tours, including amazing Thailand, and was obviously enchanted by the magnificence of The Temple of Emerald.
The 1961 Emerald Temple illustrates his impressionist art style and he does so successfully by bringing forth the temple’s majestic aura. Choo still retains his signature exudation of a dreamy aesthetic, luring viewers to not only see but feel its extraordinary mystical beauty. Though his use of mainly green, yellow and brown hues create vague figures and forms of the temple’s silhouette, yet, he still portrays a realistic atmosphere of the surrounding. His smear of greens as seen on the artwork features a tropical ambience that encloses the space. Combined with his immaculate ethereal quality and delicate brushwork, he undoubtedly did the emblem justice with his glorious Emerald Temple (1961) masterpiece.