LOT 22
TAY BAK KOI
B. Singapore, 1939 – 2003
By the River, 1980’s
Acrylic on canvas
114 x 130 cm
Private Collection, Canada
Signed “Bak Koi” on lower right
RM 22,000 – 35,000
By the River by Singaporean artist Tay Bak Koi, painted in the 1980s, is a serene and contemplative depiction of rural life. The artwork features three figures seated and fishing by a river, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil waters. Tay’s signature style characterized by simplified forms and muted tones creates a peaceful, idyllic atmosphere. Through soft brushstrokes and delicate colour contrasts, this piece captures a quiet, reflective moment, evoking a deep sense of harmony with nature. Tay Bak Koi was an artist renowned for his portrayals of fishing villages, kampung scenes and urban landscapes. He specialised in oil and watercolour and his works have been exhibited extensively in Singapore and various other countries, including Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, Germany and the United States. Tay’s talent for drawing was discovered by his father’s friend, who subsequently enrolled him in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in 1957. His teacher, the late Cheong Soo Pieng, taught him to appreciate existing works of art in new ways and to challenge conventional art forms.