LOT 24
TAN CHOON GHEE
(B. Penang, 1930-2010)
London, 1981
Signed and inscribed in Chinese
“London 1981” with seal on lower left
Chinese ink and watercolour on paper
67.5 x 44 cm
Provenance
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
WITHDRAWN
Tan Choon Ghee has always been inspired by and passionate about what people would deem nondescript streets – its buildings, the shops, the people walking down the streets with umbrellas or on bicycles, as seen in this piece.
Tan was noted for his excellent blend of the British watercolour technique and the Chinese classical paintings’ calligraphic brushstrokes. As a result of this, the art pieces created by him are often sought-after and copied by many.
Cool, calm and murky, it reminds one of a quiet pathway, perhaps towards the evening. The illustration of the buildings’ architecture is sublime, and the faint mist-like glow to it gives the entire composition a nostalgic ambiance.