Lot 28
CHOO KENG KWANG
B. Singapore, 1931
Angkor, Cambodia, 1964
Signed and dated “K. Kwang 1964” on lower right
Oil on canvas
65 x 83 cm
Provenance Private Collection Singapore
(Formerly in the Collection of Chase Manhattan New York – on verso of artwork) Illustrated on page 155 in the “777, Celebrating 7 Illustrious Years at KLAS” coffee table book published by KLAS in February 2019
RM 10,000 – RM 20,000
The Angkor Series of the 1960s
Choo’s Angkor series features range of his exceptional artworks which many collectors deem to be his best period, which was during the 1960’s. This artwork, in particular, brought forth pure abstractions of the faces of the Angkor monoliths, depicting nostalgic elements of his inaugural trip to Angkor Wat in 1964.
Many of his artworks were displayed for sale at Hotel Singapore, known today as Singapore Hilton on Orchard Road. His pieces were mostly acquired by various bankers, local corporate collectors, business guests and expatriates who have stayed at the hotel. This masterpiece, in particular, was also one of his notable works displayed at Hotel Singapore and was later acquired as part of the collection of the Chase Manhattan Bank New York since 1964. However, it has made its way back to Kuala Lumpur carrying the inventory number on the verso of the painting.