LOT 40
ONG KIM SENG
B. Singapore, 1945
Singapore River, 1978
Acquired by the previous owner in 1978 from Ritage Galleries, Calgary, Canada
Watercolour on paper
37 x 53.5 cm
Private Collection, Canada
RM 11,000 – RM 22,000
For a masterpiece to come alive, there has to be a special connection between the artist and the subject. In this breathtaking painting the Singapore River, Ong Kim Seng captures the depth, the contours, the shadows and the beauty that is the natural scenery of the world. It is stunning, and although simple in its execution, it shows the meticulous and methodical use of fine brush strokes and skills. Ong said, “I have to feel a place before I paint it. If I have good feelings for a scene – just as I may have good feelings for someone I meet – I know I’ll have the will to paint it well. For me, and for all painters, I believe, inspiration comes naturally when there’s a link between the artist and his subject.” This is a very sought after subject by collectors in Singapore along with the Nepal series by the artist. This is by far the oldest Ong Kim Seng artwork featured in our auction.