LOT 45
TAN CHOON GHEE
B. Penang, 1930 – 2010
Former Straits Settlement Government Building, Penang, 1992
Watercolour on paper
36 x 44 cm
Private Collection, Singapore
Stamped with artist seal inscribed with chinese character “Ghee”
RM 5,000 – 9,000
Tan Choon Ghee, a revered figure in Malaysian art, is celebrated for his masterful depictions of Penang’s rich cultural heritage in the old buildings, shops and vibrant street scenes. With a keen eye for detail and a deep sense of nostalgia, Tan captures the essence of everyday life in Penang, from bustling markets to quaint alleyways. His distinctive style, characterized by bold brushwork and a vivid colour palette, breathes life into his subjects, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the island. Through his evocative paintings, Tan Choon Ghee preserves the spirit and legacy of Penang’s past as seen in this painting of the former Straits Settlement government building in Penang, located on Beach Street, which is now the Penang Islamic Council building. While parts of the original structure from the 1900s were destroyed during the Japanese occupation in World War II, the remaining wing showcases the elegant, classical-style architecture from that era.