LOT 50
CHEN WEN HSI
B. Singapore, 1906 – 1991
Gold Fish
Signed in Chinese and stamped with seal on upper right
Chinese ink and watercolour on paper
43 cm diameter
Private Collection, Singapore
RM 22,000 – RM 45,000
The circular painting depicting goldfish is a classic representation of Chinese classical painting. The employment of a subtle palette promotes elegance and charm to it. One can easily get lost in these stunning works. Chen’s works are no stranger to reputable auction houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s and have fetched astounding prices. Known for his avant-garde Chinese-style paintings, Chen Wen Hsi was born in 1906 in Guangdong, China. He was a highly regarded first-generation artist, who was in the forefront of the Chinese revolutionary movement in Singapore during the 1950’s. Chen was among a group of five prominent artists that founded the Nanyang style, a landmark in the art history of Southeast Asia. The artist was also a highly esteemed painter and art educator who played a significant role in developing the art community in Singapore.