LOT 58
JEHAN CHAN
B. Melaka, 1937 – 2011
Malacca River, 1968 & Coastal Scene – Malacca
Oil on canvas
Mixed media on paper
48 x 66 cm, 16 x 20 cm (set of 2 artworks)
Signed and dated “Jehan Chan ‘68”on lower right
Signed “Jehan Chan” on lower left and stamp with Chinese seal
PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Singapore
RM 2,500 – 5,000
Jehan Chan’s Malacca River is a captivating portrayal of the iconic river that flows through the historic city of Malacca, Malaysia. The artwork captures the vibrant life along the riverbanks, featuring traditional wooden boats gliding through the water, flanked by historic structures. Chan employs a vivid colour palette, blending warm tones with cool hues to evoke the natural beauty of the landscape. His brushwork conveys movement and tranquility, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the scene. The painting reflects the rich cultural heritage of Malacca, merging history and nature into a harmonious composition.
Jehan Chan has the ability to capture moments of serenity and contemplation. Through his meticulous brushwork and subtle tonal variations, Chan portrays landscapes, seascapes and still life scenes with a sense of poetic grace. Each painting invites the viewer to pause, immerse themselves in the quietude of the scene, and appreciate the inherent beauty found in the everyday. His watercolour paintings showcase his adeptness at capturing the ephemeral qualities of natural light and its transformative effects on his subjects. Whether it be the soft glow of dawn breaking over a fishing village or the meticulous portrayal of fishing boats, Jehan Chan’s skilful brushwork and delicate washes imbue his artworks with a luminosity that brings each scene to life.