Washing by the River

Washing by the River

Chen Chong Swee

Year: 1950.

Medium: Chinese ink and colour.

Size: 145 x 40 cm.




The introduction of realist techniques into Chinese painting did not come without ideological struggle as seen in the colophon for Washing by the River of 1950, Chen Chong Swee's first attempt in "Nanyang" ink work "In painting scenes of Southeast Asia, I employ mainly techniques of Chinese painting. The use of yinyong (shading) approach for this painting is my first attempt of this kind. This is not to be repeated as it is against my principle."

-- Channels & Confluences: A History of Singapore Art, chapter 17.

References

Kwok Kian Chow. Channels & Confluences: A History of Singapore Art. Singapore: National Heritage Board/Singapore Art Museum, 1996. Plate 62.

This document is part of a joint project of the Singapore Art Museum and the Honours Core Curriculum, National University of Singapore. This image and accompanying text appears here with the kind permission of the Singapore Art Museum.

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Last updated: April 2000