Singapore
Chen Wen Hsi
Born in Baigong village in Guangdong, China in 1906, Chen Wen Hsi enrolled in the Shanghai College of Art in 1928. Two years later, he transferred to the Xinhua Academy of Fine Arts in Shanghai where he met the other Singapore's pioneer artists such as Liu Kang and Chen Cheong Swee. Upon graduation, he held several solo exhibitions in Shanghai. After World War II, Chen Wen Hsi wen to teach at South China College in Shantou. He left China in 1927 and travelled Southeast Asia, before settling in Singapore. He taught at various schools and continue with his artistic career at the same time. He "travell[ed] around the region for inspiration and painting landscapes, human figures and animals as well as making abstract compositions in oils and Chinese inks." (TributeSG, para. 3). Chen Wen Hsi made the historical Bali trip with fellow pioneer artist in 1952 and this caused a shift in his artistic style. For decades, he painted, even after retiring from teaching in 1968 to focus on his art. Chen We Hsi also received Several awards in his time. Chen Wen Hsi passed away in 1991.
Born in Baigong village in Guangdong, China in 1906, Chen Wen Hsi enrolled in the Shanghai College of Art in 1928. Two years later, he transferred to the Xinhua Academy of Fine Arts in Shanghai where he met the other Singapore's pioneer artists such as Liu Kang and Chen Cheong Swee. Upon graduation, he held several solo exhibitions in Shanghai. After World War II, Chen Wen Hsi wen to teach at South China College in Shantou. He left China in 1927 and travelled Southeast Asia, before settling in Singapore. He taught at various schools and continue with his artistic career at the same time. He "travell[ed] around the region for inspiration and painting landscapes, human figures and animals as well as making abstract compositions in oils and Chinese inks." (TributeSG, para. 3). Chen Wen Hsi made the historical Bali trip with fellow pioneer artist in 1952 and this caused a shift in his artistic style. For decades, he painted, even after retiring from teaching in 1968 to focus on his art. Chen We Hsi also received Several awards in his time. Chen Wen Hsi passed away in 1991.
Liu Kang
Born in Yongchun, Fujian Province, China in 1911. Attended a two-month vacation art course at the Shanghai College of Fine Art in 1926, where his artistic talent was given recognition. Thereafter, he was admitted into the second year of the art programme at the college. In 1928, Liu Kang joined the Xinhua Arts Academy. Upon graduation he went to Paris, attending classes at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière from 1928 – 33, where he was greatly influenced by artists such as Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh and Henri Matisse. He then started teaching western art in Shanghai College of Fine Arts, he moved on to teach in many institutions after that. During the World War II in Malaysia, "[t]he memories of what he had seen haunted him and in 1946, when he moved with his family to Singapore after the Japanese Occupation was over, he published Chop Suey, a multi-volume book of illustrations depicting in sometimes graphic detail the horrors that the Japanese army had inflicted on people in Malaya." (TributeSG, para. 5) He founded the Singapore Art Society in 1949 and was president from 1968 – 79. In 1952, Liu Kang and fellow Singapore's pioneer artists went on the famous Bali trip, where his artworks were greatly influenced. Liu Kang received many awards in his lifetime, the Public Service Star Award in 1970 is one example. Sadly, Liu Kang passed away in 2004 at the grand age of 93.
Born in Yongchun, Fujian Province, China in 1911. Attended a two-month vacation art course at the Shanghai College of Fine Art in 1926, where his artistic talent was given recognition. Thereafter, he was admitted into the second year of the art programme at the college. In 1928, Liu Kang joined the Xinhua Arts Academy. Upon graduation he went to Paris, attending classes at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière from 1928 – 33, where he was greatly influenced by artists such as Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh and Henri Matisse. He then started teaching western art in Shanghai College of Fine Arts, he moved on to teach in many institutions after that. During the World War II in Malaysia, "[t]he memories of what he had seen haunted him and in 1946, when he moved with his family to Singapore after the Japanese Occupation was over, he published Chop Suey, a multi-volume book of illustrations depicting in sometimes graphic detail the horrors that the Japanese army had inflicted on people in Malaya." (TributeSG, para. 5) He founded the Singapore Art Society in 1949 and was president from 1968 – 79. In 1952, Liu Kang and fellow Singapore's pioneer artists went on the famous Bali trip, where his artworks were greatly influenced. Liu Kang received many awards in his lifetime, the Public Service Star Award in 1970 is one example. Sadly, Liu Kang passed away in 2004 at the grand age of 93.
Lim Tze Peng
Born in Singapore in 1923, and studied in Chung Cheng High School. After graduating, he started teaching in Xin Min School in 1949, where he became principal within the next three years. He held his first solo exhibition in 1970 in Singapore. He also donated various works to museums and schools in Singapore. He also won Various awards in Singapore, his latest one being the Cultural Medallion Award in 2003. Through his artworks, Singapore as a "kampong transforming into a urbanized capital, documenting the cultural diversity and transformation in the city." (Ode to Art, para. 4) can be seen.
Born in Singapore in 1923, and studied in Chung Cheng High School. After graduating, he started teaching in Xin Min School in 1949, where he became principal within the next three years. He held his first solo exhibition in 1970 in Singapore. He also donated various works to museums and schools in Singapore. He also won Various awards in Singapore, his latest one being the Cultural Medallion Award in 2003. Through his artworks, Singapore as a "kampong transforming into a urbanized capital, documenting the cultural diversity and transformation in the city." (Ode to Art, para. 4) can be seen.
Thomas Yeo
Born in Singapore in 1936, he graduated from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in 1960 and continued on to Chelsea School of Art and Hammersmith College of Art & Architecture, London. "He has held 39 one-man shows in Singapore and abroad, in Australia, Austria, Germany, Denmark and London, UK, and he has participated in more than 100 regional and international group shows." (Modern Art Society Singapore, para. 1). Thomas Yeo has took on various important roles in the arts industry. In 1984, he even represented Singapore at the ASEAN Art Symposium in Manila. From the 1990s, he has also several books to his name.
Born in Singapore in 1936, he graduated from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in 1960 and continued on to Chelsea School of Art and Hammersmith College of Art & Architecture, London. "He has held 39 one-man shows in Singapore and abroad, in Australia, Austria, Germany, Denmark and London, UK, and he has participated in more than 100 regional and international group shows." (Modern Art Society Singapore, para. 1). Thomas Yeo has took on various important roles in the arts industry. In 1984, he even represented Singapore at the ASEAN Art Symposium in Manila. From the 1990s, he has also several books to his name.
Thailand
Khien Yimsiri
Born in Bangkok in 1922, he graduated from Silpakorn University, Bangkok and Academy of Fine Arts of Rome, Italy. "He was one of the first to influence the direction of development in contemporary art in Thailand." With his extensive travels and education, his artworks were heavily influenced by it. "Apart from his remarkable sculpture Musical Rhythm (1946), Land of Smile (1950) was one of his masterpieces. This work of art was very important because it not only received a gold medal in 1950, but it was also representative of Thai people, peaceful people with generous hearts." (Rama IX Art Museum, para. 7) He spent his time educating the younger generation about the arts, he also participated in quite a few research projects, with a number of them published under his name. Khien Yimsiri died in 1971.
Born in Bangkok in 1922, he graduated from Silpakorn University, Bangkok and Academy of Fine Arts of Rome, Italy. "He was one of the first to influence the direction of development in contemporary art in Thailand." With his extensive travels and education, his artworks were heavily influenced by it. "Apart from his remarkable sculpture Musical Rhythm (1946), Land of Smile (1950) was one of his masterpieces. This work of art was very important because it not only received a gold medal in 1950, but it was also representative of Thai people, peaceful people with generous hearts." (Rama IX Art Museum, para. 7) He spent his time educating the younger generation about the arts, he also participated in quite a few research projects, with a number of them published under his name. Khien Yimsiri died in 1971.
Inson Wongsam
Born in 1934, in Thailand's Lamphun province. His father was a goldsmith and "Throughout his life he has been adapting and developing the skills learnt from his father to create works of art according to new settings and social contexts." (Novica, para. 1) Inson studied at the faculty of Sculpture, Painting and Graphic Arts of Silpakorn University. Inson is renowned for having traveled throughout Europe on a scooter where he lived-off the sale of his work. He stayed in Paris and New York between 1963 to 1974 before he finally returned to Thailand. Inson was world renowned and he is recognized in Thailand as the pioneer in wood block printing, for which he has earned several awards. But he still remained humble.
Born in 1934, in Thailand's Lamphun province. His father was a goldsmith and "Throughout his life he has been adapting and developing the skills learnt from his father to create works of art according to new settings and social contexts." (Novica, para. 1) Inson studied at the faculty of Sculpture, Painting and Graphic Arts of Silpakorn University. Inson is renowned for having traveled throughout Europe on a scooter where he lived-off the sale of his work. He stayed in Paris and New York between 1963 to 1974 before he finally returned to Thailand. Inson was world renowned and he is recognized in Thailand as the pioneer in wood block printing, for which he has earned several awards. But he still remained humble.
Indonesia
Hildawati Soemantri
Born in Jakarta in 1945, studied in the Department of Fine Arts in ITB from 1964 to 1969. Even though it was uncommon for women to study fine arts in her time, she pushed on. She then furthered her studies at Pratt Institute and in Japan. She is the founder of the Ceramic Studio in IKJ (Jakarta Arts Institute). She held her first solo exhibition in Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), Jakarta in 1976 and "was the first female curator who produced a series of work that is now known by the term installation in the art world today." (Jakarta Encyclopedia, para. 2) She was thefirst female contemporary artist that held a solo exhibition and is also the first Indonesian female historian to attain a PhD overseas. Hildawati Soemantri passed away on January 2003.
Born in Jakarta in 1945, studied in the Department of Fine Arts in ITB from 1964 to 1969. Even though it was uncommon for women to study fine arts in her time, she pushed on. She then furthered her studies at Pratt Institute and in Japan. She is the founder of the Ceramic Studio in IKJ (Jakarta Arts Institute). She held her first solo exhibition in Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), Jakarta in 1976 and "was the first female curator who produced a series of work that is now known by the term installation in the art world today." (Jakarta Encyclopedia, para. 2) She was thefirst female contemporary artist that held a solo exhibition and is also the first Indonesian female historian to attain a PhD overseas. Hildawati Soemantri passed away on January 2003.
Titarubi (Rubiati Puspitasari)
Born in Bandung, Indonesia, in 1968. She studied ceramic from the Department of Fine Art, Faculty of Art and Design, Bandung Institute of Technology. Her career as an artist started in 1988. Her works has been collected and exhibited in Asia and Europe. She now lives and works in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. "She became the founding member and actively involve in Indonesian Contemporary Art Network (iCAN) – an organization that promote public education and multi-disciplinary work in art and, recently, Forum Rempah – a forum focusing on the history of spice and its culture in Indonesian archipelago." (Titarubi, para 8).
Born in Bandung, Indonesia, in 1968. She studied ceramic from the Department of Fine Art, Faculty of Art and Design, Bandung Institute of Technology. Her career as an artist started in 1988. Her works has been collected and exhibited in Asia and Europe. She now lives and works in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. "She became the founding member and actively involve in Indonesian Contemporary Art Network (iCAN) – an organization that promote public education and multi-disciplinary work in art and, recently, Forum Rempah – a forum focusing on the history of spice and its culture in Indonesian archipelago." (Titarubi, para 8).
Philippines
Guillermo Tolentino
Born in Malolos, Bulacan in 1890, he attended classes at the School of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines. He took drawing classes. Later on, he decided to take lessons in sculpture too, soon, he was more interested in sculpture than in painting. After graduating, he travelled around America and Europe to further his studies. In 1925, he went back to the Philippines, where he was appointed instructor in sculpture at the University of Philippines School of Fine Arts in 1926. He recieved many awards for his outstanding and world renowned sculptures such as The Bonifacio Monument. "After twenty-nine years of service to the University, Tolentino returned to private practice in 1955. [...] In the same year, the Philippine Institute of Architects declared him Scupltor of the Year." (Artes de las Filipinas, para 20). Guillermo Tolentino passed away in 1976.
Born in Malolos, Bulacan in 1890, he attended classes at the School of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines. He took drawing classes. Later on, he decided to take lessons in sculpture too, soon, he was more interested in sculpture than in painting. After graduating, he travelled around America and Europe to further his studies. In 1925, he went back to the Philippines, where he was appointed instructor in sculpture at the University of Philippines School of Fine Arts in 1926. He recieved many awards for his outstanding and world renowned sculptures such as The Bonifacio Monument. "After twenty-nine years of service to the University, Tolentino returned to private practice in 1955. [...] In the same year, the Philippine Institute of Architects declared him Scupltor of the Year." (Artes de las Filipinas, para 20). Guillermo Tolentino passed away in 1976.
Napoleon Abueva
Born in 1930 in Manila, his talents shone during his childhood in Bohol province, through his adolescent years as a fine arts student at the University of the Philippines where he studied under Guillermo Tolentino. Upon receiving many scholarships, Abueva completed his master’s degree in fine arts from the famed Cranbook Academy of Art in Bloomfield, Michigan, in 1955. His career as an artist was filled with works that are in various collections around the world. "Abueva is currently a professor of sculpture at the University of the Philippines, which he served with distinction as dean of the College of Fine Arts for two consecutive terms." (Dormiendo. J. M. para 6)
Born in 1930 in Manila, his talents shone during his childhood in Bohol province, through his adolescent years as a fine arts student at the University of the Philippines where he studied under Guillermo Tolentino. Upon receiving many scholarships, Abueva completed his master’s degree in fine arts from the famed Cranbook Academy of Art in Bloomfield, Michigan, in 1955. His career as an artist was filled with works that are in various collections around the world. "Abueva is currently a professor of sculpture at the University of the Philippines, which he served with distinction as dean of the College of Fine Arts for two consecutive terms." (Dormiendo. J. M. para 6)
References:
Dormiendo. J. M. (n.d.). Napoleon Abueva (Sculptor). Retrieved from http://filipinoheritage.zxq.net/sikatpinoy/napoleon_abueva.htm
Jakarta Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Hildawati Soemantri. Retrieved from http://www.jakarta.go.id/eng/encyclopedia/detail/912
Manalo-Castor. L. (2011). Guillermo Estrella Tolentino: A Classic of His Time. Retrieved from http://www.artesdelasfilipinas.com/archives/104/guillermo-estrella-tolentino-a-classic-of-his-time
Mordern Art Society. (n.d.). Thomas Yeo. Retrieved from http://www.mass.org.sg/thomas-yeo.html
Novica. (n.d.). Inson Wongsam. Retrieved from http://www.novica.com/artistdetail/index.cfm?aid=6306
Ode to Art. (n.d.). Lim Tze Peng. Retrieved from http://www.odetoart.com/artist.php/6E0DC2EA-57FF-42AB-B229-AD4A6A19221D,Lim%20Tze%20Peng
Rama IX Art Museum. (2012). Khien Yimsiri. Retrieved from http://www.rama9art.org/khien/bio.html
Titarubi. (n.d.). Biography. Retrieved from http://titarubi.com/biography/
TributeSG. (2012). Liu Kang. Retrieved from http://www.tribute.sg/artistprofile.php?chapter=1
TributeSG. (2012). Chen Wen Hsi. Retrieved from http://www.tribute.sg/artistprofile.php?chapter=1
Dormiendo. J. M. (n.d.). Napoleon Abueva (Sculptor). Retrieved from http://filipinoheritage.zxq.net/sikatpinoy/napoleon_abueva.htm
Jakarta Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Hildawati Soemantri. Retrieved from http://www.jakarta.go.id/eng/encyclopedia/detail/912
Manalo-Castor. L. (2011). Guillermo Estrella Tolentino: A Classic of His Time. Retrieved from http://www.artesdelasfilipinas.com/archives/104/guillermo-estrella-tolentino-a-classic-of-his-time
Mordern Art Society. (n.d.). Thomas Yeo. Retrieved from http://www.mass.org.sg/thomas-yeo.html
Novica. (n.d.). Inson Wongsam. Retrieved from http://www.novica.com/artistdetail/index.cfm?aid=6306
Ode to Art. (n.d.). Lim Tze Peng. Retrieved from http://www.odetoart.com/artist.php/6E0DC2EA-57FF-42AB-B229-AD4A6A19221D,Lim%20Tze%20Peng
Rama IX Art Museum. (2012). Khien Yimsiri. Retrieved from http://www.rama9art.org/khien/bio.html
Titarubi. (n.d.). Biography. Retrieved from http://titarubi.com/biography/
TributeSG. (2012). Liu Kang. Retrieved from http://www.tribute.sg/artistprofile.php?chapter=1
TributeSG. (2012). Chen Wen Hsi. Retrieved from http://www.tribute.sg/artistprofile.php?chapter=1