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Georgette Chen (Singapore)
Self Potrait (1946)
For many Chinese immigrants,
the
Chinese phrase 'nanyang', meaning south seas, stirred visions of
tropical paradise. Southeast Asia was thought of as a utopia in
stark contrast to their poverty at home. In any case, there would
be few or no immigrants flocking southwards if the Nanyang lands
were not seen as better places to escape to, or places that bring
wealth and improve conditions at home. Singapore was such a land,
which became a permanent home to many immigrants. In the mid-20th
century, a group of Chinese immigrants founded the Nanyang Style
of art for Southeast Asia when they portrayed the rural scenes of
Bali, which to Liu Kang, was the 'last paradise'.
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The
pioneers of the Nanyang Style are Liu Kang, Chen Chong Swee, Chen
Wen Hsi, Cheong Soon Pieng and Georgette Chen. The first four artists
had received training in the traditional Chinese watercolor painting
in China. Georgette Chen was born in France and familiar with Impressionism.
With a common desire to create a new style of art for this new tropical
Nanyang land, the first four artists travelled to Bali in 1952. Bali's
idyllic lifestyles and culture filled the artists' canvases. People
living harmoniously with nature were commonly depicted. Their flight
from urban civilization brings to mind French artist Paul Gaugin,
who had searched for more primitive and sincere art in western France.
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Just
like the Impressionists in the 1860's to 1880's, these Nanyang artists
painted outdoors to capture everyday existences. They were, however,
more like Post- Impressionists
as colours were quite subjectively used, and symbols were adopted.
In addition, the artists' brushworks were executed with the skill
of traditional Chinese painting. It is the unification of classical
Chinese and Western influences, and the embodiment of the rich culture
and diverse ethnicity of Southeast Asia, that make the style uniquely
'nanyang'.
As we are now heavily urbanized, these paintings remind us of the
sleepy kampongs Singapore once used to be. To some people, it is the
first art style Singapore could call its own. To me, it is the art
style Singapore could proudly share with all countries in Southeast
Asia.
Liu Kang (Singapore)
Life by the River (1975)
Pictures are supplied by the Singapore Art Museum
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