Frame size: 140 x 112.5 cm
Born in China, Chen Wen Hsi settled in Singapore in 1949 and taught at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in the 1950s. Chen was instrumental in the development of the Nanyang Style and is recognised as one of the pioneer artists of Singapore, together with Chen Chong Swee, Georgette Chen, Cheong Soo Pieng and Liu Kang. Highly influential, Chen Wen Hsi is regarded as the doyen of Singapore Chinese-brush artists. Although he painted mainly in Chinese brush, he often ventured into a cubistic style, executed in either oil or ink. An ardent student of nature, Chen is best known for his paintings of gibbons and animals developed from the Lingnan style. "The Ferry" was painted during the historical trip where Chen Wen Hsi went to Bali with three other pioneer artists, Liu Kang, Chen Chong Swee and Cheong Soo Pieng. Featuring a Balinese boatman at sea, the painting’s complex composition and energetic brushwork is emblematic of the exemplary works that arose from that historical trip.
