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 animals developed from the Lingnan style. Egrets remain as one of Chen’s favourite subjects, alongside with gibbons and herons. Proficient in both Chinese and oil painting, Chen frequently paints in both medium. The composition of “Egrets” is typical of Chinese painting, depicting lively catfishes and egrets, executed in fine brushwork.
