Born in 1940 in Singapore, Leo Hee Tong graduated from Singapore’s Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in 1960, and from Japan’s Ashiya Art College in 1973. A recipient of numerous awards since 1975, Leo has exhibited his paintings in exhibitions and cultural exchange festivals around the world.In "Sea of Flags" from 2006 there is a loose continuation of Leo’s interest, explored a few years earlier, in representing various kites from around the Southeast Asia region. In his typical semi-abstract expressionistic style, Leo has captured here the dynamism of vertical repetition. The long, upward movement conveys the notion of flags gently swaying to and fro in a soft breeze. Boats float among the flags, the smooth water surface broken by reflections. Although the location is unknown, the hulking dark background suggests a mountainous region within Asia, with clouds high above, bathed in the warm red hues of a setting sun.
