Born in 1942 in Singapore, New York/Singapore-based artist Wong Keen’s art training began under Liu Kang and advanced under Chen Wen Hsi’s mentoring. In 1961 Wong left to study at The Art Students League, New York, and in 1963 received the League’s prestigious Edward G. McDowell Travelling Scholarship to travel and study in Europe. In 1997 Wong travelled to Vietnam where the beauty of the countryside and the people, as well as the struggles the population faced, made him feel alive and left him inspired. He also spent time observing and getting to know Vietnamese artists, which led to a two-way exchange of ideas and experiences. His paintings inspired by this journey are relaxed and informal; snapshot images of the Vietnamese people going about their daily routines. Wong’s use of colour reflects the vibrancy and movement he observed and very much admired.
