Image size: 73.0 x 61.0 cm (with frame 92.5 x 82.5 x 11 cm)
Not much is known about the artist’s father, but this portrait demonstrates Chuang’s skill in figuration. The thin and sparse treatment of the background reflects the influence of his brother-in-law, Tchang Ju Chi, who employed similar techniques in his works.orn in Fujian. Chuang U-Chow (庄有钊) was a self-taught artist. He studied at Raffles Institution, likely under Richard Walker who inspired him to continue painting. Chuang met Tchang Ju Chi in 1933 and set up You Peng Art Studio. Chuang was known to be the “businessman” of the Studio, with Tchang as the artist. Like Tchang, Chuang was a founding member of the Society of Chinese Artists. As he was fluent in German and English, he also served as the secretary of the Society of Chinese Artists which organised exhibitions for the China war relief effort. Tchang, Chuang and Ho Kwong Yew was executed by the Japanese during the Sook Ching operation in 1942.
