Private collection, Penang; acquired directly from the artist
Description
The Singapore River is de rigueur for artists - whether resident or passer-by - in their repertoire and it was one of Choon Ghee’s favourite subjects, especially when he was studying at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (1949-51) and later working at Singapore Broadcasting Service (1962-66) though this Chinese-style work is done on a re-visit much later. The work is dominated by the Bank of China building with a bumboat on the river heading inland, and it is Choon Ghee’s virtuosity with ink and wash that gives dignity and charm to it.