Chen Chong Swee | 陈宗瑞


1910 - 1985









Chen Chong Swee was one of Singapore’s most distinguished pioneer artists and a foundational figure in the development of the Nanyang art movement. Recognised as one of the legendary Four Nanyang Artists—alongside Cheong Soo Pieng, Chen Wen Hsi, and Liu Kang—he played a pivotal role in shaping a distinctly Southeast Asian modern art vocabulary. Trained in traditional Chinese ink painting, Chen was among the first to integrate Western realism and regional subject matter into his practice, creating a visual language that remains central to Singapore’s art history. A dedicated educator at institutions such as The Chinese High School and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, he influenced generations of young artists through his disciplined draughtsmanship and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. Celebrated for his depictions of local life, landscapes, and cultural diversity, his works continue to be widely collected and exhibited, cementing his legacy as a cornerstone of Singapore’s artistic identity.










Timeline



1910                                Born in Chenghai County, Guandong Province, China.

1927                                    Graduated from Guangdong  Business Schools

1928                                Graduated from the Fine Art Department of Union High School, Shantou, China

1931                                Graduated from Xinhua Arts Academy, Shanghai, China

1932                                Lectured at :
                                       Jit Sin Chinese Public School, Penang
                                       Chung Hwa School, Malacca

1934 - 1975                     Lectured at :
                                       Tao Nan School, Singapore
                                       Tuan Mong School, Singapore
                                       Chinese High School, SIngapore
                                       Chung Cheng High School, Singapore
                                       Teacher’s Training College, Singapore
                                       Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

1932 - 1980                    Participated in numerous local exhibitions such as:
                                       Singapore Annual National Day Art Exhibitions and those organised by art societies

1935                                Co-founded Salon Art Society (Known today as The Society of Chinese Artists)

1952 - 1974                     Painting trips to Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Nepal and China
                                       * He was one of artists in the seminal exhibition together with Chen Wen Hsi, Cheong Soo Pieng, & Liu Kang after their painting trip                                             to Bali in 1953

1960s - 1980s                 Served as member in the Selection Committe of Annual Singapore National Day Art Exhibition
                                       Served as Advisor to NAFA, Life Art Society, SanYi Finger Painting Society and Singapore Teachers’ Art and Craft Asociation
                                       Served as President & Vice President of Singapore Society of Chinese Artists, Singapore Watercolour Society and Singapore Art                                                Society

1969                                Co-founded The Singapore Watercolors Society on 18 August with 12 other watercolourists including Lim Cheng Hoe and Gog Sing                                            Hooi

1974                                Study visit to China with The Society of Chinese Artists

1985                                Passed Away in Singapore


AWARDS

1935                                Cash Award, King George V Silver Jubilee Art Exhibition

1965                                Conferred the Meritorius Public Service Star by the Goverment of Singapore


PUBLICATIONS

1983                                The Paintings of Chen Chong Swee, published by Nan Feng Art Society

1984                                Chen Chong Swee Retrospective 1984, published by National Museum, Singapore

1993                                Chen Chong Swee: His Thoughts, His Art, published by National Museum, Singapore

1994                                Sotheby’s: Chen Chong Swee Charity Auction, published by Sotheby’s Singapore

1998                                Passages: Selected works of Chen Chong Swee, published by Sotheby’s Singapore

2010                                Chen Chong Swee: A Legacy in Truth, Goodness and Beauty, published by Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts






Selected Work







Indian Castle (印度古堡)
1971
Chinese Ink
46 cm x 61 cm
Gui Lin Scenery View 
(桂林风景)
Ink Painting
55 cm x 78 cm
Fishing Village (河畔渔家)
1961
Watercolor
78 cm x 56 cm
Joo Chiat Jetty at Night (如切渡头)
1954
Watercolor 
35 cm x 45 cm





Kallang River ( 加冷河 )
1972
Watercolor 
54 cm x 75 cm



Textile Peddler (布贩)
1955
Watercolor
42 cm x 58 cm
60 cm x 40 cm
1972
Watercolor 
54 cm x 75 cm



25 cm X 47 cm
Junks (船)
1952
Watercolor Painting
42cm x 29 cm
Southern Islanders ( 南岛人家 )
1970
Chinese Ink Painting
70 cm x 94 cm



Crossing the Bridge (过桥)
1963
Watercolor Painting
56 cm x 78 cm









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Singapore 179083