Born in 1951 and based in Singapore, the art of Teng Nee Cheong is known for its colour and exotica. The artist admits to being influenced by Asian mural paintings and Persian miniatures, especially the stylization of botanic.
Teng Nee Cheong studied at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore. His works have been exhibited in Holland, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Paris, Singapore and United States. He was given the Ministry of Culture Special Award (1978), Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Alumni Association Creative Award (1982), Singapore Art Society Tan Tze Chor Art Award (1991) and Phillip Morris Group (ASEAN, 1993/95/96). His works are among the collections of the National Museum Art Gallery ( Singapore), Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( Singapore) and Neka Museum ( Bali).
Numerous works by the artist have been sold at auction, including 'Scarlet Glory upon Midnight Blooms' sold at Christie's Hong Kong 'Asian 20th Century Art (Day Sale)' in 2014 for $35,468.
He was given the Ministry of Culture Special Award (1978), Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Alumni Association Creative Award (1982), Singapore Art Society Tan Tze Chor Art Award (1991) and Phillip Morris Group (ASEAN, 1993/95/96). His works are among the collections of the National Museum Art Gallery ( Singapore), Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( Singapore) and Neka Museum ( Bali).
Teng studied at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore. He was inspired by the secessionist paintings of Austrian artist, Gustav Klimt (1862-1918). Teng's works are bold in color and composition but have gentle, lyrical themes. He creates endless combinations with a few motifs, especially flowers, textile patterns, and unique positions of figures. He has a strong sense of design and very unique use color. Awards: Ministry of Culture special award (Singapore, 1978), Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Alumni Association creative award (Singapore, 1982), Singapore Art Society Tan Tze Chor Art Award (1991), Phillip Morris Group (ASEAN, 1993, 1995, 1996). Collections: National Museum Art Gallery (Singapore), Shenn's Fine Art Gallery (Singapore). Exhibitions:National Museum Art Gallery (Singapore, 1980, 1984, 1991), Le Grand Palais (Paris, France, 1987), Hongkong Arts Centre (1998), New York Art Expo (U.S.A., 1989), ASEAN Traveling Exhibitions (1989), Tropenmuseum (Amsterdam, Holland, 1998), Shenn's Fine Art Gallery (Singapore, 1992) Centre for Strategic and International Studies (Jakarta, Indonesia, 1996).
Former address: Blk 9, Upper Boon Keng Road, #12-954, Singapore 380009; Tel: (65) 6748 7259; HP: (65) 9678 7391; Email: sherwood@cyberway.com.sg
Teng's bright colours are specifically chosen and juxtaposed for maximum effect. They are more than a mere means to an end. Towards the later part of his career, he said that his colours were getting not only more intense, but darker and heavier. He observed that during a full moon, the shadows of trees and plants take on a new and very different character. Unusual compositional elements accentuate the desired aesthetic. For example, a vase barely fits into the top of a painting in order to fully show the traditional cloth that lies underneath. Objects appear to defy gravity. The focus in his paintings thus turns towards structure and colour.
The exuberance of Teng's paintings seems to be so different from the soft-spoken and rather shy artist that he is. Someone once commented that his paintings were so happy, although the implication was that he did not seem to be a happy person, he remembered. He did not want to paint sad things.
A book entitled, "Teng Nee Cheong: Those the Gods Love Grow Mightier", was written by Lindy Poh. It offers a refreshing insight on the life, works and innermost thoughts of Teng that span a period of 40 years[1].
Teng passed away from nasopharyngeal carcinoma in 2013.
See also
References
- Lindy Poh, "Teng Nee Cheong: Those the Gods Love Grow Mightier", ISBN-13: 978-9810860530, ISBN-10: 9810860536 [2].
- Teng Yen Hui, "Queering Perspectives in Singapore Art in the 1970s to 1990s: Subjectivity and Desire in Figuration", Master of Arts (M.A.) dissertation, Asian Art Histories, Lasalle College of the Arts, 2016 – 2017.