Wong Soo Yen, Madam Wong’s journey is a testament to the resilience of pursuing one’s passions despite obstacles. Her dedication to both her family and her artistic pursuits is inspiring. It’s wonderful to hear how she found her way back to art through the Outram Park Arts Group and how her love for finger painting and Chinese ink grew. Traveling, too, seems to have enriched her perspective, especially in her appreciation for landscapes. Madame Wong’s commitment to practicing and sharing her joy through group shows highlights the transformative power of art in one’s life.
This exhibition gives us the opportunity to take a glimpse of her journey and dream to be an artist through parts of her earlier to later works.
Curatorial Note by Oscar Ng
Madam Wong named her studio Mo Yuan Zhai (墨缘斋) to express her deep passion for ink art. Her interests span Chinese ink paintings, calligraphy, finger painting, drawing, and Western paintings. In this special tribute, we present a selection of her stunning ink landscapes, finger paintings, and other captivating themes to share with viewers.
I have the privilege of assisting in the organization and management of Madam Wong’s art collection at her studio on Mydin Road. Hidden in cupboards, drawers, and under tables, we discovered over 2,000 works, each a testament to her dedication and persistence in perfecting her strokes. Although she may have started her art journey later in life, she became an avid and meticulous learner. Evidence of this is found in her numerous drafts and discarded papers, where she repeatedly drew the same floral compositions, sometimes more than 20 times, reflecting her determination to master traditional techniques.
Creating Chinese landscapes requires a poetic heart, knowledge of literature, and intricate planning to evoke a transcendent mood that transports viewers through time. Madam Wong excelled in this art form, completing a remarkable 7-meter-long scroll in 1994, which was later endorsed and praised by Master Liu Kang and Pan Shou in 1997.
Finger painting, which involves using the tips of fingers and nails instead of brushes, allows for highly spontaneous and unpretentious creations. Madam Wong found great joy in this technique, and her art reflects her enthusiasm for learning. Throughout her life, her bond with art was inseparable. Despite maintaining a low profile, she participated in several art shows, encouraged by Mr. Ng Woon Teck, Founder of the Outram CC Arts Group, who featured her as one of three emerging artists in 1988.
We are grateful for your visit to this exhibition and hope you find joy in experiencing Madam Wong’s eternal brushstrokes.
Location: Converge Art Converge Art Gallery
Bras Basah Complex Block 231 Bain St, #01-59A, Singapore 180231
Eternal Brushstrokes:
A Tribute to Wong Soo Yen
Exhibition period:
18th – 31st May 2024
Opening hours:
12.30pm – 5pm
Location:
Converge Art Converge Art Gallery Bras Basah Complex Block 231 Bain St, #01-59A, Singapore 180231
The Breath Between
Finger Painting and Calligraphy
The Quiet Path of Dedication
in the Works of Wong Soo Yen
The Breath Between
Finger Painting and Calligraphy
The Quiet Path of Dedication
in the Works of Wong Soo Yen