signed, inscribed and stamped with a seal of the artist, upper right
Chinese ink on paper
66 x 48 cm, 94 x 76 cm (framed)
Provenance
From the collection of a German Singaporean family
Lot location
Singapore. On display at Art Agenda Singapore.
Between Ink and Nature
Chen Wen Hsi (1906–1991) stands among the pioneers of the Nanyang School, whose innovative synthesis of Chinese ink traditions and modern Western aesthetics reshaped the development of Singaporean art. Educated in Shanghai before settling in Singapore, Chen developed an unmistakable style characterised by expressive brushwork, compositional clarity, and an acute observation of nature.
Squirrel and Grapes exemplifies the artist’s mastery of classical Chinese ink painting while introducing a distinctly modern vitality. The lively squirrel, poised among cascading vines, conveys a sense of spontaneity through fluid brushstrokes and subtle tonal modulation. Every mark appears economical yet purposeful, revealing decades of disciplined practice.
Chen Wen Hsi has also painted a cluster of grapes hanging from the vine on the left hand side of the painting, a rare occurence in his oeurve. The abundant and ripe purple grapes, heavy and tightly clustered represent unity, prolific blessings, and steady growth, symbolizing abundance, harvest, wealth, and a fruitful family.
Drawing upon centuries of literati painting traditions, Chen transforms a familiar subject into an elegant meditation on harmony between animals and nature and consequent abundance. The work demonstrates the effortless balance between disciplined technique and expressive freedom that secured his reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s most important ink painters.
