CHEN WEN HSI (China 1906-Singapore 1991)

A key aspect of Nanyang pioneer artist Chen Wen Hsi's art practice is his handling of abstract and representational elements through a sophisticated finesse in colour theory. Lot 1173 By the river is a brilliantly textured and spontaneous yet well controlled composition that displays Chen Wen Hsi's typical colour palette - the primary colours of blue, red and yellow and three supplementary colours of orange, purple and brown. The close observer is rewarded with a pleasing image of a boatman in his elements. The boatman's boat is a sharply angular confluence of deep bold lines and is reflected in the representation of the environs by a complex set of interlocking colour blocks and planes.