It is unusual for both Zaobao and Straits Times to report about a painting bought by the Malaysian Sultan which appears like a serious meeting in progress in a “House of Parliament.” The highly unusual scene depicted in the painting shows frogs, orangutans, and other types of monkies with weird facial expressions occupying all the seats in the official Meeting Hall of the Malaysian House of Parliament. The Sultan of Selangor Salahuddin Abdul Aziz acquired the painting and hung it in his private Study room. Netizens have expressed their views that they feel that the painting is a true reflection of the state of the current parliament in Malaysia!
This artwork reminds me of the monumental paintings ( most of which are larger than 10 x 10 ft square) of a similar style and nature by social surrealist Russian artist Irving Norman (1906 – 1989). The detail in Norman’s artworks is simply astonishing and magical. His oil paintings are priced at about US $180,000.00.
Tan It Koon
Before retirement, Dr Tan It Koon was, among many appointments, Head of Clinical Biochemistry at SGH’s Dept of Pathology. He was the Deputy Chairman of the National Theatre Trust and Chairman for Grants and Scholarships of the Spore Cultural Foundation. He received the National Day Awards, PBM, and PPA, for his contribution to cultural and community development and excellence in Public Administration.
