Please enjoy the rural scene in a large oil painting I have collected for years. The artwork that covers an entire wall highlights the exciting pattern of shadows on the ground of the wooded area cast by the many large trees with branches devoid of leaves.
The artist is “He Guanlin”, born in Chengdu, Sichuan 1962. He is a national first-class artist, a member of the China Artists Association, a member of the China Printmakers Association, a director of the Sichuan Artists Association, the deputy director of the Oil Painting Art Committee, and the deputy director of the Sichuan Bashu Painting School Promotion Association. He was the Chairman, the first batch of influential representatives of the Bashu painting school, the secretary-general of the Sichuan Kunlun Landscape Oil Painting Research Association, and an art expert who enjoyed special government allowances privilege.
His works have participated in national art exhibitions many times and won the “Ninth National Art Exhibition” Excellence Award; the second prize of “National Art Exhibition Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Victory of the Anti-Japanese War”; Excellent Work Award of “Canada International Ink Painting Exhibition”; “Excellence Award”; “The 12th China Population Culture Award” Gold Award; “Bashu Literature and Art Award”, “Sichuan Provincial Art Exhibition” Gold Award and many other awards. He has published five books on his paintings.
When he held a solo exhibition in Singapore, I felt that his technique was superb, and the colours of his works were pleasing and elegant. His style is different from that of most oil painters. It is somewhat like a meticulous-style painting with great emphasis on details. Such artworks require a longer time and effort to complete. I am so glad I did not miss the opportunity to acquire a masterpiece for my long-term appreciation and viewing pleasure.
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.
