see hiang to 施香沱 cultural commentary – traditions and heritage
TRANSCRIPT
See Hiang To 施香沱• Aka Shi Xiang Tuo, See Hiang Tuo• 1906 – 1990• Born in China, came to SG in 1938• Chinese painter, calligrapher, seal-engraver
• http://tfcsea.nafa.edu.sg/artist_biography.aspx?id=9• http://www.seab.gov.sg/nLevel/2014Syllabus/6125_2014
See Hiang ToMalay Man with Wayang Kulit1977Chinese ink and colour83x36 cm
• Depicts Malay man holding Wayang Kulit puppet• Wayang Kulit = Shadow puppets• Empty background• Rows of Chinese calligraphy at left• Chinese seals at bottom right
• The head of the man is well modelled• The anatomy and proportions are quite accurate
• Contrast with the way the clothes are depicted• Outlines, flat areas of colour• Almost zero modelling
Ma YuanWalking on a Mountain Path in SpringSouthern Song Dynasty (1127-1279 AD)Ink on silk27.4x43.1 cm
See Hiang ToMalay Man with Wayang Kulit1977Chinese ink and colour83x36 cm
• cont’d • Merging of Western and Chinese styles and techniques
• Strong interest in his own heritage• As well as country’s heritage• This work depicts the practices and heritage of different cultures• Reference to multi-culturalism of Singapore?• Shows artist’s open-ness to other cultures?