Mario Lee Blog

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In the National Gallery I stand in front of an impressive painting that brings Singapore’s history to life. Here is my description of this work:

My observation: the Family Portrait by Georgette Chen

I look at this large oil painting, which shows a family in a very familiar, private moment. I am fascinated by how the artist captured the different generations and what they are doing: a woman in an elegant checked dress sits in the centre and reads a newspaper, while the children around her are busy – one girl is knitting, another leans against her, and a boy in the foreground wears a feather headdress.

The painter: Georgette Chen

This work is by Georgette Chen (1906–1993), one of Singapore’s most important artists and a pioneer of the so-called Nanyang style.

• Background: Born in China and trained in Paris and New York, she came to Southeast Asia in 1951 and finally settled in Singapore.

• Importance: She is known for combining Western painting techniques with Asian motifs and themes.

Why a family portrait?

The painting, titled „Family Portrait“, was made around 1954–1955 and has a special meaning:

• Personal connection: It is the largest work Georgette Chen completed after arriving in the region.

• A celebration of community: It was an intimate celebration of close friends of the artist.

• Focus on everyday life: The portrait reflects Chen’s deep interest in showing ordinary people in her art. She wanted to create an approachable picture of a close, modern family.

It is moving to see how this painting builds a bridge between tradition and modern life in 1950s Singapore.