The Story of Yeh Chi Wei is about the life and works of an important artist, Yeh Chi Wei. Yeh drew inspiration from a wide range of cultural sources, such as ancient Chinese rubbings, carvings and Javanese batik. He created highly distinctive oil paintings, works that bear witness to a powerful interweaving of his responses to Asian and Western art histories, cultural sources and travels around Southeast Asia.

Inspired by the tonal variations of the ink medium, Yeh worked within a limited colour palette for subtle effects. His signature robust outlines delineate form while being suggestive of abstract calligraphic strokes.

Yeh was a Singaporean artist, a well-respected art educator and leader in Singapore’s 20th century art scene. He led the Ten Men Group on painting exhibitions to Southeast Asian countries and was a great source of inspiration and encouragement to many other artists. Many consider him to be a true Nanyang artist. This exhibition showcases Yeh’s artistic achievements, contributions to Singapore, and celebration of Southeast Asia through art.

These shows are special research exhibitions organised by the National Art Gallery, Singapore, held on the premises of SAM.