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http://cheahpheechye.com/beta/images/photo1.jpgNational Art Gallery Singapore

"Leader, teacher, mentor and experimenter, Yeh Chi Wei was a mover and shaker of Singapore's early art scene. Members of the artistic community would know how this quiet artist worked laboriously and played significant roles in shaping visual art during the 1960s and 70s. Yeh created some of the most distinctive oil paintings, and defined a unique Southeast Asian style."

Drawing inspiration from many cultural sources, ranging from ancient Chinese rubbings, carvings to Javanese batik, Yeh's works powerfully interweaves these cultural elements with both Asian and Western art techniques. As an art teacher and leader of the Ten Men Art Group, he guided and mentored many Singapore artists. He was also a tremendous source of inspiration and encouragement to many others.

The Story of Yeh Chi Wei celebrates the life of such an artist. We warmly invite you to examine the works and inspirations behind this unsung hero.

At the opening of the First Ten Men Art Exhibition in 1961. From left: Lai Foong Moi, Yeo Tiong Wah, Lee Sik Khoon, Yeh Chi Wei, Cheah Phee Chye, Lim Tze Peng, Seah Kim Joo, Choo Keng Kwang, Chen Cheng Mei and Tan Miow Kheng. Photographs kindly provided by Chen Cheng Mei.


Cheah Phee Chye

我集各派之长的学画过程, 我小时候很喜欢绘画，时常临摹报纸上的一些名人肖像画和名人的艺术创作，临摹得不错。

在求学时代，我的艺术天分得到我的恩师高沛泽老师的发掘。高老师和徐悲鸿是同学，他们同是法国巴黎国立艺术学校的毕业生。高老师给我打下了深厚的素描木炭画基础，并对我教导训练了一段时期，教导我画油画、水彩画等等。从写实画开始一直画上到抽象画，我永远忘不了恩师的教导。

八十年代，我又接受了印尼棉兰画家Hansan De Jaffar的指导，因此我的油画技巧有了新的突破，更上一层楼。后来在英国求学时，我也经常去艺术馆观摩，并研究名家的艺术作品，使我的艺术修养更加专业化。

我现在从事油画事业，我认为油画是最方便最好的大创作画，它可随意涂改，色彩更漂亮且更耐久。其他类型的画则稍逊于它。现在我的油画技巧也在不断提升中，从写实画开始、接着到印象画直到抽象画。我觉得抽象画很有内涵，耐人寻味，意境高。中国的书法艺术具有它独特的抽象感，因此我也常挥毫写大字。

这是我对艺术的一些感想。


(Cheah Phee Chye in 2013)

Cheah Phee Chye

My study of painting is a long process. As a child, I liked to draw, and was often curious and followed the intricate details of famous artists.

At a young age, my artistic skills got elevated by my teach and mentor Gao Peize. Thereafter I also met highly regarded artists like Xu Beihong in Paris with the National Art School graduates. My teachers then help lay a solid foundation charcoal sketch. I also learnt oil painting, watercolor and so on. From the beginning I painted realism to abstract painting. I will never forget what my teachers taught me.

In the 1980s, I met in Medan the Indonesian painter Hansan De Jaffar. Under his guidance, I saw a breakthrough in my painting skills. Thereafter I left Singapore to study in England.

I often went to galleries to observe and study the famous works of art, and decided to make my art to a more specialized training, than just a hobby.

I am now engaged in oils. I think that oil painting is the most convenient to being creative in a huge way. Colours on oils can easily be altered. The color is more beautiful and more durable. Other types of paintings are less durable and flexible. Now, I feel that my skill in painting is on the high point. I started in realist painting, impressionist painting then I have moved on to abstract art. I feel very content abstract art. It is interesting, and it elevates my mood. Actually, Chinese calligraphy has its unique sense of abstraction. Therefore, I will often use the chinese brushes to piant the Chinese characters, and often with just one stroke for each character!

These are some of my thoughts on art


(Cheah Phee Chye in 2013)