SINGAPORE—For its first ever Pop-up Preview in Singapore, Christie’s is putting the spotlight on some of the modern and contemporary art works by Singapore and Malaysian artists that will be up for sale in its Hong Kong fall auction on November 25.

The presentation highlights three key genres: works from the Nanyang art movement (Cheong Soo Pieng, Liu Kang, Chen Wen Hsi, Georgette Chen), Chinese ink paintings (Lim Tze Peng, Chua Ek Kay, Lee Hock Moh) and watercolors (Ong Kim Seng, Lim Cheng Hoe, Tan Oe Pang). Additional works by Yong Mun Sen, Tan Choon Ghee, Liu Kang, and Abdullah Arriff will be hung on Saturday as they are not yet in Singapore.

The Nanyang art movement, blending Eastern and Western techniques and aesthetics, was launched by four pioneering artists (Cheong Soo Pieng, Liu Kang, Chen Wen Hsi and Chen Chong Swee) after they went on a five-month study trip to Bali in 1952 in search of a new Southeast Asian visual expression. The Pop-up Preview includes numerous interesting example of the movement, with the 1958 nature morte “Cattleya Orchid” by Georgette Chen, whose works are rarely seen at auction, being of particular note.

Amongst the contemporary artists, Lee Hock Moh’s “Wind Beneath Their Wings” is a stunning ink on Japanese gold paper work that stands out for both its beautiful coloration and unusual composition.

“Christie’s is committed to investing in and promoting the art of the Southeast Asian market, while setting it in the broader context of Asian art,” said Singapore representative Tang Wen-Li, adding “as the gallery scene develops in Singapore, we feel it is important to be aligned with its growth, to continue to promote local artists and to keep ahead of the curve. The Pop Up Preview also allows us the opportunity to focus our clients’ attentions on this particular field in an intimate setting.” 

Christie's Pop Up Preview runs until Sunday (12.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m.) at Christie’s Singapore, 501 Orchard Road, #19–03 Wheelock Place