SPEECH BY MR LUI TUCK YEW, ACTING MINISTER FOR INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND THE ARTS, AT THE NATIONAL ART GALLERY, SINGAPORE’S CHUA EK KAY DONATION CEREMONY, ON WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2010, 11:40AM, AT THE SINGAPORE ART MUSEUM, GLASS HALL
Mr Koh Seow Chuan
Chairman, The National Art Gallery, Singapore
Mrs Chua and Zheng Nan
Ladies and gentlemen
Good morning. On behalf of the National Art Gallery, Singapore, it is my pleasure today to receive this wonderful gift of important artworks from the family of the late Mr Chua Ek Kay. This donation is a significant act of philanthropy which enriches our national collection, and enhances the Gallery’s research and study into Singapore’s rich artistic heritage.
2 Mr Chua remains one of Singapore’s most celebrated artists. He was always generous, donating at every phase of his breakthroughs, and always supportive of public sharing and appreciation. We are truly delighted that his family has chosen to donate the most important works from their collection.
3 A renowned name in the world of contemporary Chinese ink painting, Mr Chua pushed the boundaries of Chinese ink painting into exciting and innovative frontiers. While his works were deeply rooted in Chinese culture and philosophy, they were also influenced by his home in Singapore and education in Australia. He adeptly integrated and synthesised these cross-cultural and cross-border perspectives into his art practice.
4 Mr Chua’s considerable influence on Singapore’s art scene has been well recognised over the years. Amongst several awards, he was awarded the Grand Prize in the 10th UOB Painting of the Year Award in 1991 - a significant milestone which helped to propel his artistic career. His win was especially meaningful in the competition’s history as it was the first time a Chinese ink artist was honoured with this award. His sizeable artistic achievements culminated in the artist receiving the highly-prized Cultural Medallion Award in 1999 – an accolade to honour him for his sterling contributions to the development of visual arts in Singapore.
5 We are privileged that the Chua family warmly welcomed our museum curators to work closely with them to identify and select 38 precious works for this donation. These donated works include key pieces that marked notable peaks in the artist’s career. They also include those completed during his significant journeys through Southeast Asia and the region, as well as ink pieces completed between the 1990s and the last decade. This donation is therefore an invaluable and comprehensive representation of Mr Chua’s works and career. It enables the National Art Gallery to further research his life and artistic development, allowing us to better understand his art practice in the context of ink practices both in Singapore and abroad.
6 One of the works of special significance in this donation, especially for those of us at the National Art Gallery, is the Supreme Court. Completed in the 1980s, the work was done way before the idea of building a National Art Gallery in those buildings was conceived. This important piece shows us that these historical monuments have captured the love and imagination of many artists and Singaporeans over the years. It provides a heart-warming affirmation of our decision to transform these monumental buildings into the future National Art Gallery, creating a new space within the old that will be loved and treasured by all.
7 To build and position the National Art Gallery as a leading visual arts institution for Singapore in the region and the world, we will continue to require the strong support and generosity of like-minded benefactors and friends. Cultural philanthropy through donations and sponsorships is important in achieving our aspirations to develop Singapore into a global city for culture and the arts. The big-hearted generosity of the Chua family has helped to ensure that future generations of Singaporeans will be able to enjoy the beauty and significance of important works of local art, and to more deeply appreciate Singapore’s rich artistic heritage and tradition.
8 On this note, may I now invite everyone to join me in expressing our deep gratitude to the Chua family for their tremendous generosity. Thank you.