Tung Yue Nang | River of Time

Courtesy of the artist and Artcommune Gallery

Tung Yue Nang is best known for his distinctive interpretations of Singapore’s heritage neighbourhoods. His paintings offer poetic glimpses into the textures of local life: weathered shophouses, bustling riversides and Chinatown backstreets populated by the movement of people and their myriad interactions. Though grounded in observation, the artist renders these scenes with a fluid immediacy that animates the spirit of these places.

This ink painting captures the urban energy and architectural splendour of Singapore's Civic District and Marina Bay area, rendered in remarkable detail. Behind the iconic neo-classical façade of Fullerton Hotel is Singapore’s skyline, featuring the Esplanade domes, Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands. This juxtaposition of various eras—colonial, post-independence, and contemporary—is a signature theme in Tung’s work.

Tung began his formal art training at the age of 15, learning Chinese ink painting, calligraphy, seal carving and engraving under the tutelage of pioneer artist-educator See Hiang To. Tung had more than 14 solo exhibitions in Singapore and Malaysia, and his work earned him recognition at the UOB Painting of the Year competition and Dr Tan Tsze Chor Art Award.