Cheong Soo Pieng

Private Collection, Singapore

Singapore, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Galleries, 1& 2, Soo Pieng, Singapore, 2 February - 3 March 2013, Bridget Tracy Tan

Soo Pieng, Summer Times Publishing, Singapore, 1983, Colorplate 16

Bridget Tracy Tan, Soo Pieng, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Galleries 1 & 2, Singapore, 2013, P. 105, Colourplate

This work is in good overall condition as viewed. Framed, under Plexiglas.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cheong Soo Pieng’s paintings provide an in depth survey of the many cultures found in Southeast Asia and act as a visual guide to the region. He had a keen eye for detail, and appreciated the daily rhythms of everyday life. The artist was excellent at painting portraits, able to succinctly capture human emotions in the faces of the individuals who inhabited the paintings. He especially enjoyed highlighting the multicultural diversity of the Nanyang people. A Kayan Family portrays the indigenous group of people who originally come from Borneo, and settled along the Baram, Bintulu, and Rajang rivers in Sarawak, Malaya.

A Kayan Family was inspired by the artist’s travels through Southeast Asia, and his admiration for the people whom he met and befriended. The work has a simple elegance drawing attention to the intimate relationship between the family members, and is heightened by their quiet and proud gazes. While the subject matter of the work is Malayan, the artist has used Chinese ink and watercolor to depict the domestic scene, ultimately bridging the two different cultures together within the painting.

As a Chinese immigrant himself, Cheong Soo Pieng had a deep understanding for other cultures. He found the people in Malaya to be extremely warm and friendly, which only intensified his great respect for the country. This relationship can be seen in A Kayan Family. There is a sense of trust communicated by the family’s openness to let the artist into their home and share with him their company. It is a friendship based on mutual respect and honesty.