Chia Yu Chian

Private Collection, Singapore

This work is in good overall condition as viewed. There is evidence of very minor wear and losses along the edges and corners of the work due to abrasions with the frame, but this does not affect the overall image. There are two tiny pinholes only visible upon close inspection in the top center and upper middle quadrant of the image. This work would benefit from a light cleaning due to light accretions on the surface. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals no signs of restoration as viewed. Framed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Chia Yu Chian was a distinguished Malaysian artist who employed characteristically Western bold brushstrokes along with Asian aesthetics in his work. Having graduated from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, he further pursued his art education at the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts de Paris as the first artist from the Straits Settlement. Inspired by the works of Cheong Soo Pieng and Chen Wen Hsi that featured Nanyang landscapes and scenes from daily life in Malaysia, the painter depicted vivid local scenes dedicated to his beautiful hometown.

The present painting Temple in Penang is an early work by the artist, which highlights the contrasting colors and architectural design of a well-established pilgrimage site. Warm colors like red and yellow complement cooler blue hues, creating a sense of balance and serenity. Chia outlined the architecture with dark strokes and white trims, accentuating its structural variations. Chia tended to focus solely on representing inanimate objects in his compositions, emphasizing a noiseless tranquillity; although there are no human beings present in the painting, the various architectural structures are still vibrant through the rich lush colors and compact composition. In Temple in Penang, Chia features a combination of varied geometric forms, straight and curved, alongside a multitude of color, using complex graphical and textural designs in an ancient architectural setting to render a picturesque temple in a modern style.