鍾泗濱

Private Collection, Singapore

This work is in good overall condition as viewed. There is some extremely light cracking to the pigment, consistent with the age of the work, but this is only visible under very close inspection. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals small and sporadic areas of restoration along edges and corners as well as a few small spots of restoration on the surface. 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. 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."

“Art is expression of my personality; it does not have to represent anything real”.

Cheong Soo Pieng

Yeo Wei Wei, Cheong Soo Pieng: Visions of Southeast Asia, The National Art Gallery, Singapore, 2010, pg. 136.

Cheong Soo Pieng’s abstract paintings often feature the artist’s exploration with figurative forms. He liked to experiment with placing recognizable shapes into ambiguous spaces, instilling a sense of familiarity in the surreal landscapes. The painting called St. Paul's Church follows in this vein. Seen in the work is a building that dominates the center of the composition. Stoic and mysterious in its meaning, it captivates the audience’s interest, its singular presence both fascinating and foreboding to the external gaze.

A keen traveler, Cheong Soo Pieng was inspired by his many sojourns and incorporated these experiences into his works. However it should be said that the artist did not only portray forms from the natural landscape, but also strived to introduce shapes that came from his own subconscious as well. Therefore, the scene in St. Paul's Church may be inspired by an actual place or a culmination of a memory paired with a dream that the artist remembered. Cheong Soo Pieng ultimately succeeds in capturing the subtle poetic feeling of space and depth that exists within the narrative.