Signed with the artist’s Chinese seal/character in the lower left corner.
This striking oil on canvas is a profound example of the late-career abstract period of Cheong Soo Pieng (1917–1983). A visionary who redefined the art of Southeast Asia, Cheong here moves beyond his famous figurative “Nanyang” depictions of Balinese women to explore the sublime forces of nature. The composition is dominated by a brilliant, explosive crimson sky, punctuated by a glowing white sun that seems to burn through an atmospheric shroud of deep charcoals and indigo. The lower registers transition into earthy ochres and fiery oranges, suggesting a landscape caught in the transformative light of dawn or dusk.
The work is characterized by Cheong’s masterful use of texture and calligraphic brushwork. The central dark masses are rendered with a combination of thick impasto and delicate splatters, creating a rhythmic, almost cosmic energy. His ability to fuse Chinese ink painting sensibilities with Western oil techniques is on full display here, resulting in a landscape that feels both ancient and radically modern. This piece represents the artist’s inward journey toward pure abstraction, where light and color become the primary subjects.
Private collection, London, UK;
Private collection, Berlin, Germany.
Good vintage condition; the paint surface is stable with a rich texture; minor surface dust consistent with age; unframed.
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Cheong Soo Pieng (1917–1983) was a pioneering figure in modern Asian art, renowned for his innovative fusion of Western abstraction and traditional Eastern aesthetics. Born in Xiamen, China, and later establishing his career in Singapore, he played a crucial role in shaping the Nanyang art movement, which blended Chinese ink techniques with elements of Southeast Asian culture.
His works, often characterized by elongated figures, bold calligraphic strokes, and dynamic compositions, reflect a deep engagement with texture, movement, and atmosphere. From ethereal landscapes to avant-garde abstract pieces, Cheong’s artistic versatility transcended mediums, spanning oil paintings, ink works, and mixed-media explorations.
A global artist whose legacy continues to influence contemporary art, Cheong Soo Pieng redefined the visual language of modern Asian painting, seamlessly bridging the past and the present, the East and the West.
Discover the revolutionary art of Cheong Soo Pieng, a pioneer of the Nanyang Art Style. Explore his fusion of Chinese ink painting, Western modernism, and Southeast Asian influences that shaped 20th-century Asian art. Learn about his experimental techniques, iconic works, and lasting legacy in contemporary art.
