33 Auction Leads with Singapore Modern Artworks

Rare-to-market works from Anthony Poon and Tan Swie Hian
By A&M

Anthony Poon, ‘RI-Square-Rec’, 1973, emulsion on canvas, 122 x 56cm. Image courtesy of 33 Auction.

33 Auction will hold its 2018 Singapore Autumn Auction on Modern and Contemporary Art on 4 November 2018.

The auction house, which held its first sale in May 2009, is leading the expansion of the market for Singapore modern artworks, as part of its continued focus on modern Southeast Asian art masters. "For this season, we are very excited to be entrusted with works by several first-generation Singapore sculptors, as well as the pioneers and the nation-building artists of Singapore,” says David Fu, Director of 33 Auction Singapore. “These artists’ works are exceptional in their own right as their unique visual languages have left a mark in their times.”

Cheong Soo Pieng, ‘Two Ladies and a Child’, 1974, oil on canvas, 60 x 45cm. Image courtesy of 33 Auction.

Collectors can expect works from Cheong Soo Pieng and Chen Wen Hsi, as well as rare-to-market paintings from Anthony Poon and Tan Swie Hian. A highlight lot is Cheong’s ‘Two Ladies and a Child’ (1974), at an estimate of USD36,500 to USD54,700. Another is Poon’s ‘RI-Square-Rec’ (1973) at an estimate of USD14,600 to USD21,900.

Iskandar Jalil, ‘Wedge’, stoneware, 46 x 19.5 x 14.5cm. Image courtesy of 33 Auction.

There is also a special section devoted to first-generation Singapore sculptors featuring sculptures by Iskandar Jalil,  Ng Eng Teng, Brother Joseph McNally and Chong Fah Cheong.

Brother Joseph McNally, ‘Scream of Anguish’, 1997, ancient oak, 110 x 34 x 26cm. Image courtesy of 33 Auction.

The cover lot is McNally’s ‘Scream of Anguish’ (1997) in ancient oak with an estimate of USD21,900 to USD36,500, Another work from the artist is the mixed-media sculpture ‘Balinese Dancer’, available at an estimate of USD18,250 to USD25,500. These are both charity lots, with proceeds going towards building a new convent for the Daughters of Saint Paul.

Modern Southeast Asian artists from other countries are represented as well, such as Indonesian artist Ahmad Sadali with the work ‘Bumi’, going at an estimate of USD65,700 to USD131,390.

The auction will also shine a spotlight on the next generation of artists from the region. These include works by Singaporean artist Sarah Choo Jing and Burmese artist Aung Min Min.  “A further selection of contemporary works by artists across Southeast Asia also brings attention to the younger artists which will continue on the legacy of their predecessors”, says Fu. “We believe the market will respond positively to these works, many of which are fresh to the auction market."

In addition, there will be a special section of Fine Chinese Classical Paintings from a single collection, featuring ink works from artists such as Wang Zhen and Fang Shishu.

A preview of the works will be held at MoCA@Loewen from 2 November to the morning of 4 November, with the auction on 4 November taking place in the afternoon at Hilton Singapore.