Choo Keng Kwang
BORN: 1931
HOMETOWN: SINGAPORE
LIVED AND WORKED: SINGAPORE
Born in Singapore, Choo Keng Kwang (b. 1931-2019) is an anchored figure in the art circle for traditional paintings, as well as one of the most eminent and beloved first-generation artists in Singapore. He is best known for his oil paintings of doves as symbols of peace and his enormously popular Chinatown scenes. Artist Choo Keng Kwang has held and participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions locally and abroad. Famous auction houses, Christie and Sotheby have successfully auctioned some of his paintings at record prices. Choo’s collectors include the first moon-landing astronaut Neil Armstrong, Chairman Mao Tse-Tung, President Anwar Sadat of Egypt, the late President Ong Teng Cheong, the Grand Hyatt Hotel, and the Shangri-la Hotel.
From 1986 to 1989, Choo, as a committed educationist, was the dean of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, the leading art school in the region. Choo Keng Kwang was also a philanthropist and a supporter of education, young people, and the less fortunate. He has helped raise funds not only for charitable organisations but also for the education of a young musician, a school, and some community centres. Throughout all these years, Choo has raised more than one million dollars for many worthwhile causes.