This vibrant 1998 acrylic composition by Ang Ah Tee radiates an expressive energy that transforms a traditional still-life subject into a celebration of colour and gesture. At first glance, the work appears familiar, a vase of flowers on a tabletop, but the artist’s handling of paint propels it far beyond simple representation.

The bouquet bursts forth with a lively interplay of hues: fiery reds, warm pinks, bright yellows, and deep blues collide and harmonise against a cool aquamarine background. Instead of defined petals and leaves, Ang relies on bold, sweeping brushstrokes and layered texture to convey the floral forms. This approach lends the flowers a sense of motion, as though they are caught in a gentle breeze or in the midst of unfurling.

The white vase, modest and unadorned, anchors the composition. Its soft tones contrast with the riot of colour above, providing visual respite while emphasising the brilliance of the blossoms. Light seems to caress the scene from the left, grazing the surface of the vase and scattering highlights across the petals, suggesting an intimate, luminous environment.

Ang Ah Tee’s mastery of acrylic, a medium known for its quick drying time and versatility, is evident in the rich layering and fluid dynamism of the work. The paint is both delicate and assertive: transparent washes in the background give way to thick, impasto accents in the floral cluster. This balance between control and spontaneity reflects a mature artistic voice, one comfortable with letting intuition guide the mark.

While rooted in the still-life tradition, Flowers in White Vase feels refreshingly modern. It captures not just the beauty of flowers, but also their ephemeral vitality. The piece invites the viewer to linger, to savour the contrast between calm and exuberance, and to appreciate the poetry found in everyday objects rendered with emotional depth.