Koeh Sia Yong 许锡勇
Orchids, oil on canvas, 59x50cm, 1979
Bali Boats, oil on canvas, 33x60cm, 1977
Macritchie Reservoir, oil on canvas, 48x66cm, 1970
Terengganu Memories, oil on canvas, 49x66cm, 1972
Way of Life, oil on canvas, 51x67cm, 1962
A Historical Feat, oil on canvas, 100x160cm
Busking by the River, oil on canvas, 60x70cm
A Better Tomorrow, oil on canvas, 100x150cm, 2023
Our Nation's Frontier, oil on canvas, 120x100cm
Our Home, oil on canvas, 100x120cm
Koeh Sia Yong’s oil works are diverse in subject matter, ranging from the figures of Balinese women to the portrayal of landscapes of Singapore scenes. His work is characterised by realistic and expressive approaches, using bold and unrestrained brush strokes. Koeh is perhaps most famous for his painting, “Here they come”, which is exhibited at the National Gallery Singapore.
The artist is most known for his impressive oil paintings and cartoon drawings. While his paintings often depict the people and scenes of Southeast Asia, a documentation of the social history, his cartoons offer witty and satirical commentary on the world. Koeh has participated in numerous group exhibitions and held more than a dozen solo exhibitions. His works are highly sought after and collectors include The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, National Museum of Singapore and Fukuoka Art Museum, Japan, as well as private individuals. Today, he continues to pursue his passion, sharing his insights with audiences through his unique style of art.
An influential figure in shaping art in Singapore, Koeh Sia Yong was born in 1938 and studied Western Painting at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, graduating in 1958. During his NAFA days, he joined the now-defunct Equator Art Society, a group founded by artist Lim Yew Kuan that promoted social realism, drawing attention to the working class through their art. Koeh was a key member of the society and played an active role in furthering their collective ambition till the society was dissolved in 1972. He soon established himself as an art editor for an art magazine, and later in the 1980s, a graphic designer and political cartoonist for the Nanyang Business Newspaper.
After over two decades in the advertising industry, Koeh went on to be a full-time artist. He is considered a pioneer of the second generation of artists in Singapore and has been featured in numerous publications and exhibitions. Koeh has also contributed to the art community by serving as the President of the NAFA Alumni Association and holding other leadership positions.