Kwei Chin Pen 桂承平 (1927-2020)
Born in Nanjing, China, Kwei Chin Pen moved to Singapore in 1945 and became a vital force in the development of Chinese finger ink painting in Singapore. An artist, educator and cultural advocate, she trained under pioneer artists Wu Tsai Yen and later, artist Chen Chong Swee, developing a distinctive style that blended traditional Chinese aesthetics with expressive, tactile techniques. She played a key role in founding the San Yi Finger Painting Society, promoting and preserving this unique art form.
Beyond painting, she was active in education, broadcasting and the performing arts, an expertise that led to a decade-long tenure from 1966 to 1977 as a Mandarin tutor to Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
Kwei gained international attention with one of her finger-paintings presented to Queen Elizabeth II in 1949. Her works were exhibited widely, including a notable display at The Fullerton Hotel East Garden Gallery in 2022, underscoring the relevance of her artistic legacy.