Leo Hee Tong  (1940- )

Leo Hee Tong is a respected Singaporean artist whose artistic journey is defined by significant phases and a distinctive semi-abstract style. His formative years started at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in 1957 under the tutelage of pioneer artists Cheong Soo Pieng and Georgette Chen, which provided a strong foundation for his artistic development. He furthered his education through a scholarship in 1973, an opportunity that enabled him to study at Ashiya Art College in Japan where he was exposed to Western artistic movements that profoundly shaped his perspectives and visual expressions from then on.

Leo’s artistic style is characterised by rich textures, neutral colour palettes, and expressive brushstrokes. His works often feature symbolic motifs such as pigeons in flight, bicycles and also windows, revealing the layers of memories and history that are embedded in time and place, reflect his engagement with changes and events around him. Throughout his career, Leo participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions both in Singapore and overseas, his artistic excellence is recognised with several prestigious awards, including multiple Dr. Tan Tsze Chor Art Awards and Distinction Awards at the UOB Painting of the Year Competitions.

Beyond painting, Leo created significant public art installations. Notable projects include "Culture and Harmony", a recent public mural commission in 2022 stands at the entrance of Stamford Arts Centre, depicting silhouettes of dancers that reflect Singapore's multicultural heritage. Wall murals in public spaces and buildings created by Leo include “Multiple Circulation” at Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) , “Surprising Singapore” at Orchard MRT (defunct) and "Towards 21st Century" at Somerset MRT remain key and visible public artworks of the era.