Singaporean artist Thomas Yeo is renowned for his acrylic abstract and gouache landscapes. Trained in fine art at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Yeo was mentored by pioneer artist Cheong Soo Pieng. After graduating in 1960, he furthered his education at Chelsea School of Art and Hammersmith College of Art and Architecture in London. During his time in the UK, Yeo experimented with various techniques and artistic mediums in his creative process. This is evident, for instance, in the use of mixed media collages in his early abstract works. Yeo’s works are vital to the development and history of modern art in Singapore.
Black Pillow was borne out of Yeo’s recurring dream, which details a village familiar to him. Numerous stalls would line the pathway of this place as people gather to celebrate. Whenever Yeo tries to return home, however, he gets stranded. Ever since he painted Black Pillow, he no longer dreams of this village.
