Born in Singapore in 1940, Sim Pang Liang is a second-generation Nanyang artist who is known for his use of abstract and methodical forms in Chinese ink painting and calligraphy. Sim is a NAFA alumnus who co-founded the Modern Art Society (Singapore), promoting modernist approaches in art. His work depicts familiar everyday sights and scenery found in Singapore. Sim has exhibited widely in Singapore and the region, and his works have been collected by numerous esteemed public and private institutions, both locally and internationally.

In Durian Season, Sim captures the enduring popularity of the durian, commonly known as the “king of fruits”, a beloved fruit enjoyed in the Singaporean culture. For many, durians are best enjoyed fresh, and the artwork portrays a familiar scene at a street-side durian stall, where the freshly delivered fruits overflow from bins onto the pavement, drawing eager crowds lining the streets. Through the use of long rice paper, he poetically captures the love for durian, with the hot afternoon sun positioned directly overhead, while patrons patiently wait in line for their turn.

This piece is one of two works created for the NAFA 2022 挥春 (Hui Chun) exhibition, it is a reinterpretation of the traditional spring couplet, which typically features auspicious phrases on red paper to welcome the Lunar New Year. Instead of words, Sim conveys his well-wishes visually: the overflowing baskets of durians symbolises fruitfulnness, while the animated crowd reflects the vibrancy of everyday life. Through this poetic reimagining, Sim offers a blessing for the new year; one of fruitfulness, prosperity, and abundance.