Chen Ren Hao was introduced to Chinese literature and calligraphy at a young age by his father, a Chinese scholar and painter. He studied at Xinhua Academy of Fine Arts in Shanghai and pursued further education at Ecole National Superieure des Beaux-arts. Upon his return in 1933, Chen became an educator at the Shanghai Art Academy. When the Sino-Japanese war broke out, he moved to Malaysia in 1937 and settled in Singapore during the 1950s. He then became the principal of Dunman Government Chinese Middle School and taught Chinese Art at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. With his profound knowledge of Chinese literature and art, he contributed significantly to art education in Singapore.
Chen’s mastery of the Chinese brush shines through in this artwork. His clearly defined lines on the bottom of the painting showcase his excellent brush control. In this piece, he presented another technique that illustrates his understanding of the brush and ink. The wet ink suggests movement and brings dimension to the form of the petals. The artwork is charged with dynamism and life, despite the still monochrome palette.
