Tay Chee Toh is a Malaysia-born Singaporean artist, Cultural Medallion recipient and NAFA alumnus. A co-founder of the Modern Art Society, he is widely recognised for his multidisciplinary practice spanning painting, printmaking, sculpture, and installation. Tay was awarded both the Cultural Medallion and First Prize at the UOB Painting of the Year in 1985.
Horse (21) depicts the horse as a dynamic and enduring subject. Tay’s multidisciplinary background informs an unconventional approach, employing energetic brushstrokes, stylised forms, and the use of seals within a large-scale format. Through expressive momentum, he captures the vitality and spirit of the horse, presenting a contemporary reinterpretation of a classical motif.
In this work, the resonance of life and spirit is achieved through a continuous, unbroken flow of execution, requiring discipline, focus, and concentration. Each brushstroke is deliberate and decisive, conveying movement through its varied energy. As the horse is widely regarded as a symbol of perseverance, ambition, and determination, the work serves as an inspiration for younger generations to pursue their aspirations with dedication and purpose.
