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.
In the artwork, the pink flower sways gently with the wind, drawn with a long and slender line. The movement of the flower is mimicked by the other leaves surrounding it, with strokes of varying thicknesses, creating an aesthetic impact on the overall composition. Chen’s skilful use of wet ink creates a subtle gradient for the leaves, which evokes a three-dimensional effect, bringing life to Pink Lotus that evinces feelings of serenity and joy.
