Born in Singapore in 1947, Poon Lian graduated from NAFA in 1969 and majored in Western Painting. He learnt Chinese ink painting under pioneer artist Chen Wen Hsi and is adept at Western and Chinese painting techniques. Even as he ran his own business, he contributed to NAFA in various capacities as an alumnus and continued to practice as an artist. He retired in 2003 and turned full-time to paint and travel. In 2020, he was named the Ngee Ann Artist of the Year for his achievements and contribution to the local artist community.

Warsi Bungalows is a picturesque guesthouse in Ubud where Poon stayed on a painting trip to Bali with his artist friends in 2005. It was only in 2019 he decided to paint it, to relive the memories and his experiences. The atmosphere is relaxed, steeped in culture and old architecture. An ordinary moment yet extraordinary to a guest and traveller from afar. Poon captures this sentiment with excellent draughtsmanship, softened with deliberate additions: a lady walks up the stairways, blooming lotuses in the pond in the foreground, adding colour, perspective and diversity to the composition. Poon’s technical capabilities are honed from years of practice and consolidation of his training in both Western and Chinese painting traditions.