Cultural Medallion recipient and NAFA alumnus Siew Hock Meng presented a solo exhibition of 46 paintings spanning 1995 to 2026. The exhibition opened on 9 September 2026 officiated by Dr Ho Kah Leong, former President of NAFA, with a strong showing of artists, NAFA alumni and faculty. On this occasion, Mr Siew generously donated his painting, Green’s Callings, to NAFA as a gesture of his deep affection for his alma mater. Mr Kwee Swie Teng, a collector of Siew’s works, also contributed to the occasion by donating three paintings from his collection to NAFA.
Siew draws inspiration from his surroundings, translating his observations and reflections into his paintings. Among the highlights was Chimes in the Wind, a scene depicting devotees reaching eagerly to the bell ropes. Yet the original ropes have deteriorated and been replaced by multiple nylon cords. This moment inspired Siew to reflect on the preservation of cultural heritage — not only in what is handed down by past generations, but how future generations choose to honour and care for its legacy.
The exhibition also featured a curated selection of academic nude studies and figurative works. For Siew, the nude form is more than a study of the human anatomy, it opens up possibilities for exploring emotion, identity and relationships. In The Song of India, a female figure leans against a pillar, playing a bansuri (traditional Indian flute) to a bird drawn to its melody. The Taj Mahal rests in the distant background, grounding the figure in a timeless architectural setting.
Siew’s landscapes often begin with plein-air drawing on paper, which serve as references for larger oil paintings developed on canvas in the studio. In returning to a place many times over the years, the lush and natural surrounds of the scenic MacRitchie Reservoir are captured in several paintings, each with different compositions and moods.
Tracing the ongoing journey of Siew’s continued explorations in realism through observation, imagination and personal expression; painting has become a language through which he connects with his viewers.
