4
May 22 – June 4, 2015
Home
Epoch Times Photos Courtesy of Howard yu
Artist Choo Keng Kwang (L) stands in front of his painting with gallerist Howard Yu (R).
This is Singapore
Gallerist Continues His Parents’ Legacy By Li Yen Epoch Times Staff Howard Yu, a professional teacher turned gallerist, is visibly delighted to talk about art appreciation. In 2013, Yu founded Da Tang Fine Arts Enterprise Pte Ltd to honour his parents, who have been in the art gallery business since 1990. Yu’s parents, who admire art and collect art pieces, used to operate ‘Dynasties Antique & Art Gallery’. But his passion for continuing their business only became much stronger in March 2013. “In March 2013, I did an external exhibition of Mr Choo Keng Kwang’s solo exhibition. The exhibition [had a positive reception], and since then I was encouraged and motivated to manage the gallery full-time,” he says. In May 2013, Yu opened his art gallery shop at High Street Centre to continue his
parents’ legacy. “[As] I am the eldest son, I need to fulfil my filial piety to my parents,” he conveys. “Moreover, I would like to give myself an opportunity. My family is quite contented with what we have, thus managing this business is not about getting rich, but just a mission to carry on the family business.” The gallery has an extensive collection of 5,000 paintings, which depict beautiful sceneries of landscapes, flowers and people. Most of the paintings are traditional, in oils, water colours and Chinese inks. Some of the paintings also capture scenes of old Singapore. Original artworks by Choo Keng Kwang, Liu Kang, Lim Tze Ping, Goh Siew Guan, Park Chul-Hwan and other China artists (like Huang Xiong Wen) are featured. “It would be quite a waste if nobody carries on the business, as my parents have actually accumulated quite an extensive collection of art pieces painted by local as well as overseas artists. Through operat-
ing a gallery, we could exhibit and educate people too,” he shares. “Presently in Singapore, I am quite confident to say that there are less than five galleries which [have been operating] for more than 20 years. And we are one of them,” he says, beaming with pride. What kind of artworks do you exhibit? The art we showcase are quite traditional. [You won’t] see much of those very abstract and modern art in my gallery, though some do exist recently. It is (mainly) realist and traditional. Who are your favourite local artists? I admire Goh Swee Guan, who is a retired teacher. He paints very good watercolour paintings, and he is 74 years old. Choo Keng Kwang is also one of my favourite artists. He specialises in oil. Mr Choo’s earlier works are quite refined. There is a heritage piece which depicts Chinatown in 1975, and it costs around $60,000. If you see Mr Choo’s
In Singapore, most people are economic-driven rather than aestheticdriven. Therefore, I wish to position Fine Art as a means to enhance business and social assets. Howard Yu, gallerist catalogue, most of his earlier works are about doves, which are very magnificent paintings. He is considered a 2nd generation artist in Singapore. In his later years, he tried to paint animals. He usually paints according to the zodiac of the year, like in the Year of the