A veritable world citizen, Nanyang painter Georgette Chen (1906–1993) melded artistic influences from both the East and West, bringing French modernism to Singapore. Much has been written about her contribution to the art of Singapore, her role in the establishment of the Nanyang Style, the lasting influence that she exerted on younger artists, and her considerable artistic achievements. Never before examined is the development of her oeuvre that reflects this mixture. The works selected for this investigation reveal her artistic development from student to teacher, the range of her thematic interests, and the stimuli that she absorbed from a life ensconced in eastern and western cultures.
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CaiH (2021) Transnational developments in Georgette Chen’s artistic practice. In: StorerR (ed) Georgette Chen: At Home in the World. Singapore: National Gallery Singapore.
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Correspondence from Georgette Chen to Anna Softley, September 7,1953, RC-S16-GC.
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Correspondence from Georgette Chen to Dorothy Chen and Lucille Lee, December 15,1970, RC-S16-GC1.2-1429.
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LeeJ (1985) Georgette Chen Retrospective. Singapore: National Museum Singapore.
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LeeJ (2018) Georgette Chen: A Biographical Introduction from The Artist Speaks: Georgette Chen, series editor. SiewS (ed.). Singapore: National Gallery Singapore
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National Museum Art Gallery (1985) Pioneer Artists of Singapore: Georgette Chen Retrospective. Singapore: National Museum Art Gallery.
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ShearesC (1988) Transcribed by Roger Khong. Interview November 2, 1988. Collection of National Archives of Singapore, Reel 6, 3.
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