Choo Keng Kwang was born in 1931 in Singapore. In 1953, he graduated both from Catholic High School and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. It is not difficult to understand that he was born with the love for art which became his favourite hobby. After graduating from Teachers' Training College in l958, he took up the post of principal at a primary school, which enjoyed his devotion for education until this decade, when he finally retired. Thus in the realm of education, he has also attained remarkable achievements.

During his youth, Choo Keng Kwang had already shown his artistic inclination. His debut in the art scene took place during his twenties at a major art competition, where he won both the first and third prizes. For more than thirty years, the spare time from teaching and school administration work was devoted to improving his technique. As a result, his works have been exhibited in the Asean countries, Japan, Australia, the United States, France, the Soviet Union and Monaco, and have received favourable critiques. In 1966, his oil painting, Lantern Maker, won first prize of the Asia-Africa region at the Art Around the World Exhibition, which received works submitted by artists from 33 countries. His works were also presented as state gifts to Mrs John Gorton, wife of former Australian Prime Minister, and Mrs Jehan Sadat, the First Lady of Egypt, during their visits to Singapore and were greatly appreciated by the VlPs. In addition, many of Choo's works in media apart from oil, such as copper and batik, established in both public- and private-owned buildings, are an attraction to visitors. He became more and more popular as collectors, both local and foreign, bought his works simultaneously.

Choo Keng Kwang is also an ardent supporter for the promotion of Singapore art activities. For many years, his resume includes the appointment as a member of the Visual Arts Advisory Committee by the Ministry of Culture; President of South East Asia Association; and Vice-Chairman of Singapore Art Society. He serves as one of the judges for the Western Art Section of National Day Art Exhibition Lantern-Making Competition and the International Kite-Making Competition. His participation in these activities aimed to create a conducive environment to train more young artists while disregarding his own loss and gains.

The works of Choo Keng Kwang include a wide range of themes. During the early period of his artistic career, he liked to wander around from place to place to capture the mood and beauty of places that inspired his creativity. Recently he has retired from his mobile style of working to his little courtyard for his portraits of parrots, pigeons, all varieties of orchid and Japanese carps. With his experience and sensitivity, Choo Keng Kwang is able to produce great art works while staying indoor.

View artists' list