Born in Johor, Siew Hock Meng’s artistic journey began at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in 1960. Over six decades of relentless dedication, he has honed his craft in portraiture, figurative art, and vivid depictions of nature, culture, and the environment. Siew’s exceptional contributions to art have earned him numerous accolades, including the National Day Medal for Fine Arts (1977) and the Visual Arts Creation Award from the NAFA Alumni Association Singapore (1981, 1984).
Siew’s artistry has been deeply shaped by his cultural explorations across Taiwan, Indonesia, Bali, Myanmar, India, and Cambodia. His stunning works, characterised by a lyrical and expressive quality, traverse realism, expressionism, and impressionism, often with layers of social commentary. In particular, his celebrated pieces—The Dawn of an Era (2000), Life Cycle (1999), On the Road (1995), Night Dance (1997), and Bathing in the Holy River (1999)—explore profound themes of colonialism, regeneration, religion, and traditional life. In 1987, his painting Noon Rest (1986) gained international recognition, representing Singapore in Paris at the Feminissima art and fashion exhibition, displayed alongside works by icons like Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí.
Beyond his artistic achievements, Siew has played a pivotal role in the arts community, serving on the core committees of the Singapore Watercolour Society and the Equator Art Society. A dedicated supporter of arts initiatives, he has also generously contributed his works to fundraise for causes and organisations such as The Substation, leaving a lasting impact on Singapore’s arts landscape.
Siew’s lifetime of artistic mastery, leadership in arts advocacy, and dedication to inspiring the love and understanding of art make him truly deserving of the 2024 Cultural Medallion.
Photo credit: Ng Chai Soong