LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore (LASALLE) presents a major retrospective honouring alumnus and Cultural Medallion recipient Chua Ek Kay (1947–2008). Titled The Clarity After (一雨净虚空), the exhibition shines a spotlight on Chua’s artistic development through the lens of his time at LASALLE and the experiences and influences that shaped his practice, underscoring the intimate relationship between Chua, his alma mater and the growth of Singapore’s then-nascent contemporary arts scene.
The Clarity After provides audiences a never-before-seen glimpse into Chua’s oeuvre, showcasing 50 paintings from a significant private collection on display to the public for the first time. It will run at LASALLE’s Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore Gallery 1, located at the College’s McNally Campus, from 14 November to 20 December 2025.
Organised into eight sections, starting from the artist’s time at LASALLE, the exhibition considers Chua’s oeuvre as phases that map a formal journey of experiential learning. Alongside Chua’s paintings, visitors will be able to view a vast range of archival materials, many also on public display for the first time. These include handwritten manuscripts, sketches and personal reflections from his students, friends and family. Through the juxtaposition of these materials with Chua’s work, the exhibition explores the artist’s inner voice, thoughts and search for a visual language, providing visitors a rare and expansive understanding of Chua’s life.
Professor Steve Dixon, President of LASALLE, says: “With this exhibition, we’re deeply honoured to pay tribute to one of our most illustrious alumni. Chua Ek Kay was not only one of Singapore’s foremost contemporary ink painters—he was also a pioneer in blending Western art influences with classical Chinese techniques, giving his work a distinct character that was ahead of its time. This spirit of contemporary exploration in conversation with culture and tradition is very much the ethos of LASALLE, and we are proud to give audiences the opportunity to rediscover a Singaporean master through a new lens.”
Professor Tommy Koh, Ambassador-at-Large and distinguished Guest of Honour at the exhibition opening, says: “Chua Ek Kay was one of our best second-generation artists. He mastered the art of ink and was transformed into a poet of ink. I love his paintings and find them quite inspiring.”
To complement the exhibition, a book launch as well as two forums have been organised in English and Chinese respectively. Registration is free.
Exhibition: The Clarity After (一雨净虚空)
Venue: Gallery 1
LASALLE College of the Arts
1 McNally Street, Singapore 187940
Date: 14 Nov–20 Dec 2025
Opening hours: 12:00pm–7:00pm, Mon–Sat
English forum: Chua Ek Kay as an Educator, Artist and Innovator
Venue: Lecture Theatre, Block F Level 2 #F202, LASALLE College of the Arts
Date: 22 Nov 2025
Time: 3:00pm–4:15pm
Join Milenko Prvački, Teo Han Wue, and Low Sze Wee in a thought-provoking discussion on Chua Ek Kay’s artistic and cultural legacy. The forum explores his enduring influence as a teacher and innovator, bicultural vision, and redefinition of ink within Singapore’s modern art landscape. Through their reflections, the speakers offer fresh perspectives on how Chua bridged tradition and modernity through both art and education.
Moderator:
Jeffrey Say, Programme Leader, MA Asian Art Histories, LASALLE College of the Arts.
Chinese forum: Ink and Expressions
Venue: Lecture Theatre, Block F Level 2 #F202, LASALLE College of the Arts
Date: 29 Nov 2025
Time: 3:00pm–4:15pm
Join Mr Chong Wing Hong, Mr Terence Teo and Dr Wang Ruobing in an engaging discussion on the dialogue between ink and thought in Chua Ek Kay’s art. The speakers explore his literary sensibilities, reinterpretation of ink traditions, and contemporary approaches to material and meaning—offering insights into how Chua’s practice bridges poetry, philosophy, and visual expression.
There will be a book launch held in conjunction with the Chinese forum.
Moderator:
Zou Lu, writer, publisher of 50 Singapore Artists’ Interviews and Editor-in-Chief of Art Research Magazine.
Image courtesy of collectors. Copyright ©️Collection of Artist's Family
