Chua Mia Tee: Singaporean social realism master dies at 94
Renowned Singaporean artist and Cultural Medallion recipient Chua Mia Tee has passed away at the age of 94 due to pneumonia. He was a pioneer of social realism in Singapore, best known for his iconic paintings depicting the nation's history.
Why it matters
Chua Mia Tee's death marks the loss of a foundational figure in Singaporean art history whose work captured the social evolution of the country.
Chua Mia Tee died of pneumonia on July 10.
Listen Summarise Chua Mia Tee, Singaporean master of social realism, died at 94 from pneumonia on July 10, surrounded by his paintings and family. He was a Cultural Medallion recipient known for iconic works like National Language Class (1959) and the portrait of Singapore’s first president. Chua helped pioneer social realism in Singapore, inspiring generations and receiving major exhibitions at the National Gallery Singapore. AI generated
SINGAPORE – Singaporean master of social realism Chua Mia Tee, acclaimed for iconic oil paintings such as National Language Class (1959) and Epic Poem Of Malaya (1955), has died at 94.
Chua Yang, daughter of the Cultural Medallion recipient, told The Straits Times that her father was recently hospitalised for pneumonia and died at his Bukit Timah home, surrounded by his paintings, at 8.45am on July 10.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in