[Not titled] (Still Life)

This still life by Tchang Ju Chi celebrates the diversity of Southeast Asian produce and culture in a Western-style oil painting. The work represents Tchang’s pioneering efforts in early 20^th century Singapore to incorporate local themes and subjects into his paintings. In fact, some locals may find their favourite fruits in this painting! The painting centres on a raised bowl overflowing with tropical fruits, such as mangoes, cempedaks, mangosteens and rambutans. Tchang’s brushwork appears loose yet controlled. This approach results in a flatter appearance of the bowl and less defined textures of the fruits. Rather than striving for minute detail, he uses subtle gradations of colour to convey the texture of the fruits and fabric. The muted colours, combined with the open space on the left, balance the visual weight of the dense arrangement of fruits and textile.

To the right of the background, a piece of dark batik fabric with lighter motifs provides contrast to the fruits. By placing the traditional textile alongside the fruits, Tchang creates a cohesive representation of Southeast Asian cultural and natural elements. The portrayal of local subject matters as seen in the paintings in this section, marked Tchang as one of the pioneers of Nanyang art.