Tay Chee Toh
Tay Chee Toh (b. 1941) is a Singaporean modern artist widely recognised for his bold use of colour, inventive forms, and strong Southeast Asian sensibilities. Trained at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, he emerged in the 1960s as part of a generation of artists exploring identity and cultural hybridity in post-independence Singapore. His works span painting, sculpture, and printmaking, often reflecting motifs, myths, and textures drawn from Southeast Asian traditions. Influenced by batik techniques, folk art, and the region’s rich cultural tapestry, Tay creates visual narratives that are both modern and rooted in heritage. He has exhibited extensively in Singapore and internationally, contributing significantly to the visibility of Southeast Asian contemporary art. A recipient of the Cultural Medallion in 1985, Singapore’s highest arts honour, Tay remains a key figure in the nation’s art history. His art continues to resonate with collectors and audiences for its synthesis of modernist experimentation and regional identity.