Walking into an art museum is like stepping into someone’s memory. Every brushstroke is a fragment of a life lived, every colour a reflection of a moment captured. This August, those memories are traveling across borders as National Gallery Singapore proudly presents Georgette Chen: At Home in the World at the He Xiangning Art Museum in Shenzhen, China. It marks a historic first: a travelling retrospective dedicated to a Singaporean artist.
For Singaporeans, Georgette Chen needs little introduction. Widely celebrated as one of the pioneers of Singapore’s art scene, her work bridges the richness of East and West, telling stories that are both personal and universal. This exhibition offers Chinese audiences a rare opportunity to see how her life, shaped by multiple homes across the world, influenced the canvases she left behind. From portraits and landscapes to still lifes of tropical fruits, Chen’s paintings are as much about place as they are about identity.
The choice of Shenzhen as the debut venue is fitting. A dynamic city known for innovation and cultural exchange, it reflects the very spirit of Chen’s practice. Visitors will discover not just her art, but also the narrative of a woman who carved a space for herself in male-dominated circles and left a lasting mark on modern Asian art.
For National Gallery Singapore, this milestone signals a greater mission. By bringing Chen’s works abroad, the Gallery is extending Singapore’s cultural footprint, positioning local voices on the global stage. It is a reminder that art is not bound by geography, and that Singapore’s heritage continues to resonate far beyond its shores.
As the exhibition unfolds in Shenzhen, Georgette Chen: At Home in the World invites audiences to reflect on their own sense of belonging. It is a journey through art, history, and identity that will travel on long after the doors close.