Cultural Medallion Artist Ang Ah Tee Pushes Boundaries with Prismatic

Explore how 81-year-old Ang Ah Tee defies age and reinvents his artistic legacy with a burst of vibrant creativity in Prismatic

Words Mika Reyes
Photos courtesy of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
August 20, 2024

Pink House - Chinatown (80x80)

There’s something profoundly refreshing about an artist who not only sticks to his guns but also dares to reinvent them at every turn. Ang Ah Tee, an 81-year-old Cultural Medallion recipient, whose latest exhibition, Prismatic, is nothing short of a masterclass in both resilience and reinvention.

Hosted by the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) from August 24 to September 4, this exhibition is a vibrant reminder that age is but a number, and creative evolution is the ultimate fountain of youth. With 40 new works on display, Ang doesn’t just revisit the themes and techniques that have defined his illustrious career; he deconstructs them, adds a splash of neon, and invites us all to see the world through his newly energized lens.

Ang Ah Tee is not your typical octogenarian. While many might be content with a quiet retirement, this Singaporean artist is gallivanting around the globe, palette knife in hand, searching for the next big idea. It’s almost as if he’s on a never-ending artistic treasure hunt—only instead of gold doubloons, he’s uncovering new ways to express his innermost thoughts and emotions. And with Prismatic, it seems he’s hit the jackpot.

 Grand Canal - Venice (80x80)

The exhibition’s title is no accident. Prismatic perfectly captures the essence of Ang’s current artistic journey, where colors collide, refract, and reveal something entirely new. Ang’s recent works break free from the structured compositions and muted palettes that once defined his style. Instead, he embraces bold, gestural brushstrokes and vibrant hues that seem to dance off the canvas, creating a sense of movement and energy that’s utterly infectious.

Take Pink House-Chinatown (2023) for instance—a piece that would make any art lover do a double take. At first glance, it might appear as a simple depiction of a familiar Singaporean scene. But look closer, and you’ll see the layers upon layers of deliberate strokes, each one a step deeper into Ang’s psyche. This isn’t just a painting; it’s a portal into his memories, a vivid reimagining of a place he’s known intimately for decades.

River Seine - Paris (80x80)

And then there’s River Seine-Paris (2024), where Ang takes us on a journey across continents without ever leaving the gallery. His interpretation of the iconic Parisian river is far from a literal translation. Instead, it’s an emotional experience—a fluid interplay of color and form that captures the spirit of the Seine rather than its physicality. It’s like taking a river cruise through Ang’s mind, with each ripple and wave telling its own story.

What’s remarkable about Ang’s work is not just the technical skill, though there’s plenty of that to admire. It’s the emotional depth that underpins each piece. Ang has a knack for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, turning everyday scenes into profound visual narratives. His art serves as a bridge between past and present, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences and memories as they engage with his work.

Boat Quay (80x80)

As we walk through Prismatic, it’s hard not to feel a sense of awe—not just at the art itself, but at the spirit behind it. Here is a man who, at 81, is still pushing boundaries, still experimenting, still searching for new ways to communicate with the world. In an industry that often values youth and novelty above all else, Ang Ah Tee stands as a testament to the power of persistence, passion, and the endless pursuit of creativity.

So, if you find yourself in Singapore between August 24 and September 4, make your way to The Ngee Ann Kongsi Galleries at NAFA. Step into Ang Ah Tee’s prismatic world, and prepare to see life—and art—in a whole new light. After all, in a world where everything seems to have been done before, it’s artists like Ang who remind us that there’s always another way to see, to feel, and to create.