LeeKian Choong: Solo Art Exhibition - Si Bao Zhai Gallery, Singapore (2017)

Si Bao Zhai exhibition hall, decorated with Lee's artworks, before the opening ceremony of Lee Kian Choong's Singapore 2017 solo art exhibition.

Another angle of Si Bao Zhai exhibition hall, moments before the official opening of Lee Kian Choong solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

The 2017 Showcase: Creative Genesis and International Acclaim

Moments before the official opening of the Lee Kian Choong's Art Exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Following a prolific period of international expansion—anchored by his 2014 Hong Kong debut at Asia Fineart Gallery and his prestigious 2015 government-commissioned solo run at the Taipa Houses–Museum in Macao—Lee Kian Choong’s 2017 exhibition at Si Bao Zhai Gallery served as a monumental celebration of his global achievements. Having captured multiple high-profile international accolades in the intervening years, including First Place at the 47th International Watercolor Exhibition in the United States, Lee returned to Singapore to unveil a mature collection of contemporary watermedia. This highly anticipated showcase acted as a definitive nexus where his international critical acclaim seamlessly converged with the deep respect of his home-ground cultural circles.

Civic Dignitaries, VIPs, and Judicial Attendance

The exhibition received exceptional validation from the highest echelons of Singapore's civic and legal spheres. The showcase was profoundly honored by a private viewing conducted by Mrs. Mary Tan, the former First Lady of Singapore, whose enduring patronage underscores the cultural significance of the collection. The opening night launch was further graced by High Court Judge Mr. Justice Quentin Loh, anchoring the event with immense institutional prestige.

Former First Lady of the Republic of Singapore Mrs Mary Tan with artist Lee Kian Choong at the solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Honourable Judge Quentin Loh and his wife sharing some pointers with artist musician wife, Sharon Yee Shau Ling.

Former First Lady of the Republic of Singapore Mrs. Mary Tan graced the art exhibition gallery.

Mrs Mary Tan, former First Lady of the Republic of Singapore, posing for a photograph with artist Lee Kian Choong and his musician wife Yee Shau Ling.

Mrs. Quentin Loh sharing her thought with Sharon Yee.

Former First Lady of the Republic of Singapore posing for a candid photograph with artist Lee Kian Choong and Sharon Yee.

Honourable Judge Quentin Loh, Mrs. Loh sharing their creative ideas with Sharon Yee at the exhibition gallery.

Artist Lee Kian Choong sharing his creative ideas on his artworks with Justice Quentin Loh and his wife at the opening of his solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Honourable Judge Quentin Loh with his wife, posing with artist's family members for a photograph at the opening of Lee Kian Choong solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Artist Lee Kian Choong sharing his creative process of art making with honourable judge Quentin Loh and Mrs. Loh at the artist solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Honourable judge Quentin Loh, Mrs. Loh posing with artist Lee Kian Choong and his family Sharon Yee, Lee Jia Wen and Lee Jia Yi.

The Nanyang Art Circle and Fine Art Community Leaders

The launch brought together an extraordinary panel of standard-bearers, master painters, and cultural pioneers from across the regional artistic ecosystem. In attendance to offer critical praise and camaraderie were celebrated Cultural Medallion master painters Siew Hock Meng and Tan Kian Por, alongside prominent contemporary fine artist Victor Ang. The music and performing arts spheres were exceptionally represented by the renowned Music Director and Resident Conductor of the National University of Singapore (NUS) Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Lim Soon Lee. The commercial core of the fine art community was heavily supported by elite gallery owners and directors—including celebrated artist and Director of the Cape of Good Hope Art Gallery Mr. Terence Teo Chin Keong, alongside distinguished gallerists Mr. Goh Yeow Wan and Mr. Ho Sou Ping—highlighting the deep cultural resonance and market success of the exhibition.

Editor-in-Chief Chen Zheng posing for a photo at Lee's solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Artist Chan Rong Song, Director of Si Bao Zhai Goh Yeow Wan, Cultural Medallion Siew Hock Meng, Senior Curator Choy Weng Yang, artist Lee Kian Choong ang guests posing for a photo at art exhibition 2017 Singapore.

Editor-in-chief of Lianhe Wanbao cum Singapore prominent calligrapher Chen Zheng . with artist Lee Kian Choong.

Tan Moo Tiang, artist Chan Rong Song, director Si Bao Zhai Goh Yeow Wan, Mrs. Siew, Cultural Medallion Siew Hock Meng, pioneer curator Choy Weng Yang, artist Lee Kian Choong, Sharon Yee posing for a candid photograph in the exhibition gallery of Si Bao Zhai.

Cultural Medallion Siew Hock Meng sharing his creative art making processes with pioneer curator Choy Weng Yang and others distinguished guests.

Director of Hao Zhen Gallery with Lee Kian Choong at the opening of Lee's art exhibition organised by Si Bao Zhai in Singapore 2017.

Director Si Bao Zhai Goh Yeow Wan, Lee Jia Wen, Lee Jia Yi and distinguished guests at the exhibition gallery of Lee Kian Choong's solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Director of Hao Zhen Gallery Chua Kah Huat , artist Lee Kian Choong posing in front of the artworks at Lee Kian Choong's solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

President of Singapore Art Society, Director of Cape of Good Hope art gallery Terence Teo, Director of Si Bao Zhai, prominent corporate director Thio Seng Peng, artist Lee Kian Choong, Sharon Yee in the exhibition gallery.

Cultural Medallion Siew Hock Meng socialising with distinguished guests while Director of Art Commune gallery Ho Sou Ping having a quick bite at the solo art exhibition of Lee Kian Choong 2017 Singapore art exhibition.

Pioneer curator Choy Weng Yang at the exhibition gallery sharing his ideas with distinguished guests at the solo art exhibition of Lee Kian Choong in Singapore 2017.

Cultural Medallion Siew Hock Meng discussing art making processes with pioneer curator Choy Weng Yang at the Lee Kian Choong's solo art exhibiton in Singapore 2017 held at Si Bao Zhai Art Gallery.

Si Bao Zhai director Goh Yeow Wan discussing artworks with the distinguished guests at the opening of Lee Kian Choon solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Director of Si Bao Zhai Goh Yeow Wan having a relaxing moments with his distinguished patrons in his exhibition gallery at the solo art exhibition of Lee Kian Choong Singapore 2017.

Music Director and Resident Conductor of the NUS Symphony Orchestra (NUSSO) Lim Soon Lee, Mrs. Lim, artist Lee Kian Choong and Sharon Yee having a photograph shoot during the Lee Kian Choong's solo art exhibition held at Si Bao Zhai exhibition gallery in Singapore 2017.

Pioneer curator Choy Weng Yang having a casual conversation with artist Chan Rong Song at the exhibition gallery in Singapore 2017.

Artist Victor Ang attending the opening of Lee Kian Choong solo art exhibition organised by Si Bao Zhai.

Artist Victor Ang, his good friends and artist Lee Kian Choong at Lee Kian Choong's solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Distinguished Academic, Educational, Medical, and Professional Leaders

Lee Kian Choong’s visual practice drew immense intellectual, structural, and corporate validation from leading standard-bearers across Singapore’s academic, scientific, and industrial landscapes. Celebrating the launch were distinguished figures from the nation's premier educational institutions, including Mr. Jerry Soo (Vice President [Academic] of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts), Dr. Hong Geok Soon (Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore), and Mr. Ting Beng Chin (esteemed former Headmaster of Ai Tong Primary School). The evening was further graced by celebrated medical specialist and consultant surgeon Dr. Sim Hong Gee, alongside elite corporate innovators and technical visionaries—including prominent DP Architects Director Mr. Teoh Hai Pin, infrastructure engineering leader Mr. Thio Seng Peng, and Bio-X Group Managing Director Mr. Tan Kok Eng. Their collective presence, professional accolades, and deep admiration highlight the profound intellectual depth, spatial resonance, and enduring institutional value of Lee's contemporary watermedia portfolio.

Founder of Renda TCM clinic Dr Chua Song Peck with artist Lee Kian Choong at Lee's art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Distinguished guests discussing on the contemporary artworks on display at the solo art exhibition Singapore 2017.

Associate Professor Dr Hong Geok Soon, his wife Mrs. Hong, Engineer Edward, having a light conversation at the Lee Kian Choong's solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Founder Renda TCM clinic Dr Chua Song Peck showing artist Lee Kian Choong's art book, artist Lee Kian Choong, Sharon Yee at the exhibition gallery.

Associate Professor DR Hong Geok Soon having a light moments with Engineer Edward and engineer Cheng at Lee Kian Choong's solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Vice President of Nanyang Academy of Fine Art Jerry Soo Tah Keng, artist Lee Kian Choong having a candid shot for memory at art exhibition 2017 Singapore.

Associate Professor Dr Hong Geok Soon of NUS & wife Mrs. Hong, Engineer Edward at the exhibition gallery.

Former Ai Tong principal Ting Beng Chin, artist Chan Rong Song, Sharon Yee and Mrs. Siew at the exhibition gallery.

Artist Lee Kian Choong posing with his University mates Dr Hong Geok Soon (Associate Professor NUS) and his Engineer school mates in his solo art exhibition 2017.

Vice President (Nafa) Jerry Soo Tah Keng, artist Lee Kian Choong at Lee Kian Choong's art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Founder of Bio-X, Tan Kok Eng with artist Lee Kian Choong at the art exhibition 2017 Singapore organised by Si Bao Zhai Gallery.

Engineer Edward, artist Lee Kian Choong, Associate Professor Dr Hong Geok Soon, Cheng, all from the University of Sheffield, UK, having a candid shot at the exhibition gallery.

Prominent business man Vincent Teo & Mrs. Teo, artist Lee Kian Choong at Lee Kian Choong's solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Director of United Specialists Pte Ltd Koh Kim Keei with Lee Kian Choong at the 2017 solo art exhibition Singapore.

Tan Kok Eng, founder of Bio-X and prominent Chinese martial arts practitioner, artist Lee Kian Choong at the exhibition gallery in Singapore 2017.

Distinguished guest Venessa Tang, artist Lee Kian Choong.

Director at DP Architect (DPA) Teoh Hai Pin posing for a photo with artist Lee Kian Choong at Lee's solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Managing director of United Specialists Pte Ltd Koh Kim Keei, artist Lee Kian Choong, Sharon Yee at Si Bao Zhai exhibition gallery during the opening of Lee Kian Choong's solo art exhibition at Bras Basah Complex in Singapore 2017.

Director at DP Architect (DPA), Teoh Hai Pin, Mrs. Teoh, artist Lee Kian Choong at Si Bao Zhai exhibition gallery during the solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Lee Kian Choong posing with Ai Tong School principal Ting Beng Chin at the opening of the solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Artist Lee Kian Choong sharing his art making process with former principal of Ai Tong School at the exhibition gallery during the opening of Lee Kian Choong's solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Former principal of Ai Tong School, artist Lee Kian Choong posing with distinguished guests present at the opening of the solo art exhibition.

Prominent corporate director & Engineer Thio Seng Peng, Mrs. Thio, artist Lee Kian Choong at the opening ceremony of Lee Kian Choong's solo art exhibition in Singapore 2017.

Patrons and Honoured Guests

Beyond the formal leadership circles, the exhibition served as a vibrant nexus for a diverse network of dedicated art patrons, regional collectors, and creative colleagues from across the Southeast Asian art ecosystem. Captured below are additional celebratory moments from the gallery floor, highlighting the enduring community support and private patronage that fueled the exceptional success of this homecoming showcase.