Google Doodle celebrates first-generation Singaporean painter Georgette Chen
If you've been on the Google homepage today, you would've probably noticed a Doodle of a very familiar figure in Singapore's art history. But who is she?Â
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Of course, some would immediately recognise the still life paintings surrounding her. She is none other than Georgette Chen, a first-generation Singaporean painter and a pioneer of the Nanyang art movement in Singapore. A trailblazer of the Singapore art movement, she was an important figure in the nation's art history, especially having lived through two Chinese revolutions and the first and second World Wars.
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The Doddle is released on November 1 to commemorate the day Georgette Chen had two of her paintings selected for exhibition at the annual Salon dâAutomne, a showcase of innovative 20th-century painting, famous for displaying the work of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Paul CĂŠzanne. This is also the first Doodle to feature a Singaporean female artist, it looks to celebrate her inspiring story and honour her legacy.
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Her biggest retrospective so far, Georgette Chen: At Home In The World, was recently exhibited at National Gallery Singapore for the first time in two decades. It spotlighted her most significant works alongside a wealth of newly discovered archival materials.
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In line with this, culture vultures from all over the world can peep her works on Google Arts and Culture â which include Still Life (Moon Festival Table); Still Life with Cut Apple and Orange and her Self Portrait.Â
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Let's take a moment to celebrate the accomplishments of one of Singapore's greatest artists â even if the recognition came second to the artist. After all, she has once been quoted: "Art to me is a labour of love and like such labours expects neither gain nor reward and brings meaning into one's life."Â
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This may mark the first Doodle to feature a Singaporean female artist â but we're sure this won't be the last.Â
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Nurjuwita, D. (2021a, October 31). Google Doodle celebrates first-generation Singaporean painter Georgette Chen. Time Out Singapore. https://www.timeout.com/singapore/news/google-doodle-celebrates-first-generation-singaporean-painter-georgette-chen-110121