A new exhibition at The Private Museum to mark SG60 that showcases the works of Lee Boon Ngan and her husband, Cultural Medallion recipient, Chua Mia Tee, tells a story of family, love, and sacrifice
One gets a sense of poring over a very intimate family photo album when walking through The Art of Lee Boon Ngan: Celebrating 60 Years of Singapore through the Love of Chua Mia Tee & Lee Boon Ngan. Except, of course, visitors are standing in the midst of monumental artworks by Cultural Medallion recipient, Chua Mia Tee, and his wife, Lee Boon Ngan, in a landmark exhibition to celebrate Singapore’s 60th year of independence.
Recognised as one of Singapore’s most acclaimed realist painters, Chua—whose oil paintings and portraits depict social conditions and prominent public figures, and hold a mirror to the country’s historical and social consciousness—is well represented at the showcase. Yet, taking a rare turn in the spotlight this time is Lee, whose contributions complete a narrative that has long remained quietly in the background.
A devoted wife and mother of two, and an accomplished painter in her own right, Lee created many of her works alongside Chua as he painted—often in brief windows of time snatched after fulfilling her “motherly duties.” Her paintings pull back the curtain on the quiet strength and unwavering support that fuel the artistic life, revealing the emotional and familial pillars that nourish creativity.
Known for her still-life and floral compositions that are executed with technical precision and a refined command of colour, Lee’s works are exhibited alongside Chua’s expansive canvases, which range from historic depictions of Singapore’s political leaders to tender portraits of his wife, children, and grandchildren. Also featured among the nearly 50 works on display are pieces by their granddaughter, Ernestine Chua. While themes of nation-building and memory reverberate throughout the exhibition, it is the profound narrative of love, sacrifice, and creative devotion that resonates most deeply.
Here, Dr. Chua Yang, daughter of Chua and Lee, and representative of the artists’ estate, share some insights and memories of her parents, and their artworks that have been woven into the fabric of the Singapore story.
The words “art” and “love” stand out from the title of this exhibition. Can you share what it means in the context of your family?
My parents were the original work-from-home couple—their studio was our home, and my brother and I grew up immersed in that environment. My father’s art, which documented the development of Singapore, has always been central to our lives as well. That said, my mum’s name anchors this exhibition. She was such a strong woman and, really, there were few strong women painters from her era, and we want to celebrate that. In a way, this exhibition mirrors my book commemorating my father (The Art of Chua Mia Tee: A Portrait of a Life’s Work, published in 2018).
Can you tell us about the kind of love shared between your parents?
They didn’t display grand gestures or anything like that. They were just very devoted to each other—they were married in 1961, and they would do everything together. People always say never to work with your spouse, but that was the opposite for my parents.
What was your mother like in private?
She was very meticulous and always available for us. She was also very private. If I had stuck her in the spotlight today with this exhibition, she would have been very uncomfortable.
What were some considerations you had when curating the artworks for this exhibition?
I wanted to feature as many of my mum’s works as possible, and there really aren’t that many. Some of the pieces exhibited here have never been seen in public. I believe collectors who bought her works were perhaps initially drawn to my dad’s. Some might know of her, but you won’t appreciate how technically skilled she is until you see them. My dad used to say that she was better than him when it came to painting flowers.
Is there a painting that resonates most with you here?
I feel emotional about the one where he painted himself next to a painting that he did of my mother when she was young. It was the last painting that he did at 90. I think it encapsulates their love story.
You are an established obstetrician and gyngynaecologist, and an acclaimed street photographer yourself. Tell us about how your mother shaped your own worldview.
She taught me a lot in retrospect about how I view my own life choices. When I was a young adult, as young adults do, I tended to be constantly trying to get validation or live up to the expectations of others. Looking at my mother’s life, it taught me a lot about letting go of yardsticks. Did she sacrifice a lot taking care of the family? Yes, but I feel that she also made those choices very happily.
What do you hope the younger generation would take away from your parents’ works and story?
Maybe for young, the temptation is always to see what’s commercially viable or popular, and change themselves to adapt to that. Whether in art or otherwise, their story teaches us that passion, and the discipline that follows, will eventually bear fruit and make you good at what you do.
“The Art of Lee Boon Ngan: Celebrating 60 Years of Singapore through the Love of Chua Mia Tee & Lee Boon Ngan” is exhibiting from now till 21 September 2025 at The Private Museum, 11 Upper Wilkie Rd.
