Last Friday marked the passing of an era and a great loss to the art world. Prominent Chinese artist, Wu Guanzhong passed away on Friday, 25 June 2010 at the age of 91.

Wu Guanzhong had a great heart for Singapore. In 2008, he donated to the national collection of Singapore, his largest and most comprehensive collection of 113 oil and ink paintings. A major exhibition was held at the Singapore Art Museum then, to celebrate this generous donation and showcase the creative oeuvre of this significant Chinese artist.

Born on August 29^th, 1919 in Yixing, Jiangsu Province, Wu Guanzhong is a leading Chinese painter, art educator and essayist in the 20^th century. Wu was best known for integrating two major art forms – ink and oil, successfully synthesizing the diverse art styles of East and West.

To honour the memory of the great artist and this significant gift to Singapore, the National Art Gallery will be naming a gallery after Wu Guanzhong in its future premises. Works from his sizable donation will be rotated for public viewing in the future gallery.

At the moment, you may view Wu’s works at the “Seeing the Kites Again” exhibition at Singapore Art Museum, ongoing till 14 December 2010. A special condolence table has also been set up outside the exhibition gallery until Sunday. Do drop by the Singapore Art Museum to view the exhibition and pen down your tribute to this great artist.