Chen Jen Hao (1908-1976) graduated from the Xinhua Art Academy in Shanghai in 1928 and went on to study in Paris from 1928 to 1932. Upon his return to China, he taught at the Shanghai College of Art until 1937 when the Japanese invasion forced him to leave for Malaysia. He subsequently moved to Singapore in 1950. Chen, who was one of the foremost exponents of Chinese calligraphy, served as advisor of the Lee Kong Chian Museum in the former Nanyang University and was president of the Society of Chinese Artists. He also painted in oils and his works in this medium show the influence of Post-Impressionism and Fauvism. Chen was the brother-in-law of Liu Kang, one of Singapore’s pioneer artists.
