Born in Fujian, China, Shi Xiangtuo (1906-1990) came from an eminent family of seal carvers and calligraphers, Trained by his father, he is best known for his calligraphy and seal work. In addition, Shi was an accomplished ink painter who counted the Shanghai School and, in particular, Wu Changshuo’s paintings as major influences. He emigrated to Singapore in 1938 and contributed immensely in the area of art education: first as a principal at a primary school and later as a lecturer at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. In 1979, Shi was awarded the Public Service Star by the Singapore government.Here, Shi depicts the wisteria plant in a composition that highlights its climbing and woody vines. Interestingly, he chose to camouflage the magpie robin with the blue petals of the wisteria. A keen observer of nature, Shi often brought his students to gardens and bird parks to observe the subjects of their paintings.
