Born in 1931, Choo Keng Kwang is widely recognized for realistic renditions of landscape, animals and nature in the oil medium. Sympathetic to local working classes, Choo features them in many of his works. Graduating in 1953 from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), he worked as a teacher, eventually returning to NAFA to helm the Art Education Department in 1984. Choo has since held many solo exhibitions and has participated in group art exhibitions in Southeast Asia, Japan, Europe and USA. Since the 1950s, Choo has received many awards for his many contributions to art and education, among which is the Public Service Medal (PBM) in 1976.Choo’s favourite artist is the 19th century English artist J.M.W. Turner who is admired for his treatment of light and atmospheric conditions. In ‘Pond Fishing’ Turner’s influence on Choo is evident in his luminous and delicate treatment of the sea and sky. From the 1960s to early 1970s, Choo, an avid traveller, was captivated by the people, culture and sights of the regional countries and he featured them in his art. This painting of fishermen is probably a scene from one of his trips.
