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.In ‘Joo Chiat Market Trishaw’, Choo depicts a sight typically seen in front of the now demolished Joo Chiat Market, that of trishaw riders waiting for their next customers. A sarong-clad lady walks by. Situated near the Malay enclave of Geylang Serai, the market is popular with shoppers looking for all things Malay or spices and ingredients for Malay cuisine.
