Tay Boon Pin (b.1936) received training in Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, graduating in 1956. He was one of the early members of Equator Art Society (EAS). During the period where EAS was active, Tay hold art classes for junior members, teaching them the fundamentals of painting – drawings of figurines and still life. Post 1960s, he continued his artistic pursuit and dedicated weekends in outdoor drawing sessions with artist-friends such as Koeh Sia Yong. Similar to his peers, Tay’s practice is framed by the conception of Realism, however his expressive brushwork stays distinct as his individual mark.The still life painting is representative of Tay Boon Pin’s tenure in the Equator Art Society. It is art historically significant in terms of the understanding of Singapore’s social realist movement, and in particular EAS art practice during 1950s & 1960s.
