By Cheryl Mui

The National Gallery Singapore has commissioned Channel NewsAsia to produce a three-part docudrama on pioneer Singapore artist Georgette Chen (1906-1993). The role of Chen will be played by MediaCorp actress Rui En.

Titled The Worlds Of Georgette Chen, the English-language drama will be telecast in April 2015 on Channel NewsAsia and MediaCorp Channel 5. It will also be adapted into Chinese for Channel 8.

Said Rui En on portraying the artist: “In her days, it was rare for women to paint professionally. She was a pioneer on many fronts and her quiet strength and love for life will certainly inspire women today.”

Born in Zhejiang, China, Chen received her art education in Paris, New York and Shanghai. She was a prominent figure in local art history for over four decades and is one of the pioneers of the Nanyang Style of art which marries tropical subject matter with Western painting techniques. She taught at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts until her retirement in 1981, and received the Cultural Medallion in 1982.

The Worlds of Georgette Chen debuts 29 April 2015 on CNA and Ch 5.

Source: The Straits Times, The Straits Times Communities

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