Artist Biography

Chia Hui Chian emerged from a family deeply rooted in artistic prowess. His elder brother was the Malaysian French-educated pioneering artist, Chia Yu Chian, while his younger siblings - Chia Tick Chiam and Chia Quee Eng are all distinguished artists as well. His artworks, marked by expressive, vibrant strokes of colour, weave captivating narratives of warm rural life, exuding a rich Nanyang cultural ambience. Notably, his pastel works, set against the brown paper, create a striking contrast of colours, accentuating the rustic charm of life.

Since 1959, his works have been exhibited frequently in various exhibitions organized by Singaporean art associations. Within Malaysia, he often took part in the annual exhibitions, open shows and art salons organised by the National Art Gallery. In 1963, 1965, 1966, and 1971, his works were held in solo exhibitions in Penang and Kuala Lumpur respectively. His solo exhibition in 1966 was sponsored by Penang and P.W. Arts Council and held at the Penang Library.

His awards and accolades include the Singapore Ministry of Culture Art Exhibition Certificate of Merit (1960), the first prize in the pastel category of the 4th and 5th Youth Art Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur (1960 & 1961), the second prize in the National Pastel Competition organized by Esso (1962), and the first prize in the Malaysian Artists Open Competition, pastel category (1964). Chia’s works were featured in the "Collectors’ Exhibition by 1st & 2nd Generation Artists" at Galeri Seni Mutiara, Penang (2009), and “The Nanyang Show" at the Visual Arts Centre, Singapore (2016). His artworks are part of the permanent collection of the National Art Gallery and Penang State Art Gallery.