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Business Times
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Business Times
The man who painted Lee Kuan Yew – and the wife whom history forgot
[SINGAPORE] Most art lovers recognise the name Chua Mia Tee. The realist painter is beloved for his portraits of founding fathers and working-class heroes – archetypes of the nation-building generation rendered in oil on canvas. Chua's work has come to define an era of Singapore's visual identity, with scenes of Lee Kuan Yew on the campaign trail, Singapore presidents surrounded by the Cabinet of the day, and young idealists reading poetry as progress unfolds around them. But few people know that, for much of his career, Chua – who was awarded the Cultural Medallion in 2015 – worked just a few metres away from another painter: his wife, Lee Boon Ngan (1939-2017). She was a talented artist in her own right, a realist who brought delicate floral compositions to life on canvas. Yet, she remained largely unrecognised – overshadowed by her husband's fame, and held back by the demands of domestic life. While Chua painted full-time, she raised their children, cooked their meals and managed the household. Only after the chores were done would she pick up her brushes. Chua Mia Tee's Singapore Presidents And Their Cabinets (I-V) (1996) is a stunning 3.8 m-long painting depicting the five presidents from Yusof Ishak to Ong Teng Cheong, with the respective Cabinets of the day. PHOTO: PRESIDENT'S OFFICE, ISTANA The couple's daughter, Dr Chua Yang, an obstetrician and gynaecologist behind a new exhibition to honour both her parents, says: 'She considered herself a wife and mother first, and an artist when she had time.' The exhibition, The Art of Lee Boon Ngan: Celebrating 60 Years Of Singapore Through The Love Of Chua Mia Tee & Lee Boon Ngan, opens on Jul 10 at The Private Museum in Upper Wilkie Road. Presented as part of the museum's 15th anniversary and SG60 celebrations, the show brings together nearly 50 artworks. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up They comprise 15 floral paintings by Lee – some never before seen publicly – alongside a selection of Chua's better-known works, as well as contributions from the next generation of the family. Lee Boon Ngan's vivid floral paintings showcase her impressive precision and technique. PHOTO: CHUA MIA TEE & THE CHUA FAMILY The show includes two paintings by Lee's granddaughter, London-based artist Ernestine Chua, and three artistic photographs by Dr Chua, including one of her father on the day he completed his final painting in 2021, just before he suffered a stroke. Painting beside the nation's painter Dr Chua says: 'Mother was never as prolific as Father. But she painted throughout her life. She would wait for the right light, position her flowers near the window, and choose the most complicated bouquets – with the tiniest petals and most intricate leaves. It was a challenge she relished.' Lee Boon Ngan and Chua Mia Tee, a lasting union and legacy. PHOTO: CHUA MIA TEE & THE CHUA FAMILY In their shared home studio, husband and wife worked mostly in silence. 'There was no chatter. They didn't comment on each other's work until the very end. When a piece was nearly done, it would be brought into the family gallery at home and placed under a spotlight for critique. That's when everyone – including us kids – would weigh in.' (Dr Chua has a brother who is a retired dean of a tertiary institution in Hong Kong.) Despite his deft executions of landscapes, people and animals, Chua Mia Tee never painted flowers. 'That was Mother's territory,' Dr Chua recalls. 'He always said: 'Your mother is far better at that'.' Artist Chua Mia Tee putting the finishing touches to a self-portrait, in which he poses with the iconic 1957 painting of his wife, Lee Boon Ngan, as a young girl. PHOTO: DR CHUA YANG And yet, history remembers him and forgets her. Part of that, Dr Chua believes, was structural. Her father received government commissions and exhibited widely. His work was aligned with national narratives and institutional platforms. Her mother, on the other hand, painted privately, for herself and her family, without ambition for public acclaim. Part of it was also choice. 'Mother never sought recognition,' Dr Chua says. 'When collectors came for Father's works and chose hers instead, she was quietly amused… She was content with her life.' A 1980 portrait of Lee Boon Ngan by Chua Mia Tee, simply titled My Wife, depicts her at work, surrounded by her floral paintings. PHOTO: CHUA MIA TEE & THE CHUA FAMILY That didn't mean her daughter wasn't frustrated. 'For years after her death, I was indignant,' she admits. 'She was always in the shadow. I felt she deserved so much more. But I've come to realise that these were my expectations, not hers. She was proud of every meal she cooked for us. She was happy.' In recent years, Dr Chua has taken on the responsibility of preserving both her parents' legacies. In 2024, she launched her second book, Women Inspiring Women: The National Edition, at The Private Museum. As conversations turned toward her parents' art, the idea for an exhibition took root. Chua Mia Tee often included Lee Boon Ngan in his paintings, such as this work titled Stone Boat Of Summer Palace, Beijing (1985). PHOTO: CHUA MIA TEE & THE CHUA FAMILY A story told in two styles The result is a contemplative and moving exhibition that places Chua's grand portraits of statesmen and civic scenes alongside Lee's luminous florals. Each speaks to a different kind of devotion – one directed outward to nation-building, the other, inward toward the beauty of everyday life. 'In many ways, she was painting her self-portrait,' Dr Chua says. 'The brilliance of the flowers symbolised the vibrancy of her spirit. When Father painted her, he was capturing her beauty. When she painted flowers, she was capturing herself.' Lee Boon Ngan's tender paintings of flowers celebrate the overlooked and the everyday – in contrast to her husband's paintings of nation-building efforts. PHOTO: CHUA MIA TEE & THE CHUA FAMILY The exhibition also includes family portraits of children and grandchildren, and intimate glimpses into the couple's home and studio. Many works were drawn from the family estate, and others, on loan from institutions such as the Istana and the National Heritage Board. Though many visitors may come for Chua's portraits of Singapore leaders, they may leave with a deeper appreciation for the domestic, the feminine, and the quieter forms of artistic expression. In a society that often prioritises progress over presence, public achievement over personal duties, Lee's work asks the viewer to rethink these binaries. Nation and home, public and private, leaders and lovers, husbands and wives – they're all part of the same story. Dr Chua Yang, with a portrait of her parents painted by her father, Chua Mia Tee. PHOTO: CHUA MIA TEE & THE CHUA FAMILY The Art Of Lee Boon Ngan: Celebrating 60 Years Of Singapore Through The Love Of Chua Mia Tee & Lee Boon Ngan runs at The Private Museum (11, Upper Wilkie Road), from Jul 10 to Sep 21.
Associated Press
15-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
From Detroit Hustler to Entrepreneurial Powerhouse: Ritchie 'Rick Da Don' Knox Announces Multi-Industry Business Empire
Ritchie 'Rick Da Don' Knox, CEO of Don Endeavors, LLC, has officially announced the expansion of his diverse business empire, spanning luxury fashion, music, technology, health, and the arts. United States , March 15, 2025 -- Once a constituent of the rough streets of Detroit, Knox has transformed his life from an underprivileged youth to a millionaire entrepreneur, now spearheading brands that redefine innovation, creativity, and social impact. A Journey of Transformation: From the Streets to Success Knox's story is one of resilience, redemption, and reinvention. Raised in a struggling household in Detroit, Knox's early years were fraught with financial hardships and survival-driven decisions that led him to the streets. By 17, he was entangled in drug trafficking, a reality that changed after a pivotal moment of self-reflection. Motivated by faith and a desire to leave his past behind, he pursued education and entrepreneurship, leveraging his experiences to build a legacy that extends across multiple industries today. 'Every step I took away from my past was a step toward something greater,' said Knox. 'I made a choice to redirect my energy into creating opportunities—not just for myself but for others who need a second chance at life.' Don Endeavors, LLC: A Multi-Faceted Business Empire Under the umbrella of Don Endeavors, LLC, Knox has cultivated an impressive portfolio of brands, each catering to unique markets and audiences. His ventures include: Broken Heart Shirts – A luxury fashion brand known for bold, trendsetting designs. Visit Broken Heart Shirts The Don Don 1 – A signature sneaker collaboration with Alive Shoes. View The Don Don 1 Rick Da Don Music – A self-hosted music platform housing Knox's five independent hip-hop albums. Explore Rick Da Don Music BloogSpace – A social media platform pioneering new ways to connect and share content. Visit BloogSpace VidMondo – A video-sharing platform supporting emerging creators. Discover VidMondo Really Hood – A music-sharing service for rising hip-hop artists. Explore Really Hood Penile Solutions – A men's health brand addressing sexual wellness. Explore Penile Solutions Herb & Orchid – A non-alcoholic alternative for wine lovers. Shop Herb & Orchid Knox's ventures blend creativity, business acumen, and technological innovation, positioning him as an entrepreneur with a unique ability to adapt to evolving consumer needs. The Art of Wealth: Knox's Foray into Fine Art In addition to business, Knox has made waves in the art world, unveiling high-value pieces that reflect his life experiences, cultural identity, and faith. Among his most notable works: 'Monica' – An African-American interpretation of the Mona Lisa, valued at $1 million. 'The Art of Complexity' – An abstract masterpiece priced at $500,000. 'Damaged Goods' – A powerful artwork featuring a lion and a unique backstory, also valued at $500,000. 'Him' – A rare visualization of Jesus Christ, carrying a $10 million price tag. Collectors and enthusiasts can inquire about these works via [email protected] or call 800-701-2647. From Music to Media: The Rick Da Don Podcast With an ever-expanding influence, Knox also connects with his audience through The Rick Da Don Podcast, where he shares his personal experiences, insights on entrepreneurship, and perspectives on society. His platform provides a space for candid conversations, inspiring listeners to challenge limitations and embrace their potential. Listen to The Rick Da Don Podcast A Mission Beyond Profit: The Fight Against Homelessness Despite his business success, Knox remains focused on a higher purpose—eradicating homelessness in the United States. His ultimate goal is to scale his businesses to a level that allows him to fund initiatives providing housing, job training, and resources for those in need. 'Money isn't the end goal—it's a tool,' Knox stated. 'I want to use my success to create real change, to help people find stability, just like I did.' Through his philanthropic ambitions, he aims to bridge the gap between entrepreneurship and social responsibility, proving that business success and community impact can coexist. About Don Endeavors, LLC Don Endeavors, LLC is a multi-industry company founded by Ritchie 'Rick Da Don' Knox, encompassing luxury fashion, music, social media, video-sharing, men's health, and fine art. With a focus on innovation and social impact, the company operates numerous brands that serve diverse markets while advocating for positive societal change. For more information, email [email protected] or call 800-701-2647. Broken Heart Shirts The Don Don 1 Sneaker Rick Da Don Music VidMondo BloogSpace Really Hood Herb & Orchid Media Contact Ritchie 'Rick Da Don' Knox CEO, Don Endeavors, LLC [email protected] Contact Info: Name: Ritchie 'Rick Da Don' Knox Email: Send Email Organization: Don Endeavors, LLC
CairoScene
27-01-2025
- General
- CairoScene
Vatican Artifacts Featured at Jeddah's Islamic Arts Biennale
The exhibition includes works from over 30 cultural institutions and 29 new artworks. A six-metre map of the Nile, dated to around 1685 and restored by the Vatican, is being exhibited for the first time outside its archives at the second Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah. The event, organised by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, features over 500 historical artifacts and contemporary artworks at the Western Hajj Terminal. The Nile map, created with watercolour ink on Venetian paper, is displayed alongside 10 other artefacts from the Vatican Library and a map of the Arabian Gulf from Qatar's National Library. Both maps were acquired in the 1700s in Constantinople by Giuseppe Alemanni, a Lebanese librarian who later became the Vatican Library's prefect. The biennale, with the theme 'And all that is in between', takes inspiration from a Qur'anic verse and explores faith through contemporary and historical works. Sections include 'The Art of Numbers', which examines the role of numerology in Islamic culture and features items from 20 global institutions, including early Qur'anic manuscripts and translations from the Vatican Library. This year's exhibition includes contributions from over 30 cultural institutions and 29 newly commissioned artworks. The event will run until May 25th, 2025.
