The one event that sparked it off..

Why this exhibition?

"Six years ago, I had chanced upon an old image of our founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, shaking hands with Deng Xiaoping, the paramount leader of China. This historic meeting took place on 12 November 1978. I was inspired that a meeting of two great leaders had changed the world from what it was, an improverished China to become the second largest economy in the world today. I wanted to record this moment in time through art. 

If not for Mr Lee's convincing words to Mr Deng Xiaoping to open up China to the outside world — Singapore and the rest of the world, it would not be what it is today. I then commissioned an artist to paint this image and had it presented to PM Lee Hsien Loong. 

He gave me a letter of thanks for the painting and indicated that the meaning was a "significant and historic moment in time". Today's exhibition is the culmination of six years of collection and commissioning of artworks on the past images of our founding fathers. 

Its aim is to showcase that Singaporeans are blessed to have Mr Lee as our founding Prime Minister and that his legacy can be endured for future generation. Knowing our past gives us a sense of pride and dignity."

 
Vincent Chua, retired insurance agency manager