"The search is almost always worthwhile."
Born in 1967, Hong Sek Chern is renowned for her distinctive interpretations of Singapore’s urban landscapes through traditional Chinese ink. Her practice reflects a deep interest in reimagining cityscapes and pushing the boundaries of ink painting to explore new possibilities within this traditional medium.
Graduated with a Diploma in Fine Art from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in 1995, Hong was awarded the prestigious Chen Chong Swee Overseas Art Scholarship by the Chen Chong Swee Foundation and National Arts Council. She later earned her Master of Fine Arts in Fine Art from Goldsmiths College, University of London in 1998, and subsequently pursued a Master of Arts in Southeast Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore in 2004.
Hong held eight solo exhibitions in Singapore, including Modern Monuments (1999), On Borrowed Skies (2008), Sleepless in the City (2014), and More Space (2017) at NAFA. She represented Singapore at the 25th São Paulo Biennale in 2002, the 5th International Ink Painting Biennial of Shenzhen in 2006 and was featured in the President’s Young Talents exhibition by the Singapore Art Museum in 2001.
Hong has earned numerous prestigious awards including:
- Distinguished Alumni Award, NAFA, 2018
- Gold Award (Established Artist Category), UOB Painting of the Year, 2014 and 2023
- Grand Prize, UOB Painting of the Year, 2007
- First Prize (Representational Category), UOB Painting of the Year, 1997 and 2006
- Young Artist Award, National Arts Council Singapore, 2000
- Juror’s Choice, Philip Morris Singapore Art Awards, 1996, 1998 and 1999
- Top Prize, Philippe Charriol Foundation Contemporary Art Competition, 1996
Beyond her artistic practice, Hong has made significant contributions to arts education, teaching at NAFA since 1999, serving as Deputy Head from 2001 to 2003 and Head of Fine Art from 2004 to 2007. After a hiatus to focus on her practice, she resumed part-time teaching at NAFA in 2017.