작품 상세

This artwork is from Tew Nai Tong's iconic series depicting female rubber tappers, a subject deeply rooted in Malaya's socio-economic history. Having grown up in a rubber estate, the artist conveys a profound reverence toward the female rubber tappers depicted in colourful blouses and sarongs. Under British rule, Malaya emerged as the world's leading exporter of natural rubber by the 1930s, with vast plantations shaping the livelihood of its people. Their labour beginning before dawn and ending with buckets of latex balanced on poles or carried above their heads, embodies hard work and resilience. In this captivating piece, the graceful physique of the female rubber tappers appear as tall as the rubber trees, enhanced with light and harmonious colours. Tew Nai Tong's first solo show was held at the British Council, Kuala Lumpur in 1964 and he was honoured with a retrospective exhibition at the National Art Gallery in 2007. He had participated in numerous group shows locally and abroad namely in Japan, China, Hong Kong and Australia. His awards included Second Prize, Chartered Bank Mural Design Competition (1964), Shell Watercolour Award (1981), Best Award, Esso (1982), Dunlop Watercolour Award (1983) and Grand Prize Asia Art Award (Malaysia) in Seoul, 2009. He served as an advisor to several art societies including the Contemporary Malaysian Watercolourist Association.