Tay Bak Koi

Art and Philanthropy

Over the years, Tay Bak Koi quietly supported a number of charitable causes by allowing his paintings to be reproduced as greeting cards and fundraising materials for organizations including UNICEF, National Kidney Foundation and Community Chest Singapore. Through these collaborations, his art reached a wider public while contributing in a small but meaningful way towards charitable and community initiatives. His participation in such efforts reflected a belief that art could serve not only aesthetic purposes, but also broader social and humanitarian causes. Today, surviving greeting cards and printed materials from these initiatives form part of the family archive, offering a glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of the artist’s legacy beyond the studio and gallery space.

Charity Cards

Selected design used for charity cards. Click VIEW IMAGES to see the design covers.

News: Hotel chips in for liver transplant baby

The New Paper

Hilton International has launched a fundraising effort to help Baby Tasneem, who requires a $150,000 liver transplant in England. The hotel is selling 64 paintings by local artist Tay Bak Koi, each priced at $388, with additional limited‑edition prints offered through Decor Arts International. The campaign adds to the $55,000 already donated by organizations and individuals. Tasneem’s father, Sheriff Babu, said the family is deeply grateful and that his daughter remains in stable condition, adding that there is now hope for her recovery.

本地四画家画作,上联合国儿童基金会贺卡

新加坡新闻

Four local painters donated their artworks to UNICEF to create charity greeting cards, raising funds that provide poor children with healthcare, food, clean water and education. Each card set helps protect three children from six major diseases. An exhibition of the donated works and past UNICEF card designs is now on display at the Hyatt Hotel until January 16.

Feature article: Memories are made of these

I-S2 Scenestealer

Painter Tay Bak Koi reflects on memory, imagination, and the lifelong discipline of art as he prepares for his new exhibition. Known for transforming familiar Southeast Asian scenes into whimsical, unexpected landscapes—sometimes placing attap houses and buffaloes against snowy mountains—Tay emphasizes scenery over people and believes artists should never stop creating. Now 58, he continues to live simply, painting daily in his Yishun home and traveling for inspiration, especially drawn to the strength and vitality of water buffaloes. With more than 40 works on display, many previously unseen, Tay views life itself as the ultimate artistic process, urging artists to keep seeking their own path and distinctive style.

Reverie: Tay Bak Koi (exhibition photos and videos)

A commemorative tribute exhibition dedicated to the artistic legacy of the late Singaporean artist and NAFA alumnus Tay Bak Koi (1939–2003).

News: His canvas says it all

New Straits Times

Tay Bak Koi, a quiet and introspective Singaporean artist, channels his memories and emotions into vivid canvases that blend realism with gentle fantasy. Preferring solitude and shunning attention, he paints fishermen, farmers, buffaloes, and nostalgic coffee shops—scenes inspired by his childhood in Tiong Bahru and his deep connection to the sea. His warm colours and tranquil compositions evoke a bygone era, often reminding viewers of their own youth. With numerous exhibitions to his name and works held in both public and private collections, Tay returns to Penang for a new solo show featuring local scenes such as Campbell Street traders and Tanjung Tokong fishermen, continuing his lifelong devotion to capturing humanity’s quieter moments.

恒静的感情与美感

新明日报

郑木奎：20年磨炼成就独特画风，从写实走向印象，融静与动于一体经过20年的创作历程，郑木奎从写实主义转向印象主义，将早年渔村生活化为主要题材。 他的作品以宁静、和谐的构图见长，却又在画面中注入生命的律动，如飞鸟、水牛与人物，使静止的自然焕发活力。 其画风纯朴自然、富有“共同感”，展现个人独特性。未来，他被寄望继续突破，在画坛绽放更大光彩

水牛画之外的郑木奎

联合早报

本地第二代名家纪念展。相隔26年，郑木奎逝世20周年展“遐思”首次展出其60余件作品，涵盖多媒材与题材，展现其多元画风，不仅限于水牛题材。