The grand monuments in Asia, Europe and elsewhere are my inspiration for diving into this subject for my art. Located in the historic district of Chinatown, Singapore, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum’s richly designed interiors and comprehensive exhibits on Buddhist art and history tell stories of culture over thousands of years old. I have tried to capture the temples beauty and grandeur in this painting.

This painting deserves a bit of history – Formerly a girls school known as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Middle Education School, CHIJMES (pronounced ‘chimes’) harks back to a bygone age. CHIJMES began with one building—Caldwell House as a home for a Senior Magistrate’s clerk. In 1853 and Singapore’s St Nicholas Girls’ School was established alongside an orphanage for children and a boarding house. The church you see in this painting has intricate plasterwork, wall frescoes and Belgian stained glass windows which to date inspire wonder! In the daytime, CHIJMES retains a sense of tranquillity and harmony, making it a peaceful oasis amid the bustle of the city. At night, it’s exciting dining and nightlife options spring to life, with buzzing bars and restaurants. This painting shows the church in all its glory and gives a taste of the vibrant nightlife surrounding it.