“As an artist, I am continuously inspired by nature, the interplay of light, shades and colours as well as the juxtaposition of old and new. My chosen medium, watercolour, allows me to capture the fleeting moments of the world around us in the most convenient and effective manner, while I push its limits to find a delicate balance between precision and spontaneity.

My watercolour paintings invite viewers to experience the aesthetic qualities that exist around us.  Whether it is a cityscape, an urban street scene, a natural landscape or a quaint rustic village, each painting tells a unique story, offering viewers a glimpse into the extraordinary world around us and to appreciate the profound beauty that can be found in the simplicity of everyday life.”

                                                                                                                                                                       Marvin Chew

Inspired by the hustle and bustle, the juxtaposition of architecture from different eras, and the vibrancy and vigour that exist within Singapore, Marvin Chew seeks to convey the rhythm and dynamics of our city nation - the play of light reflecting off old shophouses and modern skyscrapers, the movement of people and motorists going about their daily routines, and the simplest of moments in our daily life that often go unnoticed.

“Singapore River was a sight to behold with tugboats, sampans, bumboats, twakows, and coolies working tirelessly during its heydays as a busy trading port before the river was cleaned up in the 1980s.

The modern Singapore River, as we know now, is much cleaner and quieter, but there are still plenty of interesting subjects such as the old godowns and shophouses (now refurbished into pubs, cafes and restaurants), as well as bumboats which bring tourists for scenic rides. In preparation to paint these panoramic views of Boat Quay in full stretch, I spent a day sketching out various thumbnails to plan and design the compositions.

The most crucial part however, is the placement of the bumboats. It is the secret in making these paintings come alive, as I tried syncing their movements with viewers’ gaze to allow their eyes to wander around the painting and flow together with the boats along the river.”

-Marvin Chew

“For this panoramic piece, I wanted to stretch the perspectives to allow viewers to experience the vibrant energy of Singapore’s Chinatown at dusk on a grander scale. A night scene is very challenging to execute in watercolour but I was pleased with the results. Interplaying with colours and tones, the dark blue sky contrasted with the lanterns and street lights that illuminate the scene, casting a warm glow on the bustling streets below. People and cars move in harmony, as their presence is reflected in the glistening rain-kissed ground, creating a captivating dance between tradition and modernity.”

-Marvin Chew

The rustic villages and fishing community, especially those in Malaysia, hold a special place in Marvin’s heart as he often visited such places as a child. They represent a world seemingly untouched by time. The charm of wooden kampong houses, fishing boats, and the warmth of a tightly-knit community inspire him to capture the soul and essence of these places. The artist hopes to preserve the nostalgia and tranquility that can be found in such locations, inviting viewers to step into a bygone era and experience the timelessness of these idyllic settings.

“There’s something fascinating about fishing boats. I love capturing their unique shapes and characters - each having its own story of hard work, survival and triumph over adversity. 

Perhaps, it’s to keep and preserve the rich maritime culture and heritage; 

Perhaps it’s their association with the seaside kampung life, another favourite subjects of mine. 

Perhaps, it’s to celebrate the beauty of these vessels and honour the hardworking fishermen. 

I think it’s all of the above. “

-Marvin Chew

“This is one of my favourite places to paint whenever I’m back in my hometown in Kuching, Sarawak.

Despite its name, a Bidayuh longhouse actually consisted of several houses built closely together and joined by a long communal gallery (called ruai) and a veranda (called tanju). As a result, the rooftops come in various shapes and different heights, which is ideal to create interesting composition.

I must have visited this place at least six or seven times and had befriended some of the villagers. “Welcome back! This is your second home now” said one, when I went there with other artist friends earlier this year.”

-Marvin Chew

Through his travel sketches and paintings, Marvin aims to capture the essence of his journeys, immortalising the experiences and emotions he encountered along the way. These artworks not only serve as visual narratives and diaries, but allow Marvin to communicate the universal language of art, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. They become a bridge, connecting people from different backgrounds and offering a glimpse into Marvin’s interpretation and appreciation towards the cities and landscapes that may have otherwise been foreign and unfamiliar.