Research Area: the ever changing and expanding element

The Nanyang Artists and their Colour Palette

Through the examples of the selected artworks by the Nanyang Artists, this thesis will be looking at how various elements such as geographical location, influences from the Europe art movements and art education from the local institutions affect the colour choices of the artists. Since the publishing of Newton’s Opticks in 1704, the concept of Colour Theory, perception of colours and conscious selection of colour palette have been added to the artist’s intention. It has since evolved and adapted differently by various group of artists. Understanding the colour choices of the Nanyang Artists provides insights to both the European art scene as well as the overall art scene in Singapore as a colonial country.

By juxtaposing the artworks of the Nanyang Artists with the Impressionists, it also gives us better insight of the overall art scene of Europe and the colonial.

Methodology such as image scanning tools will allow us to get a good analysis of the colour palettes of the selected artworks, and hence allow a better understanding of the colour choices of the Nanyang Artists.

It is also important to take notice of the time frame of the artworks, and the selected pieces. We may be also looking at artworks by the Impressionists artists such as Monet's Haystacks and Trainstation. Turner JMW'a watercolour paintings are part of the consideration too.