Adam Shen Xudong / 沈旭东（ b.1965)

Family in Pulau Ubin
乌敏岛好人家
Chinese Ink on Rice Paper/宣纸水墨画
97 x 60 cm

In Family in Pulau Ubin (乌敏岛好人家), this serene Chinese ink painting captures the tranquil atmosphere of rural life in Pulau Ubin, a small island off the northeastern coast of Singapore. Nestled among gently swaying coconut palms and lush tropical foliage, a humble wooden house stands quietly, elevated on stilts above the water. The pathway meandering past the house leads the viewer’s eye through a peaceful landscape, where a wooden footbridge and soft mists evoke a sense of timeless stillness.

Subtle washes of ink and delicate brushwork render the environment with sensitivity, while touches of color – seen in the soft blue roofing and bursts of red foliage – bring warmth to the otherwise monochromatic palette. The composition reflects Shen’s deep appreciation for the rhythms of nature and the quiet dignity of kampung (village) life.

This painting serves as a nostalgic tribute to a way of life that is increasingly rare, inviting reflection on the harmony between humans and their natural surroundings.

Artist Description

Adam Shen Xudong 沈旭东: A Renowned Master of Ink Painting and Calligraphy

Adam Shen Xudong, (b. 1965), is the founder of Sims Arts Academy Pte. Ltd. in Singapore. Together with his family, he established Sims Galleria to promote high art forms such as Chinese ink painting and calligraphy, which have garnered widespread admiration from the public.

Born in Shantou City (Swatow), Adam hails from a family with a long tradition in painting and calligraphy. His grandfather was a peranakan from Southeast Asia, with his influence, Adam began learning calligraphy and painting at a young age, eventually studying under renowned art masters.

He further honed his skills at the China Academy of Art, where he developed profound traditional techniques in landscape, bird-and-flower and figure painting.

Adam holds several esteemed positions in the art world: he is a director of the Chinese Artists Association, Chinese Calligraphers Association, the Shantou Overseas Friendship Association and a member of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce. His works are highly prized by collectors across Southeast Asia, Europe, and America.