House of Tan Teng Niah

by artist Zulkhairi Lutfi

In this painting, Zulkahiri pays homage to one of Singapore’s most colourful architectural landmarks, the House of Tan Teng Niah. Built in 1900, the villa stands as the last surviving Chinese-style house in Little India, distinguished by its ornate wood carvings and vividly painted façade.

Through his modern realist style inspired by Edward Hopper, Zulkahiri reinterprets the historic building with quiet reverence. His composition celebrates the vivid palette of Peranakan architecture, with bright yellows, blues, and reds that evoke a sense of joy and nostalgia. The artwork captures the building’s cheerful vibrancy while reflecting its enduring presence as a symbol of heritage and cultural pride amidst Singapore’s evolving cityscape.

Medium: Acrylic on stretched canvas

Size: 61cm (height) x 61cm (width)

Framed: No but ready to hang. If you would like this artwork framed, please enquire at social@artdis.org.sg

About Zulkhairi Lutfi

Zulkhairi's artworks draws inspiration from popular culture and incorporating imagery from photography of buildings, mundane object and comic characters. His series of works challenge the distinction between colourful explosions of pop culture and to celebrate the beauty and significance of everyday things. The use of bold colours, repetition of lines, simple forms and shapes, muted colour techniques captured the essence of living environments in today’s society. His current approach often challenges traditional distinctions between "high" and "low" art, making art more accessible and relatable to the viewer by celebrating ordinary objects and experiences.

The impact of Pop Art resonates strongly in Zulkhairi's works, as his art shares similar themes of popular culture and everyday life, bridging the gap between high art and the mass-produced world. Zulkhairi incorporates imagery from photography, architecture, and everyday objects, transforming these familiar elements into bold, eye-catching pieces that celebrate their significance. His use of precise lines, flat colours, and simple forms ties his style to Pop Art's emphasis on accessible visuals and consumerist culture. 

However, Zulkhairi also moves beyond this, delving into the psychological and emotional landscapes of the individual. His works provoke introspection, encouraging viewers to explore their own thoughts, mental states, and perceptions, making a profound impact on the art and design world today.