Selling Lantern

by artist Chang Kim Ngoh

This evocative work by Chang Kim Ngoh captures the gentle magic of the Lantern Festival, where tradition and symbolism glow as brightly as the lanterns themselves. At the center of the composition, a woman lifts a cluster of brightly coloured cellophane lanterns, their delicate forms shaped into animals and auspicious motifs. Suspended in midair, these lanterns radiate warmth and festivity, representing hope, renewal, and the guiding light that marks the close of the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Nearby, another woman tends to a modest stall of pomelo, a fruit deeply rooted in festive symbolism. The pomelo, with its round, full form, signifies abundance, prosperity, and family unity—values closely tied to the spirit of reunion during the festival. Its presence in the scene grounds the composition in cultural practice, reminding viewers of the rituals and shared meanings that accompany seasonal celebrations.

Through her characteristic figures and expressive brushwork, Kim Ngoh transforms this intimate moment into a poetic reflection on heritage. The interplay between light, colour, and everyday activity conveys not only the visual charm of the festival but also its deeper resonance as a time of togetherness, gratitude, and cultural continuity.

Medium: Oil on stretched canvas

Size: 51 cm x 61 cm

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

About Chang Kim Ngoh

Kim Ngoh graduated with a Diploma in Fine Art from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in 1970, specialising in watercolour painting. She obtained her second Diploma in oil painting in 1980 from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Halifax, Canada. Since her return to Singapore, Kim Ngoh has been working full-time as a professional artist. Her home is also her studio where she paints vivid scenes from the past. Her favourite subjects are the old Malay kampungs depicting the carefree and simple life common during Singapore’s colonial days. In 1998, Kim Ngoh bagged the Phillip Morris ASEAN Art Distinction Award and in 2000, she received the Very Special Arts Gold Award. Kim Ngoh has also worked on corporate commissions for The American Club and The Plaza Fitness and Spa.