Tongkangs in Singapore River

This painting was also done in oil.  It is another one that I am proud to have in my private collection. 

Singapore River offered the livelihood for tongkang operators and the stevedores. Huge quantities of goods were transferred between ships and go-downs. From 1950 through to 1980’s the scenery it offered was the favourites of impressionist and realism artists alike, notwithstanding the strong pungent smell of rotting wastes during low tide. Reflections of the boats and the ripples in the water were attentions for artists to replicate in their paintings.

Note:

In my Gallery I have used the term ‘tongkangs’ and bum boats’ interchangeably. These are flat bottom boats which brought goods to and from ships in port or offshore. Goods such as rice or flour were stored in go-downs or warehouses to be distributed.