One Twenty-Six

About the Artist

Isabella Huang Loh Wai Kiew, PBM (羅惠嬌),is a name that resonates deeply within the Chinese art world, thanks to her unique and captivating style of Chinese Brush Painting. Born in Malaysia in 1960, Isabella's journey is an inspiring blend of corporate success and artistic passion.

Educational and Corporate Journey

Isabella’s educational path led her to England during her teenage years, where she first encountered Western art. She excelled academically, achieving top honors in Art for her Senior Cambridge examinations and later graduated with a B.Sc (Honours) degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the prestigious Imperial College of Science & Technology, UK.

Returning to Singapore, Isabella thrived in the engineering and environmental sectors, managing multinational corporations such as Shell Global Marine Products Limited, where she served as Chairman, Vice President, and CEO. However, her passion for art remained ever-present.

Rediscovering Art

In 2010, Isabella decided to rekindle her love for art, particularly Chinese Brush Painting. She immersed herself in learning under the tutelage of Master Nai Swee Leng for eight years. Despite the challenges of being left-handed, Isabella mastered unique strokes that now define her signature style.

Her artworks vividly depict traditional, colorful scenes of old Asia, especially Singapore and Malaysia. Each piece is a testament to her dedication to environmental conservation, subtly encouraging viewers to consider the importance of sustainability.

Exhibitions and Honors

Isabella held her first exhibition in 2015, marking a significant milestone in her artistic career. Since then, her work has continued to captivate audiences and garner acclaim.

Isabella’s contributions extend beyond her art. Since 2008, she has chaired the Singapore Environment Council, a prominent non-governmental organization. Her advisory roles at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Republic Polytechnic further underscore her commitment to education and environmentalism.

In 2017, Isabella’s impact was formally recognized when she was invited to feature her paintings in the book "Contemporary Masters," published by Jiangxi Fine Arts Publishing House. That same year, she received the Public Service Medal (PBM) from the President of Singapore for her leadership in environmental conservation.

Recently, Isabella attained Grade 8 for Guqin from the NTU Confucius Institute and the Teng Group, becoming the oldest music student on record to achieve this in Singapore. This accomplishment reflects her lifelong dedication to learning and personal growth.

Influence of Her Art Master

Isabella’s artistic journey has been profoundly shaped by her guru, Master Nai Swee Leng (b. 1946). Master Nai’s Grandmaster is Fan Chang Tien, a successor to the tradition of the Shanghai School of xieyi painting. Master Nai’s guidance helped Isabella develop a unique approach to Chinese Brush Painting, blending traditional techniques with her personal touch. This mentorship allowed Isabella to breathe life into historical and cultural scenes with vibrant flair.

Legacy and Inspiration

Isabella draws inspiration from her father’s teachings of continuous learning and her grandfather-in-law, Ng Teng Guan (Huang TingYuan), a renowned Xiamen businessman, revolutionist, and philanthropist. Ng Teng Guan was a pioneer in advocating for Chinese women's equality, eliminating bound feet, and ensuring equal education for his daughters and sons.

Isabella continues this legacy by promoting the four arts (四藝, siyi) of a Chinese scholar and imparting knowledge to the next generation. She hopes to inspire many women to embrace continuous learning and strive to achieve their goals.

A Life of Purpose

Isabella’s dedication to her craft and ability to merge corporate acumen with artistic talent make her a beacon in both the art world and environmental conservation. Her paintings not only showcase her technical skill but also convey a profound message about the importance of preserving our cultural and natural heritage. Through her art and advocacy, Isabella Huang Loh Wai Kiew continues to inspire and enrich lives, one brushstroke at a time.