Teo Eng Seng

b. 1938, Singapore
Lives and works in Singapore

Teo Eng Seng is one of Singapore’s foremost sculptors. While Teo experiments with different mediums such as oil painting and plastic waste, the second-generation Singapore artist is most recognised for his invention of the medium of “paperdyesculp” – dyed paper mache shaped into artworks. Teo is best known for bringing modern art aesthetics and art as a conceptual practice to post-war generations of artists in Singapore. His sculptures which have been created from plastic waste or reused materials, continue to provoke and tease at the social norms found in the city-state of Singapore.

Teo graduated from the Birmingham College of Art and Design in the 1960s. Upon returning to Singapore in 1971, he taught art at the United World College of Southeast Asia until 1996. In 2006, he converted his family photo studio at Holland Village into a gallery to showcase local artworks. While there, he organised a series of five exhibitions to challenge the second-generation artists to break new grounds. In 2008, he transformed his Peranakan home in Katong into ‘Muse House’ to hold exhibitions of his works, those of second-generation artists, and new artists, for free.

Teo has also served in advisory roles in arts institutions and arts committees on a national level. In 1986, Teo received the Cultural Medallion for his contributions to visual arts in Singapore.

Biography information from Esplanade, May 2023