1. Harmony
At the entrance of Conrad Centennial Singapore, Harmony by American artist Richard Sparling greets you with a vibrant burst of colour. Installed in 1996, this striking steel sculpture seems to defy gravity, its soft, flowing forms floating and dancing across the wall. Known for its strength and durability, steel here is transformed into something light and fluid, a testament to Sparling’s ability to balance the industrial with the organic.The piece combines bold colours, hand-painted textures, and machine-fabricated elements like cut-out circles and corrugated lines. Sparling’s use of brushwork and spray techniques—creating ombre effects and visible strokes—highlights the contrast between craftsmanship and industrial processes.Created during a period of artistic experimentation, Harmony reflects Sparling’s modernist influences. Inspired by post-war industrialisation, he pushed the boundaries of traditional materials, transforming raw steel into a weightless, fluid form. The sculpture, with its dynamic shapes and interplay of colour, exemplifies contemporary art’s capacity to transform public spaces.
2. Gathering
Renowned Singaporean artist Tay Bak Koi invites viewers into a serene rural scene in Gathering. In the foreground, three figures sit on the grass, casually engaged in conversation. What initially appears as rolling hills soon reveals itself as a herd of abstracted water buffalo—simplified, crescent-shaped forms, a hallmark of Tay’s distinctive style.Positioned at the grand entrance, Gathering offers a calm yet striking introduction to the hotel, creating an atmosphere of quiet reflection.Tay’s work often explores the tension between Singapore’s rural past and rapid urbanisation. His memories of painting buffaloes with classmates from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts at the ponds of Potong Pasir, now transformed by the city’s expansion, deeply inform his practice. His art evokes a sense of nostalgia while reflecting on the inevitability of change.Mentored by fellow Singaporean artist Cheong Soo Pieng, Tay combined Western abstraction with Southeast Asian influences, capturing the essence of a vanishing landscape while reflecting Singapore’s evolution into a modern metropolis.
3. Turbulence
In the hotel lobby, Turbulence, a vibrant red sculpture by Venezuelan artist Rafael Barrios, immediately captures attention with its bold, curved forms. At first glance, the sculpture appears three-dimensional, but a closer look reveals it is entirely flat. This manipulation of perception is central to Barrios' signature style, known as Virtualism, where space and form shift depending on the observer’s angle and lighting.Standing over two metres tall, the work commands presence near the hotel entrance, setting a sophisticated yet dynamic tone. Barrios’ work plays with the viewer’s understanding of volume, creating an illusion that is both playful and thought-provoking.Born in Baton Rouge in 1947, Barrios studied fine arts in Caracas and pursued further education in Canada and the United States. Throughout his career, his works have been exhibited worldwide, with public sculptures installed in cities such as New York and Caracas. Known for his exploration of space and geometry, Barrios creates illusions that challenge conventional ideas of form.In Turbulence, Barrios embodies the feng shui element of fire, contributing to the balance of the five elements in the hotel’s lobby design. His use of vibrant colour and form adds energy and elegance to the space, offering guests a dynamic visual experience.
4. Whispering of the Leaves
Agatha Hutton’s Whispering of the Leaves invites viewers to reconnect with nature amidst the fast pace of urban life, particularly in cities like Singapore. Known for her still life and abstract depictions of nature, Hutton’s work encourages a sense of harmony between people and their surroundings.A prolific artist, Hutton trained at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts before earning a scholarship to study at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). Her works have been exhibited in prestigious venues, including the Esplanade and Gajah Gallery.Commissioned in 2000, Whispering of the Leaves features airbrushed layers of diffused colour, mimicking the gentle movement of leaves and grass. This creates a tranquil, meditative space that draws viewers in and invites contemplation on the delicate balance between city life and the natural world. Positioned in the lobby, the artwork greets guests, signalling the restful and rejuvenating moments awaiting them during their stay.
5. Underwater
At the hotel’s reception, Singaporean artist Goh Beng Kwan’s vibrant triptych Underwater serves as a striking visual anchor. Depicting an energetic, underwater world teeming with life, the artwork is alive with bold brush strokes and dynamic colours. Deep blues swirl across the canvas, representing the movement of water, while rich yellows evoke the seabed, and vibrant greens suggest flourishing kelp forests. Bright flashes of lilac, vermillion, and tangerine, reminiscent of coral bioluminescence, add a sense of depth and intrigue to the scene.Born in Medan, Indonesia, in 1937, Goh Beng Kwan moved to Singapore as a child, where he studied under renowned Singaporean pioneer artists Chen Wen Hsi and Cheong Soo Pieng. His work blends Western painting techniques with Chinese ink traditions, creating a signature style that is both bold and contemplative. Goh’s studies in New York during the 1960s further cemented his passion for abstraction. His distinguished career has earned him numerous accolades, including the Cultural Medallion in 1989, Singapore’s highest award for artistic excellence. Underwater is a testament to Goh’s masterful fusion of diverse artistic influences, creating a scene that immerses viewers in a vivid, otherworldly vision.These captivating works offer a fresh reminder of Singapore’s tropical island heritage, bringing nature’s vibrant beauty just steps away from the heart of the hotel.
6. A Walk In The Willow Garden
Near the entrance to Oscar’s Restaurant, Robert Zakanitch’s captivating artwork greets guests with intricate details and whimsical charm. At its centre, a finely rendered miniature landscape depicts a solitary figure on a wooden bridge, framed by lush willow trees, ponds, and a red-roofed building. This scene, reminiscent of European miniature paintings, offers a nostalgic glimpse into another world.The landscape is surrounded by an ornate border filled with swirling decorative patterns, evoking the wrought-iron railings and trellises of European architecture. This elaborate ornamentation reflects Zakanitch’s signature style, celebrating the beauty of decorative arts.A key figure in the Pattern and Decoration movement of the 1970s, Robert Zakanitch sought to challenge the austere minimalism of the time by embracing craft, domesticity, and ornamentation. Drawing inspiration from Islamic tile work, Japanese woodblock prints, and floral patterns, Zakanitch believed in celebrating beauty in art. His works are featured in collections around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
7. Flamingos
Yeo Siak Goon’s Flamingos spans five panels inside Oscar’s Restaurant, with an additional painting displayed outside, creating an immersive dining experience that transports guests to a vibrant tropical paradise. The artwork presents flamingos in multi-coloured tones, reimagining the birds in a dreamlike scene of lush tropical flora, including heliconia plants. Yeo’s use of soft, translucent layers over bold colours adds depth and texture, lending a cinematic quality to the composition, as though viewed through a misty veil.Born in Johor, Malaysia, in 1957, and moving to Singapore at 14, Yeo Siak Goon developed his craft through night classes with renowned Singaporean artists Leo Hee Tong and Hua Chai Yong. His semi-abstract style blends abstraction and representation, drawing inspiration from his fascination with tropical landscapes. A recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the UOB Painting of the Year and IBM Art Award, Yeo’s works have been exhibited internationally. Flamingos exemplifies his vibrant, tropical aesthetic, infusing the restaurant with a playful yet serene energy.
8. Rock and Bamboo #1
Two paintings by Brad Davis flank Oscar’s Restaurant, their harmonious blend of Eastern and Western influences reflecting the restaurant’s diverse culinary offerings. The first painting focuses on the bamboo plant’s life cycle, capturing its transition from green leaves to brown. The second explores the rare event of bamboo blossoming, where the entire species flowers before withering and dying. Davis deftly contrasts the withered and blossoming bamboo on the same canvas, offering a meditation on the cycle of life and death.On the opposite sides of the panels, Davis depicts natural rock formations, highlighting their sculptural forms through grooves and crevices shaped by wind erosion. This nods to the traditional Chinese landscape painting style shan shui hua (mountains, waters, painting), but Davis introduces modern techniques, using acrylics and experimental textures to bring a contemporary dimension to the work.Born in 1942, Brad Davis spent much of his life in Hong Kong, drawing deep inspiration from Chinese culture. His work fuses Chinese and Western traditions, reflecting his unique cross-cultural experiences. He is also co-founder of Fort Street Studio, where he translates his artistic vision into luxurious silk carpets.
9. Rock and Bamboo #2
Two paintings by Brad Davis flank Oscar’s Restaurant, their harmonious blend of Eastern and Western influences reflecting the restaurant’s diverse culinary offerings. The first painting focuses on the bamboo plant’s life cycle, capturing its transition from green leaves to brown. The second explores the rare event of bamboo blossoming, where the entire species flowers before withering and dying. Davis deftly contrasts the withered and blossoming bamboo on the same canvas, offering a meditation on the cycle of life and death.On the opposite sides of the panels, Davis depicts natural rock formations, highlighting their sculptural forms through grooves and crevices shaped by wind erosion. This nods to the traditional Chinese landscape painting style shan shui hua (mountains, waters, painting), but Davis introduces modern techniques, using acrylics and experimental textures to bring a contemporary dimension to the work.Born in 1942, Brad Davis spent much of his life in Hong Kong, drawing deep inspiration from Chinese culture. His work fuses Chinese and Western traditions, reflecting his unique cross-cultural experiences. He is also co-founder of Fort Street Studio, where he translates his artistic vision into luxurious silk carpets.
10. Windows
This triptych by Singaporean artist Tan Kwank Liang showcases his mastery of composition and perspective. Framed like a series of windows, the reddish-brown borders give the illusion of lacquered wood, intricately carved with decorative patterns. Through these "windows," Tan transports viewers into a Balinese scene, rendered with remarkable depth.In the central panel, a pair of Dvarapala statues—Hindu-Buddhist gatekeepers—stand at the forefront, their textured surfaces and expressions captured with careful attention to detail. The steps behind them lead into the middle ground, where a distant mountain range rises in shadowy blue tones, drawing the eye toward the horizon. Tan’s skillful use of perspective creates an immersive, three-dimensional landscape.Known for blending traditional Eastern art forms with contemporary techniques, Tan Kwank Liang often explores spiritual and cultural themes. His work reflects a deep connection to natural elements such as mountains, temples, and symbolic figures, merging Asian heritage with modern sensibilities. Tan’s art has been widely exhibited in Singapore and internationally, earning him recognition for his distinctive fusion of tradition and innovation.
11. LASALLE College of the Arts
Six whimsical paintings by LASALLE College of the Arts alumni brighten the Conrad Centennial’s lobby lounge, showcasing vibrant creativity and artistic skill. Created in collaboration with LASALLE to mark the hotel’s opening in 1996, these works were crafted by Fine Arts alumni Sharina Azlan, Eric Chan, Sawn Huang, Khiew Huey Chian, and Kim Dy-Liacco, under the guidance of Cultural Medallion recipient Milenko Prvacki, then Dean of Fine Arts.Two abstract compositions above the reception feature muted tones with floral motifs and swirling patterns, creating a warm ambiance. Near the entrance, a lively arrangement of squares and rectangles showcases floral illustrations, while another work highlights stacked rectangles with bold orange leaves. A third painting bursts with vibrant flowers, and a large landscape blends floral elements with textured brush strokes.These paintings reflect a diverse range of techniques and artistic visions, embodying Conrad Centennial’s long-standing support for the arts. Collectively, they offer an enriching experience, guiding guests through the lobby and lounge with colour and creativity.
12. Susan Bowman #1
This set of three oil on canvas works by Susan Bowman is positioned near the main lifts on each floor, catching the eye with its bold and vibrant colours. Ranging from deep crimson to rich yellow and coral, the abstract pieces serve a dual purpose—not only captivating guests visually but also aiding in way-finding, as the distinct colour schemes guide guests through the space.Upon closer inspection, Bowman’s use of geometric shapes and subtle grid patterns becomes evident, evoking maps or systems that mirror the functional aspect of the works. The layered, embossed shapes add texture and depth, transforming what initially appears as flat, simple compositions into tactile, dynamic pieces.One of the most striking examples is the red canvas on Level 2, where the slightly protruding shapes are created through a layering process involving stencils and multiple layers of paint. This technique adds complexity to the work, inviting viewers to engage with both its visual and physical elements. Bowman’s works beautifully merge aesthetic appeal with practical design, enhancing the overall experience of navigating the hotel.
13. Susan Bowman #2
This set of three oil on canvas works by Susan Bowman is positioned near the main lifts on each floor, catching the eye with its bold and vibrant colours. Ranging from deep crimson to rich yellow and coral, the abstract pieces serve a dual purpose—not only captivating guests visually but also aiding in way-finding, as the distinct colour schemes guide guests through the space.Upon closer inspection, Bowman’s use of geometric shapes and subtle grid patterns becomes evident, evoking maps or systems that mirror the functional aspect of the works. The layered, embossed shapes add texture and depth, transforming what initially appears as flat, simple compositions into tactile, dynamic pieces.One of the most striking examples is the red canvas on Level 2, where the slightly protruding shapes are created through a layering process involving stencils and multiple layers of paint. This technique adds complexity to the work, inviting viewers to engage with both its visual and physical elements. Bowman’s works beautifully merge aesthetic appeal with practical design, enhancing the overall experience of navigating the hotel.
14. Blossoms in Spring / A Reflection of Peace and Harmony
Cheng Li’s Blossoms in Spring/A Reflection of Peace and Harmony evokes a tranquil atmosphere, depicting traditional Chinese courtyards from two contrasting perspectives. Courtyards in Chinese architecture serve as central spaces, bridging indoor and outdoor environments and often feature meticulously designed gardens that embody balance and harmony with nature.Blossoms in Spring offers a frontal view of a carved doorway adorned with magnolia blossoms, symbols of purity and resilience, as they sway gently in the breeze. A blue-and-white ceramic vase peeks from behind the door, hinting at a peaceful, private moment within the household.In contrast, A Reflection of Peace and Harmony presents an elevated view of an ornate walkway framed by peach or cherry blossoms. The rounded, organic shapes of the flowers are juxtaposed with the geometric patterns of the structure, suggesting the timeless human desire to remain connected to nature. Together, these works invite reflection on the balance between nature and architecture.
15. Thousand Flowers Bloom
This towering 5-metre painting by Singapore-based Chinese artist Cheng Yajie brings a vibrant celebration of nature to the second level of the hotel lobby. Meticulously detailed oriental lilies, scarlet roses, garnet anthuriums, and buttery yellow calla lilies form a lush arrangement, set against a verdant background. Brightly coloured parakeets and lorikeets perch among the blooms, adding a lively energy to the scene.Cheng’s photorealistic technique captures the natural elements with remarkable precision, creating a sense of depth and movement. Born in Beijing in 1958, Cheng studied at the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts before expanding his studies internationally in Japan, the Soviet Union, and Austria. His time in Vienna under Wolfgang Hutter of the Vienna School of Fantastic Realism inspired him to explore the blend of realism and imaginative expression.Invited to Singapore by then-President Lee Kuan Yew in 1995, Cheng eventually settled in the city. His work is known for its vivid depictions of nature, capturing beauty and vitality with a sense of wonder and imagination.
16. Weeds and Moon #1
Jeff Kreiss’ pair of abstract paintings, Weeds and Moon, frame the entrance to the Main Ballroom, setting a serene and ethereal tone with their soft pastel hues of peach, dusty rose, and light mauve. Kreiss layers elliptical shapes, wavy lines, and clusters of circles, creating a textured sense of movement across the canvases. While initially abstract, the titles hint at deeper interpretations.On the left, Weeds evokes an underwater scene, with long flowing lines resembling seaweed and elliptical shapes suggesting fish swimming gracefully through the water. On the right, Moon features a large ivory circle at the top, evoking the full moon seen from beneath a busy seabed. Through these evocative titles, Kreiss blurs the line between abstraction and nature, offering a dreamy, surreal vision that invites viewers to pause and explore the subtle details within each composition.
17. Weeds And Moon #2
Jeff Kreiss’ pair of abstract paintings, Weeds and Moon, frame the entrance to the Main Ballroom, setting a serene and ethereal tone with their soft pastel hues of peach, dusty rose, and light mauve. Kreiss layers elliptical shapes, wavy lines, and clusters of circles, creating a textured sense of movement across the canvases. While initially abstract, the titles hint at deeper interpretations.On the left, Weeds evokes an underwater scene, with long flowing lines resembling seaweed and elliptical shapes suggesting fish swimming gracefully through the water. On the right, Moon features a large ivory circle at the top, evoking the full moon seen from beneath a busy seabed. Through these evocative titles, Kreiss blurs the line between abstraction and nature, offering a dreamy, surreal vision that invites viewers to pause and explore the subtle details within each composition.
18. Kites
Singaporean artist Tan Chin Chin’s pair of mixed media assemblages, titled Kites, immediately draw the eye with their vibrant textiles and intricate details. Resembling floating kites, the pieces are composed of brocade, organza, and silk, carefully layered with washes of paint to create a sense of texture and movement. Lace, rhinestones, and fringes add further depth, inviting closer inspection as guests ascend the staircase to the second level.Born in 1966, Tan studied Applied Arts at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, before continuing her training in London and New York, where she completed a Master’s in Fine Arts at Parsons School of Design. Her work blends traditional Asian motifs with contemporary Western techniques, exploring themes of cultural heritage and identity.In Kites, Tan incorporates fabrics from the kebaya, cheongsam, and sari, celebrating Singapore’s multicultural heritage. The kite motif recalls a nostalgic pastime from Singapore’s past, evoking memories of kite-flying in the 1960s, before urbanisation transformed the landscape. These works offer a beautiful homage to Singapore’s cultural diversity and its evolving traditions.
19. Three Definitely Red Trees
Jeremy Ramsey’s Three Definitely Red Trees is a vivid oil painting from 1996 that highlights the artist’s mastery of colour and abstraction. The striking crimson trees, created with loose, swirling brushstrokes, stand against a landscape filled with bright greens, yellows, and purples. The soft washes of colour in the sky—lilac and dusty rose—add to the dreamlike quality of the scene, pulling viewers into a surreal, fantastical world. The painting’s intense, saturated colours and dynamic brushwork create a sense of energy and movement throughout.Born in the UK in 1932, Ramsey moved to Singapore in 1956 and became a significant figure in the local art scene. Trained at the University of Reading and the Hammersmith School of Arts and Crafts, he developed a reputation for his bold, abstract figurative works. Ramsey served as Honorary President of the Modern Art Society in Singapore and established his studio on Bukit Pasoh Road. His work blends elements of Fauvism and Expressionism, using vivid colours to transform familiar landscapes into abstract visions. Three Definitely Red Trees embodies his distinctive style, reflecting his fascination with experimenting in both form and colour.
20. Susan Bowman #3
This set of three oil on canvas works by Susan Bowman is positioned near the main lifts on each floor, catching the eye with its bold and vibrant colours. Ranging from deep crimson to rich yellow and coral, the abstract pieces serve a dual purpose—not only captivating guests visually but also aiding in way-finding, as the distinct colour schemes guide guests through the space.Upon closer inspection, Bowman’s use of geometric shapes and subtle grid patterns becomes evident, evoking maps or systems that mirror the functional aspect of the works. The layered, embossed shapes add texture and depth, transforming what initially appears as flat, simple compositions into tactile, dynamic pieces.One of the most striking examples is the red canvas on Level 2, where the slightly protruding shapes are created through a layering process involving stencils and multiple layers of paint. This technique adds complexity to the work, inviting viewers to engage with both its visual and physical elements. Bowman’s works beautifully merge aesthetic appeal with practical design, enhancing the overall experience of navigating the hotel.
21. Cherry Blossoms
US-based Chinese artist Phang Li’s Cherry Blossoms is a triptych rendered in watercolour on rice paper, capturing the harmony and vibrancy of nature. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Chinese tradition of shan shui hua (mountain water painting), the left panel depicts misty mountains rising above a serene lake, symbolising resilience and permanence. Stretching across all three panels, a vibrant cherry blossom tree in full bloom contrasts strikingly with the soft greys of the surrounding landscape.In Chinese culture, cherry blossoms represent the fleeting nature of life and beauty. Phang’s delicate brushwork captures the blossoms at their peak, a poignant reminder of time’s transience. Birds perched on the branches add a sense of serenity, inviting quiet reflection on the harmonious balance of nature. The juxtaposition of the enduring mountains and the ephemeral cherry blossoms encourages contemplation of both fragility and resilience in the natural world.Phang’s work elegantly bridges traditional Chinese landscape painting with modern sensibilities, offering a moment of delicate beauty while exploring the timeless themes of nature and life’s fleeting moments.
