Idris Ali

1944 , Singapore

Idris Mohamed Ali, fondly known as Pak Idris, is a master watercolourist who has captured Singapore’s landscapes for more than 6o years. This award-winning artist has exhibited at numerous group exhibitions, including four successful solo shows. His works can be found in the collections of the National Gallery Singapore, National Heritage Board, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and various government agencies in Singapore and Malaysia, as well as private organisations and individuals. A pioneer member of the Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya (APAD), Pak Idris has taught many young students under its Tunas (Budding Artist) programme, trained art teachers, and led a masterclass workshop at Maya Gallery. He is a recipient of the inaugural Hadiah Warisan (Heritage Prize) by Malay Heritage Foundation (2021), the Pingat APAD (APAD Award) in 1974, and the Cipta Mekar (Emerging Artist Award) for outstanding work at APAD’s Action ‘90 exhibition in 1990. He has also illustrated for various award-winning publications.


Artist Statement

“I like painting buildings, places and scenes around Singapore. I have doing that since my younger days. Growing up in Kampong Wak Tanjong, and now living in Bedok, I have captured kampong scenes, rivers, old houses and landmarks and skylines. Having witnessed Singapore’s development over the decades, you can see that I am not drawn to modern buildings and skyscrapers, as I find beauty more in the old places I am familiar with. Singapore is my home, so I choose a particular subject as I think about the next generation. These old buildings will disappear in time. Before we lose them, I capture them for keeps. Tomorrow, these will become a point of reference for the new generation.

Painting birds, fishes and animals in an abstract, layered style is inspired by Cikgu S. Mohdir who once taught me. This is my tribute to his guidance. Al-fatiha.”

Path to the Beach
Watercolour
100 x 70 cm
2016
Masjid Sultan
Watercolour
50 x 37 cm
1995
Bebas (Freedom)
Watercolour on paper
69 x 33 cm
2014

Back Lane
Watercolour on paper
41 x 30 cm
1977
Sabung (Fight)
Watercolour on paper
52 x 50 cm
2008
Arab Street Lane
Watercolour on paper
76 x 56 cm
1977
Masjid Al-Ansar
Watercolour on paper
41 x 30 cm
1999
Hock Lam Street
Watercolour on paper
56 x 70 cm
1978
Joo Chiat Road Shop
Watercolour on paper
30 x 40 cm
1992
SOLD
Back Lane
Pen & ink on paper
30 x 40 cm
1990
Cobbler
Pen & ink on paper
30 x 40 cm
1982
Lor 3 Geylang
Pen & ink on paper
30 x 40 cm
1983
Singapore Street Scene
Pen & ink on paper
30 x 40 cm
1989
SOLD
Lor 3 Geylang II
Pen & ink on paper
30 x 40 cm
1983
Kampong Kranji
Pen & ink on paper
30 x 40 cm
1994
Singapore Financial District
Pen & ink on paper
30 x 40 cm
1999
Masjid Sultan
Pen & ink on paper
28 x 35 cm
1994
Bird Cages
Pen & ink on paper
30 x 40 cm
1986
SOLD
Tiong Bahru
Pen & ink on paper
30 x 40 cm
2011
Portrait of Abd Ghani Hamid
Watercolour on paper
30 x 40 cm
2022
Portrait of Mohd Abd Kadir (S. Mohdir)
Watercolour on paper
30 x 40 cm
2022
Portrait of Rohani Ismail
Watercolour on paper
30 x 40 cm
2022
Self Portrait
Pen & ink on paper
30 x 40 cm
2009
Syed Alwi Road
Watercolour on paper
23 x 31 cm
1998
South Bridge Road
Watercolour on paper
23 x 31 cm
2016
SOLD
Geylang Lor 12
Watercolour
30 x 40 cm
1994
Chinatown I
Watercolour on paper
41.9 x 51 cm
2022
Chinatown II 
Watercolour on paper
41.9 x 51 cm
(62 x 80 cm framed)
2022
Singapura Ku
Acrylic on canvas
300 x 100 cm
2022
Masjid Sultan
Watercolour
30 x 40 cm
1998
Ombak (Waves) I
Watercolour on paper
41 x 30 cm
2018
Ombak (Waves) II
Watercolour on paper
41 x 30 cm
2018
Masjid Istiqamah
Watercolour on paper
30 x 40 cm
2015
Syed Alwi Road
Watercolour on paper
56 x 76 cm
1979
Raffles Hotel Courtyard
Watercolour on paper
76 x 96 cm
2012
Singapore River
Watercolour on paper
41 x 30 cm
2009
Singapore River
Watecolour on paper
41 x 30 cm
1978
HDB Heartland
Watercolour on paper
30 x 40 cm
2000