Idris Ali

1944 , Singapore

Idris Mohamed Ali (b. 1944, Singapore) is one of Singapore’s most senior Malay artists. For more than 50 years, Idris has captured Singapore’s landscapes in colourful watercolours, and exhibited at numerous group exhibitions, including three 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 member of the Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya or APAD (Association of Artists of Various Resources), Idris has taught many young students under its Tunas (Budding) programme, as well as mentored art teachers. Idris is a recipient of the inaugural Hadiah Warisan (Heritage Prize) by Malay Heritage Foundation (2021) and two awards by APAD—Pingat APAD (1974) and Cipta Mekar (1990). He has also illustrated various award-winning publications.

Through his talent, dedication, hard work and versatility, Idris Ali has contributed greatly to Singapore’s art scene.


Artist Statement

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.

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
Cavenagh Bridge
Watercolour on paper
41 x 30 cm
2009
SOLD
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
Mohamed Sultan Road
Pen & ink on paper
30 x 40 cm
1986
SOLD
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
Shophouse Window
Watercolour on paper
23 x 31 cm
2017
Syed Alwi Road
Watercolour on paper
23 x 31 cm
1998
South Bridge Road
Watercolour on paper
23 x 31 cm
2016
SOLD
Lake
Watercolour on paper
23 x 31 cm
1998
Geylang Lor 12
Watercolour
30 x 40 cm
1994