The Nanyang style was pursued by artists who taught and studied at NAFA during the post-war years, after the likes of Chen Chong Swee, Chen Wen Hsi, Cheong Soon Pieng and Georgette Chen. They adopted a simple use of colours, lines and forms, inspired by the mood, the people and scenes of Southeast Asia, Nanyang. It produced a blend of classical Chinese and Western influences invoking a style uniquely “Nanyang”.
 
NAFA’s 70th anniversary celebration would be incomplete, if without a flagship event that focuses on its alumni artists. 83 artists – NAFA’s illustrious Singaporean and Malaysian alumni, will converge and present their recent works at a fundraising exhibition titled Nanyang 70 Years After from 20 December 2008 to 17 January 2009. The event’s theme traces back to the Nanyang style which is synonymous with NAFA, and an integral part of Singapore’s contemporary art. It is on the grounds of such artistic lineage that has inspired the participating artists to come together, showcase their contributions to Singapore’s contemporary art scene and reaffirm their dedication to art-making. 
 
The artists’ list counts Cultural Medallion winners (7), Young Artist Award winners (6) and accomplished practicing artists among NAFA lecturers. 65% are Singaporean alumni while the remaining hail from Malaysia. The strong bonds with their alma mater have spurred these artists to contribute 50% of the proceeds from the sale of the artworks, back to NAFA. Prices range from S$1,900 onwards. 50% of the paid proceeds are tax exempt at 200% for buyers. In view of the magnitude, the display will spread over all three of NAFA’s Galleries. The medium ranges from oil/acrylic on canvas, ink works, watercolours, mixed media, sculptures to drawings.
 
Mr Koh Seow Chuan, Chairman of the National Art Gallery Project Executive Committee, MICA will preside over the opening ceremony as Guest of Honour, on Friday, 19 December, 7pm at NAFA Gallery 2.
 
In the exhibition catalogue, Mr Thomas Yeo, Chairman of the Organising Committee, states in his message: “Through a rigorous curriculum, we mastered and understood different mediums; providing invaluable for any artist constantly seeking and experimenting in art-making. Even after graduation, we are never far from where we first started. To me, NAFA was never about grand buildings, but about the bonds of friendship that continue to encourage artists to fight on, believe in art and uphold a fellowship that is exemplary and distinctive of what we have come to be.”