Keith Ang

Oil on canvas, 120cm x 90cm

This oil painting captures a tender yet thought-provoking moment of rest between two generations—my father and my niece. My father, visibly exhausted by life’s burdens, reclines on a worn leather couch, his face frozen in a mid-yawn, while his phone rings with a call from my mother—an ever-present reminder of the demands of modern life. In contrast, my niece sleeps peacefully, unbothered by the world around her, a book lying open beside her.

This work is a commentary on the evolving nature of stress and rest. As we age, responsibilities and the ever-intrusive presence of technology weigh heavily on us, leaving little room for true relaxation. Meanwhile, childhood remains a sanctuary of unburdened peace, a fleeting stage before the inevitable pressures of adulthood take hold. Through rich, expressive brushstrokes and warm, natural tones, Generation Nap reflects on the generational shift in how we experience rest, technology, and life’s relentless demands.