The National Art Gallery (NAG), Singapore of the National Heritage Board is deeply saddened by the passing of renowned Chinese artist Wu Guanzhong, said a press release of Singapore Press Center on Sunday.

Wu passed away peacefully at the age of 91 in a Beijing hospital on June 25, 2010.

"We are deeply saddened by the demise of Mr Wu Guanzhong, one of the leading Chinese artists over the last century and a dearly beloved friend of Singapore," NAG Director Kwok Kian Chow was quoted by the release as saying.

A giant amongst artists of his generation, Wu was an inspiration to many and a towering figure in the artistic world. His matchless act of philanthropy to our National Collection and to the people of Singapore will always be deeply appreciated, Kwok said.

"We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, "

In 2008, Wu Guanzhong donated to the national collection of Singapore his largest and most comprehensive collection of 113 oil and ink paintings presented to a public museum. Together with an earlier donation of one work, the Singapore collection of 114 works painted over five decades represents Wu's entire creative oeuvre.

To honor the memory of the great artist and his unparalleled act of philanthropy to Singapore, the National Art Gallery will be naming a gallery after Wu Guanzhong in its future premises. Works from his sizable donation will be rotated for public viewing in the future gallery.

Wu, born in 1919, was a native of Yixing in China's eastern Jiangsu Province.