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Seaside is vividly illustrated in pastel, a medium rarely used by the artist that depicts the idyllic scene of the beach front. A fishing boat is moored on the shore and three figures are seen in various postures. A male figure in sarong is facing the viewer while a female figure is sat on the rear end of the boat overlooking the vast ocean and another dark figure nearby is walking along the coast. The calm sea suggests a sunny and breezy afternoon and a perfect day to laze about by the seaside.

Chia Yu Chian received his early education in a Chinese school in Singapore. Later, he was taught privately by art pioneer Chen Wen Hsi and held his first solo exhibition in 1951. His career took a lift when he won a French Government scholarship to study at the famed Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris from 1959 to 1962. In 1960, he also had solo exhibitions in European cities such as London and Hanover. He had the distinction of his works being accepted 15 times at prestigious Salon exhibitions in Paris – a rare honour for a non-French artist and in 1959 - he received Honourable Mentions in the Salon des Independent and the Societe des Artistes Francaise. His mural, Life In Malaysia, commissioned during his sojourn in Paris is proudly displayed at the Malaysian Embassy there.