Tan Choh Tee, born in Guangdong, China, in 1942, remains one of the most significant figures in Singapore’s second generation of artists. After moving to Singapore at the age of 12, he chose to follow his creative instincts rather than joining his father’s jewelry business. This decision led him to the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), where he graduated in 1962. During his formative years, he was mentored by the foundational masters of the Nanyang Style, including Cheong Soo Pieng and Georgette Chen. These luminaries instilled in him a deep appreciation for Western impressionism and post-impressionism, while his studies in Chinese brush painting under Chen Wen Hsi added a distinct, fluid energy to his work.

For over a decade, Tan balanced his artistic passion with a professional career as a designer for McGraw-Hill Far East. It was not until 1976 that he committed himself entirely to his craft, a transition marked by winning the Special Award at the National Day Art Exhibition. This period coincided with Singapore's rapid urban redevelopment, which Tan viewed with a sense of urgent preservation. He became a dedicated plein-air painter, frequently seen on the streets with his easel, capturing the crumbling facades of Chinatown and the bustling activity of the Singapore River before they were lost to modernization. His commitment to painting on-location allowed him to capture the authentic light and atmosphere of a city in flux.

His technical style is celebrated for its mastery of light and texture. While his early work was more delicate, he eventually transitioned toward a bolder use of the palette knife, creating thick, impasto layers that give his canvases a sculptural quality. This evolution earned him the nickname "Matisse of the East" due to his vibrant use of color and expressive strokes. His landscapes extend far beyond Singapore, as he spent decades traveling to places like Bali, Nepal, and France to document diverse environments with his characteristic sensitivity.

The pinnacle of his career came in 2006 when he was awarded the Cultural Medallion, Singapore’s highest honor for the arts. This followed years of international acclaim, including the Asia Visual Arts Award in Korea. Today, his paintings serve as vital historical records and are prominently displayed in the National Gallery Singapore and prestigious private collections across Asia. Tan Choh Tee’s legacy is defined by his lifelong devotion to the "fleeting image," ensuring that the spirit of old Singapore remains vibrant and alive for future generations.

Art Style: 

#Nanyang Influence, #Plein-air, #Palette Knife, #Realist, Impressionist

陈楚智静物风景画展 画面成为情感与记忆容器