In Search of Inspiration

The Art of James Tan

The youthful, innovative spirit of the founders of the Lingnan School has inspired James Tan to extend his own work well beyond tradition. He blends mastery of Chinese brush painting with an ability to capture the essence of Western culture, thereby creating a style of Chinese brush painting which is distinctly his own.

 

James Tan graduated from the Singapore Academy of Art in 1972 and continued his studies with Chinese brush painting masters in Singapore, Taiwan and San Francisco until 1980 establishing himself as a master of the traditional and Lingnan schools of Chinese brush painting with his own distinctive style. He has taught and lectured extensively world-wide, including The National Museum Art Gallery (Singapore), The Victoria and Albert Museum in London. and annual lecture & demonstration at the arts in Action? festival in London, U.K. Mr. Tan has won an extensive list of awards and honors and has exhibited extensively. 38 one-man shows in Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Dubai, Bahrain, Australia, England, Germany, the U.S.A., and Canada.

 

James' recent works retain the same exquisite quality that has made his name synonymous with creativity and true excellence around the world. His works are represented in international private and corporate collections world-wide. Several books have been published featuring his and his students works.

 

He is the President of the Chinese Canadian Artists Federation in Vancouver (2007-2009) and (2009-2011). Director of Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver, 2009 he have been nominate and Selected in the Finalists of 2009 AsiaNetwork Asian of the Year Awards.

 

ARTIST'S STATEMENT >>

 

HONORS AND AWARDS
James was awarded First Prize in the Singapore National Art Competition (1974); the "Morning Mist" Special Award, Ministry of Culture, Singapore (1981); the Consolation Prize in the United Overseas Bank (UOB) Art Competition, Singapore (1984).  He was invited to the Second Young Artists Exhibition sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and the National Museum, Singapore (1984); represented Singapore in Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Singapore Artists Art Exhibition" in Yokohama, Kobe and Sapporo, Japan (1988)   ; selected to exhibit at the Singapore Festival of Art (1988); and sponsored by Shell Corporation to give a seminar and demonstration at their special Culture Program, Singapore (1989).

 

He is the President of the Chinese Canadian Artists Federation in Vancouver (2007-2009) and (2009-2011). Secretary and Board of Directors of Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver (2008-2011), 2009 he have been nominate and Selected in the Finalists of 2009 AsiaNetwork Asian of the Year Awards.
     
LECTURES AND DEMONSTRATIONS     
    James gives lectures and demonstrations on the history and art of Chinese brush painting to small and large groups in such settings as the National Museum Art Gallery (Singapore), and The Victoria and Albert Museum in London.  He also gives demonstrations annually at the "Art in Action" festival organized by the Art Department of The School of Economic Science, London.
     
TEACHING
1974 / 2001 Have been teaching both ancient and Ling-Nan School of Chinese brush paintings techniques for 27 years in San Francisco, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and London. 2004-2006  lectures in Vancouver Academy of Art, Vancouver Canada.

 

My courses have been comprehensive, including history and specific painting techniques. Students come from many countries, including the United States, Singapore, England, Germany, Australia, Taiwan and China.

 

My Bichon Frise Mei Mei and JJ and Gaby

 

 

ONE MAN EXHIBITIONS 

• 2003     Asian Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada More ...... >>

• 2003     Vancouver Public Library, BC Canada

• 1995     Chinese Museum, Melbourne, Australia. More ...... >>

• 1994      Warwick Gallery, Beaconsfield, England.

• 1993      Warwick Gallery, Beaconsfield, England.

• 1993      Old Luxter's Gallery, Henley-on-Thames, England.  More ...... >>

• 1992      National Museum Art Gallery, Singapore.     More ...... >>

• 1990      The Empress Place Museum. Singapore.   More ...... >>

• 1988      Gallery of Fine Art, Singapore.

• 1988       National Museum Art Gallery, Singapore.  More ...... >>  

• 1988      Represented Singapore in Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Singapore Artists Art Exhibition" in Yokohama,  Kobe and Sapporo, Japan (1985)   More ...... >>

• 1985      Gallery of Fine Art, Singapore

• 1988      Second Young Artist's Exhibition 〞Singapore  

• 1983       National Museum Art Gallery, Singapore.

• 1982       Military Art Center, Taipei, Taiwan.

• 1982       Victoria Memorial Hall, Singapore. 

• 1981       Gallery of Fine Art, Singapore.

• 1981       Art House Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  

• 1981       Penang Museum, Penang, Malaysia.

• 1981       Victoria Memorial Hall, Singapore.

• 1980       The President Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand.

• 1980        Exhibition Hall, Ipoh, Malaysia.

• 1980        Art House Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

• 1980        National Museum Art Gallery, Singapore.

• 1980        Gallery of Fine Art, Singapore.

• 1979        Asia Foundation, San Francisco, California, USA.   More ...... >>

• 1979        Renaissance Gallery, Ukiah, California, USA.

• 1979        Chinese Culture Foundation, San Francisco, California, USA.

• 1979        Michelle B. Babcock, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.

• 1979         Jolo Pottery & Gallery, Sanoma, California,

• 1977         East Art Gallery, San Francisco, California, USA.

• 1977         Chinese Chamber of Commerce Exhibition Hall, Singapore.

• 1977         ETC Gallery, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.  More ...... >>

• 1977         Renaissance Gallery, Ukiah, California, USA.

• 1975         East Wind Art gallery, San Francisco, California, USA.

• 1974         Penang, Malaysia.

• 1974         Ipoh, Malaysia.

• 1974         The Malaysia Art Institute, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

• 1974         First Solo in Singapore organized by The Society of Chinese Artist.  More ...... >>

• 1970-2000 Singapore, San Francisco, Sacramento California USA, Dubai, Bahrain, Yokohama, Kobe and Sapporo Japan, Sydney Australia, Germany, Vancouver, Victoria & Calgary.

• 2000 Stephen Lowe art gallery - Victoria and Calgary

• 2001 Stephen Lowe art gallery - Victoria and Calgary

• 2002 Stephen Lowe art gallery - Victoria and Calgary

• 2005 Yiyou Yaji Painting, Calligraphy and Seal Carving Exhibition (Works by Lau Wai-yin, Nathan Szeto, James Tan, Ma Chi-ping, Hung Yu-ying, Ko Ku-chung and Fung Kin) On-Tak Cheung Exhibition Hall.

• 2006 - 2009 Chinese Canadian Artists Federation in Vancouver Annual Exhibition.