Biography

At the turn of the century, several revolutionary-minded young Chinese artists attempted to create a "New National Painting" style reflecting the impending cultural and political changes. From other cultures, they brought innovative ideas, new subjects, and techniques such as fixed perspective, shading light effects and strong unconventional colors. They then added their own creative energy, bringing a new richness and depth to the traditional art forms. This was the beginning of the Lingnan style of painting --- the style of James Tan.

This unconventional form of brush painting, although it was much criticized by people of that day, is now acclaimed worldwide as an established form of fine art. Their youthful, innovative spirit continued to inspire James Tan as he worked to establish himself as an expert in Chinese brush painting. In the years that followed, his unflagging pursuit of excellence drove him to extend his own work beyond the traditions of the Lingnan school, creating a style of Chinese brush painting which is distinctly his own.


 

In his years of study with established masters of the Lingnan school and more than fifteen more years of teaching other aspiring artists, James Tan has now emerged as a leader of the next generation of Lingnan brush painting masters. James Tan's contemporary work retains the same exquisite quality that has made his name synonymous with creativity and true excellence throughout South East Asia and North American.

Born in Johore, Malaysia, James Tan graduated from the Singapore Academy of Art in 1972, continuing his studies with Chinese brush painting master Ng Hock-Ting (Singapore and Professor Au Ho-Nien (Taiwan). As an established Lingnan master himself, he now teaches the arts of Chinese brush painting In San Francisco, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and and London to students from many Countries, including the United States, Singapore, England, Germany, Australia, Taiwan and China.

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 (1985); 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).

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

1976 - 2000 Have been teaching both ancient and Ling-Nan School of Chinese brush paintings techniques for 23 years in San Francisco, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and London. 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.

One Man Exhibitions

1995      Chinese Museum, Melbourne, Australia.
1994      Warwick Gallery, Beaconsfield, England.
1993      Warwick Gallery, Beaconsfield, England.
1993      Old Luxter's Gallery, Henley-on-Thames, England.
1992      National Museum Art Gallery, Singapore.
1990      The Empress Place Museum. Singapore.
1988      Gallery of Fine Art, Singapore.
1988      National Museum Art Gallery, Singapore.
1986      Daimau Departmental Store, Singapore.
1985      Gallery of Fine Art, 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.
1979      Renaissance Gallery, Ukiah, California, USA.
1979      Chinese Culture Foundation, San Francisco, California, USA.
1979      Michelle B. Babock, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
1979      Jolo Pottery & Gallery, Sanoma, California, USA.
1977      East Art Gallery, San Francisco, California, USA.
1977      Chinese Chamber of Commerce Exhibition Hall, Singapore.
1977      ETC Gallery, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
1977      Renaissance Gallery, Ukiah, California, USA.
1975      East Wind Art gallery, San Francisco, California, USA.
1974      Penang, Malaysia.
1974      Ipoh, Malaysia.
1974      Organized by The Malaysia Art Institute, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
1974      First Solo in Singapore organized by The Society of Chinese Artist.


Be sure to visit James Tan's website to view more of his incredible watercolor artwork!


 

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