Footnotes

Provenance
Dr Seah Pong Pin, renowned Singaporean Dermatologist
Private Collection, Singapore (by descent from the above)

*Please note that this lot is located in Singapore. Buyer is responsible to arrange shipping from present location of lot to buyer's desired destination. To enquire shipping quote, please contact singapore@bonhams.com.


As one of Singapore's most influential pioneer artists, Fan Chang Tien's work was true to the literati tradition of Chinese painting. Born in Jieyang, Guangdong, Fan furthered his studies at the Changming Art Academy, after graduating from the Xinhua Academy of Fine Arts in 1928. He studied under the guidance of renowned Shanghai School artists, Wang Geyi, Wang Yiting, Zhu Wenyun, and Pan Tianshou, disciples of Master Wu Changshuo.

As a successor to the tradition of the Shanghai School xieyi painting, Fan brought fresh dimensions to Singapore's art scene. He devoted himself wholeheartedly to his work and students for over 3 decades since his arrival in 1956, often giving lessons for free. He imparted the tradition of Chinese ink painting to a generation of Singaporean artists, propagating its creativity and diversity. Many became established artists in their own right, such as Chua Ek Kay (1947-2008), Ling Cher Eng (1940-1995), Tan Oe Pang (b.1947), Nai Swee Leng (b.1946), and Henri Chen Kezhan (b.1959).

Fan's work is significant for the masterful combination of allegory and art, achieved by brisk and rhythmic brushwork as well as elegantly-composed poetry. Whilst orchids and bamboo are his favourite subjects that symbolise gentlemanly characteristics, his landscape paintings are equally compelling and sublime.