The artist’s fourth show is currently exhibiting at Galerie Francesca.
Through his works, Fred Chin Tan is drawing parallels with what is happening in the world today. With the pandemic raging, perhaps clinging to the natural order will bring a more sustainable and lasting harmony.
READ ALSO: Under The Sea: Ganden Medved-Po Uses His Passion For Ocean Photography For Wildlife Conservation
This is seen through “Silver Mountains, Sparkling Waters,” Tan’s fourth solo show with Galerie Francesca, which hearkens to the tradition of Chinese landscape painting.
Although clearly gestural abstraction in his style, Tan emphasizes the philosophy he abides in. He works with wet paint and randomly textured canvas to achieve fluid transition of color and paint. This “painting by not painting” approach follows the way of the Tao and its philosophy of doing by not doing.
This organic progression and harmonious design is ingrained in nature. Tan believes that by following this natural order, balance will be achieved between people and their surroundings. As Lao Tzu says: “Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”
“Silver Mountains, Sparkling Waters” focuses on the life-sustaining and overflowing abundance aspects of nature. By situating the viewer in the experience of an imaginary mountain, Tan allows the viewer to withdraw inward, into their own connection with nature and their core, while contemplating his works.
Tan has had solo exhibitions at the Ayala Museum, the Yuchengco Museum, and local various galleries. He has also joined group shows in Art in the Park, Rockwell Powerplant North Court, and in galleries in Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia.
He has graced the cover of Asian Art News and has been reviewed by The Singapore Pocket Guide. His Moods 333, painted under the pseudonym “Toro,” was sold for S$212,400 at 33 Auctions in 2013.
“Silver Mountains, Sparkling Waters” is currently at Galerie Francesca at SM Megamall. For more information, call 0935-551-1305, or e-mail [email protected].
