This exhibition examines the artistic journey and enduring legacy of Fan Chang Tien (范昌乾) (1907–1987), a pivotal figure in the development of Chinese ink art in Singapore. It traces his southward movement from China to Thailand and finally to Singapore in 1956 – a journey marked by his commitment to art and education.
Through a rich selection of paintings, poetry, and archival materials, the exhibition reveals how Fan dedicated himself to the practice of ink art while cultivating his identity as a scholar-artist, teacher, and steadfast master of the Chinese literati tradition.
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When: 16 Oct 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 - Suitable For: All
- Where: City Hall Wing, Level 4, Wu Guanzhong Gallery
- Ticket information: General Admission ticket required, free for locals.
Ways to Experience
Dr Wang Ai traces the journeys of artists from the Chaoshan area – from Guangdong to Shanghai and across Southeast Asia – to explore how movement, identity, and cross-border exchange transformed artistic practice and the evolution of ink traditions in the twentieth century.
17 Oct 2026, 2–3.30pm
A live encounter between erhu and dance inspired by the artistic legacy of Fan Chang Tien, exploring the elegance, rhythm, composition, and individuality of his ink paintings.
17 Oct 2026, 2.30–3pm & 4–4.30pm
Explore Fan Chang Tien: Rhythm of the Southern Brush with exhibition curators Lim Shujuan and Chee Jin Ming. Discover how the ink master's practice and legacy illuminate artistic transmission, cultural mobility, and cross-cultural exchange.
16 Oct 2026, 7.30–8.30pmExplore more
Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art
The newly revamped DBS Singapore Gallery exhibition presents a layered, ever-changing story of Singapore’s art history. Explore the unique pathways and detours of artists, and see their iconic artworks from the 19th century to present.
Fear No Power: Women Imagining Otherwise
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2026 New Moons Ink Art Lecture | Lee Chun-Yi
This lecture invites artist Lee Chun-Yi to share his own artistic explorations and reflections in Chinese ink. Departing from Liu Kuo-sung’s pedagogy and ink experimentation, he will offer a fresh interpretation of a defining ideal in classical Chinese painting: "poetry within painting, and painting within poetry".