Introduction

Think of a camel plodding through the hot desert. Step after step, it keeps going, even when all it sees is sand stretching to the horizon. When artist Tchang Ju Chi arrived from France in 1927, he described Singapore as, quote, “a barren desert.” At the time, many Chinese intellectuals and artists shared this view, seeing Singapore’s cultural landscape as lacking vitality; a place where only the most determined could prevail. Tchang chose to persevere.

Welcome to Tchang Ju Chi: Tireless Camel, the first solo exhibition on this artist. As founding president of the Society of Chinese Artists, Tchang rallied other artists to continue their efforts, one step at a time, until they could bring art and culture to life in Singapore. As a skilled painter, graphic designer and cartoonist, his works were often featured in exhibitions, newspapers, movie posters and advertisements. His artistic skill was praised by peers and scholars alike. Discover how Tchang embodied the tireless camel through his art and life in this exhibition.