Tchang Ju Chi: Tireless Camel

Tchang Ju Chi (张汝器) (b. 1904, China; d. 1942, Singapore) was a prominent and pioneering artist, active in Singapore from 1927 to 1942 which was a period of tumultuous socio-political upheavals. Trained in Western painting at the Shanghai College of Fine Arts and later spending time in France, a friend persuaded him to stay in Singapore—a move that ultimately made the city his home and transformed its nascent arts scene.

Tchang once likened artists to camels: unyielding and trudging tirelessly with slow but sure steps, driven by a sense of mission. This metaphor speaks to his conviction and courage to forge new paths forward. He stood at the vanguard of a blossoming visual arts scene in Singapore, where exhibitions were held regularly and art discourse began to take root.

As one of the earliest artists to integrate local subject matter into his work, Tchang played a pivotal role in the emergence and development of “Nanyang Art.” His work influenced many of his peers and was critically acclaimed by his illustrious contemporaries, including Xu Beihong, Chen Chong Swee and Liu Kang. Yet, despite his contributions, his name and work have not fully percolated into public consciousness. This exhibition brings together—for the first time in over 50 years—a rare collection of more than 15 artworks, reproduced cartoons and archival materials, providing a revelation of the artist’s contributions and legacy.