428, Jalan 17/11, Seksyen 17, 46400, PJ | (+6) 013 320 9000
About Simon Tan
Born in 1967 in Penang, Simon Tan Siew Kuan is a celebrated Malaysian artist known for his vibrant and spontaneous portrayals of heritage sites and urban life. Having mastered Chinese calligraphy and traditional ink painting before transitioning to Western fine arts, Tan has developed a unique style that blends Eastern spiritual resonance with Western expressive vigor. He is widely recognized as an "on-site" painter, often translating his immediate passion onto the canvas while standing in the historic streets of Penang or Singapore. His work prioritizes emotional response over hyper-realism, utilizing thick, exuberant brushstrokes and a rich palette to capture the cultural essence of old Chinatowns and coastal villages.
Tan's professional journey is marked by significant accolades, including the Young Talent Artist Award from the Penang State Museum and the New Expression Award of Asia Art in China. His most sought-after series—such as the Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Series, Chinatown Heritage, and his atmospheric Penang Street Scenes—are highlights in the Malaysian fine art secondary market, with pieces fetching high valuations at auction houses like BidNow and Eagle's Eye. Beyond the canvas, he is a noted muralist, famous for his iconic street art in Chew Jetty. With works held in the permanent collections of Bank Negara Malaysia and the Zheng Zhou Art Museum, Simon Tan is an essential name for collectors looking for art that vibrates with history and visual energy.