National Gallery Singapore is set to open Fan Chang Tien: Rhythm of the Southern Brush, an exhibition on one of Singapore’s most influential ink masters, running from 16 October 2026 to 31 January 2027 at the Wu Guanzhong Gallery, Level 4, City Hall Wing.
Fan Chang Tien is widely remembered as the “Gardener” who nurtured generations of Singapore artists, but this exhibition looks beyond that well-known legacy. Featuring over 70 works and archival materials, including paintings, calligraphy, poetry and seal carvings, the show traces his journey across Guangdong, Shanghai, Bangkok and Singapore, offering a fresh perspective on his pursuits as a scholar-artist, poet, philanthropist and cultural figure.
A life shaped by migration and cultural exchange
The exhibition follows how migration and cultural exchange influenced Fan’s artistic practice and philosophy as he moved between cities in the early to mid-20th century. Through his paintings, calligraphy and personal archives, visitors get a sense of the values of self-cultivation, integrity and generosity that guided both his art and his life.
These values extended well beyond his own artistic practice, shaping his dedication to teaching, mentorship and giving back to the community, threads that the exhibition draws out alongside the more familiar story of his contribution to the development of ink art in Singapore.
General admission required, free for Singaporeans and PRs
A General Admission Ticket is required to view the exhibition, with free entry for Singapore citizens and permanent residents. It joins a busy season of museum programming in Singapore, including the National Museum of Singapore’s 139th anniversary celebrations and the Hiroshi Sugimoto survey at Singapore Art Museum, both running this October.
Fan Chang Tien: Rhythm of the Southern Brush runs from 16 October 2026 to 31 January 2027 at National Gallery Singapore. More information is available at nationalgallery.sg/FanChangTien.
