Tan Swie Hian, The Southern Mountain Ridge, 1985
Watercolour on paper
74 x 110 cm (visible), 96.5 x 123.5 x 4 cm (framed)
Condition: Very good, slight foxing along the matboard
Certificate of Authenticity available
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Tan Swie Hian, (Singaporean, b. 1943) is a multidisciplinary artist known for his contributions to literature and visual arts. After migrating to Singapore in 1946, he pursued English and French studies at Nanyang University and began his career as a press attache at the French Embassy. His journey commenced with the publication of his first poetry collection, The Giant, in 1968, marking a significant contribution to Chinese modernist literature in Southeast Asia. Tan’s talents consist of poetry, novels, paintings, calligraphy, and sculptures, earning him the title of “Singapore’s Renaissance Man” by Time magazine in 2003.
Tan’s artworks are renowned for both Eastern and Western traditions, often reflecting his Buddhist beliefs. His painting When the Moon is Orbed sold for approximately S$3.7 million in 2012, establishing him as Singapore’s most expensive living artist. In recognition of his artistic achievements, he was awarded the Cultural Medallion for Visual Arts in 1987. Tan’s contributions extend to public art installations, including works in Singapore’s MRT stations, and his calligraphy has been featured in significant cultural sites across Asia.
I’ve always found Tan Swie Hian’s work, whether in Chinese ink, calligraphy, drawing, or even stone carving, to be filled with both spiritual depth and soul-stirring clarity. I had the privilege of meeting him years ago, and the encounter left a lasting impression on me. This particular painting is one I’ve cherished. It captures a distant view of a mountain range, with lush greenery below gently blending into soft yellow rays of light. This effect suggests the first light of dawn breaking through the landscape, subtle and luminous. There’s a softness to it that’s utterly alluring.
(Photographed in April 2025)