Tan Teck Heng, Untitled (Slingshot), 1988

Oil on paper
119 x 66 cm
Condition: Very good
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Tan Teck Heng (Singaporean, b. 1958) is an Indonesian-born self-taught artist who is now based in China. His career began in printmaking, actively participating in printmaking exhibitions in his earlier years. As the years have gone by, he has turned into a highly versatile artist, experimenting with many different mediums, from prints and sculptures, to pastels and oils. His early recognition includes the Highly Commended Award in the 1985 UOB Painting of the Year competition, followed by the first prize in the Representational Category in 1987.

Tan is known for his swift, bold use of colours, sometimes using raw paint straight from the tube, and his unrelenting energy. His works pulse with movements and emotional intensity. Though his works are often described as abstract expressionism, his style defies strict categorisation, using abstraction as a way to reflect the deeper, complex reality beyond what the eye can see. His 2004 solo exhibition “About Passion” at LISART Co. in Singapore showcases this beautifully.