Singaporean Artist Chen Yi Quan, Known as Kelvin Tan, Dies at 44
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A promising career cut short, the Singaporean art world mourns the loss of Kelvin Tan, also known by his artist name Chen Yi Quan, who passed away on January 18, leaving behind a three-year-old son and a legacy of vibrant, spiritually-focused artwork. His death comes less than a year after the sudden passing of his wife, a tragedy that deeply affected the artist.
A Sudden Loss and Outpouring of Grief
The news of Tan’s death prompted an immediate outpouring of grief from fellow creatives and those who knew him. Prominent figures, including Sonny Liew, the award-winning creator of The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye, were among the first to pay tribute. The artist’s wake was held from January 19 to January 21 at Tse Tho Aum Temple. The cause of death remains unknown.
A Restless Spirit and Artistic Vision
Those who knew Tan described him as a deeply thoughtful and passionate artist. Woon Tai Ho, writer and founder of Channel News Asia, remembered Tan as “an artist with a restless spirit and a heart full of dreams.” Poet and writer Gwee Li Sui added, “You were a gentle soul who sought art in the purest sense.”
Tan’s artistic style was distinctive, blending elements of Chinese calligraphy with modern techniques. According to ArtSafe, a local art storage and gallery, his paintings featured “the long and spontaneous strokes of Chinese calligraphy with a modern approach of bright colours and textured surfaces.” His work often explored the complex relationship between art and spirituality.
Personal Struggles and a Search for Stability
In the months leading up to his death, Tan faced personal challenges. A Facebook post from Yee Jenn Jong, of the Worker’s Party, revealed that Tan’s wife had died unexpectedly from a heart attack in May 2025, leaving him “inconsolable.” Mr. Yee further shared that Tan had recently contacted him seeking urgent work, having encountered legal difficulties and striving to rebuild his life. “Last Saturday, he called to say that he needed to get work urgently. He had an unfortunate brush with the law and was trying to get his life back,” Mr. Yee wrote. “Then, I found… out today that the very next day, he was no more.”
From Psychology to Full-Time Art
Tan’s path to becoming a full-time artist was unconventional. He received his early education at Maris Stella High School before earning a degree in psychology from the National University of Singapore. He dedicated himself to painting professionally in 2015, and further honed his skills under the guidance of Lim Tze Peng, a recipient of the prestigious Cultural Medallion.
The loss of Chen Yi Quan is a significant blow to the Singaporean art community, leaving behind a void that will be deeply felt by those who knew and admired his work.
