Synopsis:

Born and raised in Singapore, Tan Oe Pang is a leading contemporary multi-disciplinary artist with diverse approaches to art making. His early notable works include the highly idiosyncratic "Tropical Rainforest" series of paintings that were articulated in a vigorous style; emblazoned with elaborate brushwork of vivid colours and a predominance of dramatically bold strokes. The combination of techniques was used to accentuate the vitality and primitive characteristics of the tropical rainforest in the distinctive region. Coupled with a deeper perception of spatial composition and an expanded worldview, the artworks by Oe Pang have evolved subsequently since year 2000. This has led to a gradual shift in emphasis towards depicting his subjects in their most natural and purest forms; he eliminates superfluous details with incisive brushwork, moving from intricate to concise expression in his recent works.

From 13 November 2017 to 31 January 2018, Sky One Art Gallery proudly presents Less is More – The Minimal Art of Tan Oe Pang. This solo exhibition will continue into the new year, featuring 30 pieces of minimal art which include 20 Chinese ink and 10 oil paintings. Having a strong foundation in the techniques of Chinese ink painting, together with a careful observation of the world around him, the mindful Oe Pang created a series of minimal yet evocative artworks delineated in reduced brush strokes that conveys a sense of childlike simplicity. He seeks to add a new dimension to common subjects such as still life, trees, animals, insects and human figures through his abstract austere compositions. Despite the minimalist presentation, individual prominent features of the subjects are highlighted and enlivened by sprightly variety within the brushwork.

"In terms of Art, being concise and minimal will give a sense of magnificence. It allows greater flexibility and widens the scope for aesthetic appreciation. Conciseness is not equal to simplicity; conciseness is executed in simplified forms which evince depth and substance, whereas simplicity refers to weak forms and superficial ideas," says Oe Pang. There are large areas of sparseness shown in his minimal art; they intertwine with varied ink tonalities to leave room for the viewers' imagination.

Besides Chinese ink artworks, Oe Pang will make his debut showcase of oil paintings at the gallery. Oe Pang's oil works were created with an innovative integration of western painting tools and materials; together with techniques and concepts of Chinese ink painting. He does not make drafts but applies basic colours such as blue, red, yellow, black and white directly onto the canvas. By distilling and combining the essence of both western and eastern art practices, he reinvents the approach to "Oil Painting" and presents his intriguing unique creation of the "Chinese Oil Painting" series.

Journeying from a vibrant to a subtle rendition, Oe Pang only depicts the essential elements to evoke the primordial nature of his subjects with his modest brushwork. His series of minimal artworks expresses subtlety and depth that will repay repeated viewings.

About the Artist
Tan Oe Pang (b.1947, Singapore) works with a wide variety of mediums which includes Chinese ink, Chinese calligraphy, oil painting, sculpture, mixed media and poetry. At the age of 13, he was mentored by Fan Chang Tien, the third generation master of Hai Discipline, from whom he acquired the art of traditional Chinese ink painting. Subsequently, Tan's artistry developed into a distinctive fusion of Eastern and Western art techniques as he seeks to push aside the constraints of tradition and cross cultural boundaries.

Tan Oe Pang has exhibited widely overseas in countries such as Brazil, Chile, Germany, Holland, Scotland, South Korea, Taiwan, China and the United States of America. He participated in the 1985 International Biennial of Arts in Sao Paolo; his work "Insect of Ice" was highly regarded and it is currently exhibiting at National Gallery Singapore. He was invited to join in the 1989 International Biennial of Arts Valparasio in Chile. In 1987, The Academy of Chinese Paintings in Beijing invited Oe Pang to be a guest lecturer and he held solo exhibitions on calligraphy and painting. In the following year, his painting "Han Acrobatics" was awarded Works of Excellence in the Beijing International Ink & Wash Painting Exhibition and the work is now collected by National Gallery Singapore. In 2007, he held solo exhibition and launched two books - "Perfect Dimension" and "Homeland" - at the Singapore Art Museum. Subsequently, he had solo show and forum at Hai Shang Shan Art Center, Shanghai in 2008 and a solo exhibition "Relevation of the The Tang Dynasty" at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall in Taipei in 2009.

His works are collected by museums and international private collectors. They include the National Gallery Singapore, Singapore Art Museum and Singapore Embassy in Thailand, Korea and China.

About the Gallery
Established in 2014, Sky One Art Gallery is an art space dedicated to showcase the works by acclaimed Singaporean multi-disciplinary artist Tan Oe Pang. It strives to present Tan's fine artworks to the local and international audiences. Through exhibiting Tan's wide array of works on rotation, the gallery seeks to increase the capacity of Contemporary and Chinese art appreciation.

Strategically located on the 9th floor of the iconic Breadtalk IHQ – a stone's throw from Tai Seng Mrt station at the Paya Lebar District, the gallery featuring a selection of contemporary artworks is a perfect addition to the innovative lifestyle building which houses the Group's flagship Food & Beverage brands such as BreadTalk, Toast Box, Din Tai Fung and Food Republic.