Local artist Chen Yi Quan dies less than a year after wife's death, leaves behind 3-year-old son

Singapore’s art community is mourning the loss of Kelvin Tan, known professionally as Chen Yi Quan, who passed away on January 18th at the age of 44. His death comes less than a year after the sudden passing of his wife in May 2025, leaving behind a three-year-old son.

A Rising Voice in Singaporean Art

Tan was a self-taught painter who formally studied psychology at the National University of Singapore. He dedicated himself to art full-time beginning in 2015, and further honed his skills under the guidance of Cultural Medallion winner Lim Tze Peng. His wake was held from January 19th to January 21st at Tse Tho Aum Temple.

Artistic Style and Influences

Tan’s work is characterized by a unique blend of styles, merging the expressive strokes of Chinese calligraphy with vibrant colors and textured surfaces. ArtSafe, a local art storage and gallery, described his paintings as exploring the relationship between art and spirituality. His style has been described as blending philosophy and abstract surrealism.

Did You Know? Tan became a full-time artist in 2015 after completing a degree in psychology.

Tributes from Fellow Creatives

News of Tan’s passing quickly spread within Singapore’s creative circles, prompting an outpouring of tributes. Sonny Liew, the award-winning creator of The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye, was among the first to acknowledge his death. 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 described Tan as “a gentle soul who sought art in the purest sense.” Yee Jenn Jong, a former Non-Constituency Member of Parliament, shared a poignant account of a recent conversation with Tan, revealing he was seeking urgent work after facing legal challenges.

Expert Insight: The loss of an artist, particularly one so recently impacted by personal tragedy, underscores the precariousness faced by many creatives. The need to secure work, as highlighted by Mr. Yee, speaks to the economic realities that can accompany a dedication to artistic pursuits.

Unanswered Questions and Potential Futures

The cause of Tan’s death remains unknown. It is possible that further details will emerge in the coming days. The circumstances surrounding his recent legal difficulties are also unclear, and it is uncertain what impact these may have had. Support for his three-year-old son may be organized by family, friends, or the wider arts community. A possible next step could involve establishing a fund to assist with his care and education.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Chen Yi Quan known for?

Chen Yi Quan, also known as Kelvin Tan, was known for colourful paintings that focused on the relationship between art and spirituality, blending Chinese calligraphy with modern techniques.

When did Kelvin Tan’s wife pass away?

Kelvin Tan’s wife died suddenly from a heart attack in May 2025, according to a Facebook post by Yee Jenn Jong.

Who paid tribute to Kelvin Tan after his death?

Prominent creatives such as Sonny Liew, Woon Tai Ho, and Gwee Li Sui paid tribute to Tan after his death, as did Yee Jenn Jong.

How will the Singaporean art community remember Chen Yi Quan’s contributions?

Local artist Chen Yi Quan dies less than a year after wife’s death, leaves behind 3-year-old son