David Chan

With a realistic style and a hint of dark humor, David Chan's paintings of animals, humans, and their hybrid forms delve into the complexities of human behavior, popular culture, and societal issues in contemporary society.

Biography of David Chan

David Chan, a graduate of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, is a full-time Singaporean-based painter. 

He has exhibited widely in galleries and museums, including the Art Seasons Singapore. Chan's first solo exhibition, "Genetic Wonderland" in 2004, received critical and public acclaim. In the same year, he won the 23rd UOB Painting of the Year – Representational Medium Category Award.

Chan's work has been featured in significant exhibitions such as "Future Pass" at the Venice Biennale (2011). He also participated in the "BMW Young Asian Artists Series II: The Singapore Edition" (2009) with STPI.

In addition to his practice, Chan lectures at the National Institute of Education and the School of Art, Design and Media at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and serves as an artist mentor with Singapore's National Arts Council.

David Chan Art Style

David Chan works primarily with oil on linen, creating realistic paintings that feature subjects such as animals, humans, and animal/human hybrids. His vibrant backgrounds often employ intense blues, purples, yellows, and pinks. Chan's idiosyncratic works offer commentary on contemporary societal issues, particularly those related to globalization, biomorphism, scientific advances, and human behavior.

His art initially appears comical and bewildering but reveals deeper insights upon closer inspection. His works are characterized by a satirical yet non-confrontational tone, reflecting his view of life and social issues. Chan challenges viewers to look beyond the surface narrative to uncover the underlying subtext, encouraging a more profound engagement with his art.