Fred Tan

Fred Tan’s works are inspired by the philosophy of working with life, and the chances it presents, rather than imposing his personal wishes and desires.  This philosophy resonates with Lao Tzu’s “Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are.  When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”  This aphorism finds resonance with Fred in his reflection of three generations of his family’s history, and his personal experience.  He firmly believes that detachment brings more peace than insisting on what one desires. As an artist, working with paint, canvas and brush made him aware that paint has qualities which can be seen as its life.  Each paint reacts differently from the other.  And each paint has a life cycle.  Some dry faster than others.  Some are easier to apply.  Some paint do not mix well together.  Only when he got to know all of his paints and work with them, instead of imposing on them what he wants did he find peace in what he does.  By working with the paint and the canvas, he achieves depth and a variety of colors and expressions that could be described as effortless.

In the past, Fred Tan has exhibited under the names Toro, Chen Ze De, and Luis Balmes. His exhibition history includes the following major exhibitions:

• • 2012 The Madness of Toro, solo exhibition  –  Yuchengco Museum, Water Dragon Gallery, Makati City (Philippines)
  • 2012 Of Memories and Places, two man show  – Galerie Sogan, Singapore
  • 2013 Temerity, solo exhibition – Yuchengco Museum, Water Dragon Gallery, Makati City (Philippines)
  • 2013 Over Carbs, solo exhibition  – Ayala Museum, Artists Space, Makati City (Philippines)
  • 2015 Elements, solo exhibition  – Galerie Stephanie

He has been the cover of Asian Art News (Volume 3, No. 24) 2013 and has been reviewed by The Singapore Pocket Guide. His Moods 333 painted by him as Toro, has been sold for S$212,400 at 33 Auctions in 1 September 2013.  He has also exhibited in Art in the Park 2014.  His collectors are based in the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Macau, and Malaysia.  Not A Saint, Not A Sage is his first solo exhibition as himself.