After Rain

Credit line: Collection of SMU

Chen KeZhan (b. 1959, Singapore) is an abstract artist who works with Chinese ink and colour on paper. Chen is inspired by the modern Chinese masters including Zhang Daqian, Shi Lu and Lu Shoukun. He is noted for his nature-inspired work in Chinese brush that he paints and reinterprets within the realm of abstract expressionism. Chen's subtle yet complex style is contemporary, emotive and engaging.

Chen studied art in Paris at the École des Beaux-Arts where he trained under expressionist oil painter Professor Jean Berthole in the 1980s. He also studied traditional painting (including the Lingnan style) and calligraphy with Fan Chang Tien, Chao Shao-an and Fung Kang-ho in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Chen's first solo exhibition was in Paris in 1978. He has since exhibited in numerous exhibitions in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Chen's awards include the silver medal at the Salon des Artistes Français (1985), the Young Artist Award (1994) and Patron of the Arts (1999) from the National Arts Council. Chen's works are collected in Singapore and abroad by art museums, universities and corporate art collections.