Born in 1933 in Singapore, Tan Choo Kuan was trained in Western Art at Singapore’s Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. A dedicated art teacher and prolific artist, Tan’s legacy was recognised in October 2005 with the Singapore Art Museum’s acquisition of 74 select sketches and drawings on paper completed between 1953 and 2005.Whereas most travellers record the sites with a camera, Tan is noted for his snapshot sketches. His mentor and occasional travelling companion, artist Liu Kang, remarked that “Choo Kuan with his artistic skill, sketched the sights as if they were alive on paper. At dawn or in the evening, he busied himself in sketching the hills, streams, pavilions and chambers. As a result of his diligence, he is more productive. He can finish many sketches a day.” For Tan, these were inspirational opportunities to combine his love for sketching from real life and travelling.
