Wong Tze Chau

Born: 1978

Hometown: Singapore

Based in: Singapore

For the past decade I have experimented with expressionistic, surrealistic, pop, conceptual and abstract styles as well as performance art, but my theme remains the same: Oneness. It is about finding the harmony between different forms and beings regardless of culture, race, language and religion.

I studied architecture and philosophy when I was younger and started painting in 2010 at the age of 32. Since 2011 I have participated in some group shows in Singapore, Thailand and India. There was a breakthrough in 2018 as I had my first solo show at a commercial gallery in Singapore.

After two attempts I was overjoyed to win the UOB Painting of the Year (established category) in 2019 with my dot painting 'War and Peace' in which I wrote the words 'war' and 'peace' in both Arabic and Hebrew with dots.

My works were exhibited and collected locally and internationally.

Wong Tze Chau In The Studio

The whole process is meditative. This series was created by either painting the dots meticulously or burning holes with incense. Dots are used to form words in different languages. Words are the symbols of different people and cultures. My aim is to create a bridge between different realms. I believe that there could be harmony in this increasingly divisive world if we see beyond differences.

More About Wong Tze Chau

Question Icon What inspires you?

I draw a lot of inspiration from travels, art history, literature and philosophy

Question Icon Describe your creative process.

My notebooks are full of ideas that cross my mind in daily life. I select some and drafted a few times before enlarge the final composition onto a canvas.

Question Icon What are 3 words that best describe your work?

Meditative, creative, thought-provoking

Question Icon Who are some artists that have influenced your work?

Rothko, Agnes Martin, Paul Klee, Ji Da Chun

Question Icon What is the most important tool when creating your work?

An open mind

Question Icon What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

You only live once

Question Icon Where do you go for inspiration?

Travelling and reading

Credentials

Education

National Institute of Education

Singapore, 2014

University of London

United Kingdom, 2008

University of Singapore

Singapore, 2000

Awards

Top Winner (established category), UOB Painting Of the Year

2019

Exhibitions

Oneness, solo exhibition at Art Forum Gallery

Singapore, 2021

Infinite Oneness, solo exhibition at UOB Gallery

Singapore, 2020

Affordable Art Fair

Singapore, 2019

POY Winners' Showcase at UOB Gallery

Singapore, 2019

Art Apart Fair 10th Edition

Singapore, 2018

Faces of Janus, solo exhibition at Utterly Art Gallery

Singapore, 2018

An International Fiesta of Shimmering Arts in Jaipur

India, 2014

Jaipur Art Festival

India, 2014

International Art Symposium in Chiangmai

Thailand, 2013

Square Invasion at Instinc Soho Gallery

Singapore, 2011

Press

NIE Newsletter

2021

Straits Times

2019