Local artist Chen Yi Quan dies less than a year after wife’s death, leaves behind 3-year-old son

Local artist Kelvin Tan, also known as Chen Yi Quan, has died at age 44, less than a year after the passing of his wife, leaving behind a three-year-old son.

Kelvin Tan’s Passing and Artistic Legacy

Tan’s wake was held from January 19 to January 21 at Tse Tho Aum Temple, according to his obituary. The cause of death has not been released.

News of Tan’s death prompted tributes from fellow creatives, including Sonny Liew, creator of the award-winning graphic novel The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye.

Woon Tai Ho, writer and founder of CNA, described Tan as “an artist with a restless spirit and a heart full of dreams.” Poet and writer Gwee Li Sui wrote, “You were a gentle soul who sought art in the purest sense.”

According to a Facebook post by Yee Jenn Jong of the Worker’s Party, Tan’s wife died unexpectedly from a heart attack in May 2025, leaving him “inconsolable.” Mr. Yee also revealed that Tan had recently sought urgent work after a legal issue and that his death occurred the day after a conversation about his situation.

Mr. Yee praised Tan’s art style, noting its blend of philosophy and abstract surrealism.

Tan was a self-taught painter who studied at Maris Stella High School and later earned a degree in psychology from the National University of Singapore. He became a full-time artist in 2015 and studied under Cultural Medallion winner Lim Tze Peng.

He was known for his colorful paintings exploring the connection between art and spirituality. ArtSafe, a local art storage and gallery, described his work as combining the expressive strokes of Chinese calligraphy with modern bright colors and textured surfaces.