Born in Malaysia and based in Singapore, Tay Bak Chiang is a contemporary artist known for his bold reinterpretation of traditional Chinese ink painting. A graduate of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and later trained in Chinese ink painting at the prestigious China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, Tay blends classical technique with a modern, contemplative aesthetic.
His works often reflect a deep sensitivity to nature—stones, landscapes, and flora are recurring motifs, not as passive subjects but as silent witnesses of time and spirit. Moving beyond conventional ink traditions, Tay is celebrated for his innovative use of mineral pigments and layered textures, which give his paintings a sculptural, almost meditative quality.
Tay has held numerous solo exhibitions in Singapore and abroad, and his works are housed in both private and public collections. His approach bridges the old and the new, offering a poetic exploration of stillness, resilience, and the enduring presence of nature.
His works often reflect a deep sensitivity to nature—stones, landscapes, and flora are recurring motifs, not as passive subjects but as silent witnesses of time and spirit. Moving beyond conventional ink traditions, Tay is celebrated for his innovative use of mineral pigments and layered textures, which give his paintings a sculptural, almost meditative quality.
Tay has held numerous solo exhibitions in Singapore and abroad, and his works are housed in both private and public collections. His approach bridges the old and the new, offering a poetic exploration of stillness, resilience, and the enduring presence of nature.
Viewing 7 works by Tay Bak Chiang
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Biography 
Biography
Exhibitions
Exhibitions
Education
1997 - 1998: China Academy of Fine Art (People's Republic of China)
1992 - 1995: Diploma in Fine Art, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore
Awards
2003
First Prize (Traditional Chinese Medium Category)
22nd UOB Painting of the Year Competition, Singapore (Title of work: Visit)
2002
Young Artist Award for Visual Arts (Awarded by Singapore National Arts Council)
2000
First Prize (Traditional Chinese Medium Category)
19th UOB Painting of the Year Competition, Singapore (Title of work: Emotions by the Quay)
1999, 2002
Distinction, Chinese Painting Category Dr Tan Tsze Chor Art Award, Singapore
First Prize, Singapore Turf Club Art Competition (Title of work: Awaiting)
1995
16th Shell Discovery Art Award, Singapore
Exhibitions
Solo ExhibitionsExhibitions
2004
Internationale Cite des Arts, Paris, France
Group Exhibitions
2006
American Club, Singapore
2005
Singapore Art Fair, Suntec City Convention Hall, Singapore
第六面 The Sixth Face, Singapore
Singapore Art Show, Singapore Management University, Singapore
2004
SingArt — A Brush with Lions — public art exhibition, Singapore
Siaw-Tao Chinese Seal-Carving Calligraphy and Painting Society Exhibition, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2003-2006
International Chinese Ink Painting Exhibitions, Tokyo, Japan
2003 新加坡创意书画展 Xin Jia Po Chuang Yi Shu Hua Zhan (Singapore Creative Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition), Chengdu & Shanghai, China
2002
Urban Artists 2002, Singapore
2002-2007
Teochew Art Exhibition, Singapore
2001
Nokia Singapore Art, Singapore
Ten Contemporary Singapore Artists Joint Exhibition, Singapore
2000
Kaohsiung 14th International Art Interchange Exhibition, Taiwan
1999
Nokia Singapore Art, Singapore
1997-2000, 2002
Singapore Art Society Annual Art Exhibitions, Singapore
NAFA Alumni Association Annual Art Exhibitions, Singapore
Professional Memberships
Member Siaw-Tao Chinese Seal-Carving Calligraphy and Painting Society, Singapore
Member Singapore Art Society
Member NAFA Alumni Association, Singapore
Works Collected By
Chuan Day Spa, Langham Hotel Southbank Melbourne
Latham & Watkins LLP
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
National Arts Council
Ngee Ann Kongsi
Singapore Telecommunications Ltd
Singapore Turf Club
United Overseas Bank
Private collectors
Media Coverage
• Travelling Palette, Asean Series (Luang Prabang, Laos), Arts Central, 2008
• Interview, "艺意孤行 Yi Yi Gu Xing", Mediaworks Channel U, Dec 2004
• "No Turning Bak", Cohesion Magazine published by North West Community Development Council, Nov-Dec 2004
• Review of solo exhibition fa zi hua sheng — "鱼上鸟下, 反常合道 Yu Shang Niao Xia, Fan Chang He Dao", Xianzai, Lianhe Zaobao, Singapore Press Holdings, p3, 5 Nov 2003
• "第22届大华银行全国绘画比赛 — 22nd UOB Painting of the Year Competition", Xianzai, Lianhe Zaobao, Singapore Press Holdings, 23 Jul 2003
• Mangosteen Club, p12, Vol. 53, Dec 2002
• "King of Swing Wins Top Cultural Award", Straits Times, Singapore Press Holdings,
p1, 9 Oct 2002
• "五青年同摘艺术甜果 Wu Qing Nian Tong Zhai Yi Shu Tian Guo (Young Artist Award)", Lianhe Zaobao, Singapore Press Holdings, p8, 9 Oct 2002
• "学成归来献才艺 Xue Cheng Gui Lai Xian Cai Yi (Young Artist Award)", Xianzai, Lianhe Zaobao, Singapore Press Holdings, p1, 9 Oct 2002
• Interview on Young Artist Award, Good Morning Singapore, Mediacorp Channel 8,
Oct 2002
• Interview on Young Artist Award, Mediacorp Radio Capital FM95.8, Oct 2002
• Free Magazine for Japanese Residents in Singapore, p30, Vol. 100, April 2002
• "全国书画大展尽显南洋风格 Quan Guo Shu Hua Da Zhan Jin Xian Nan Yang Feng Ge", Lianhe Zaobao, Singapore Press Holdings, p8, 11 Mar 2002
• "思潮之间的大道 Si Chao Zhi Jian De Da Dao — UOB Painting of the Year Competition", Xianzai, Lianhe Zaobao, Singapore Press Holdings, 14 Jul 2000
• "Winning with Horses - Singapore Turf Club Art Competition", Straits Times, Singapore Press Holdings, 15 Sep 1999
• "马迷入马场也入了画 Ma Mi Ru Ma Chang Ye Ru Le Hua — Singapore Turf Club Art Competition", Lianhe Zaobao, Singapore Press Holdings, p15, 16 Sep 1999
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