Nüwa, a professional network for artists, arts professionals and students, is hosting the first of its’ ArtWork events on 11 November 2017, at 2.30pm. Artist Danny Raven Tan and Tiffin Gallery Manager James Tay will be speaking about how they set up the Tiffin Gallery and what unique benefits and challenges it presents as a home-studio-gallery at Nüwa’s ArtWork event on November 11th 2017.
“Nüwa was founded because I have seen first-hand the power of arts to change how people feel, and how they act. And working with artists is what I love to do, and something I find myself coming back to time and again…” Elaine Friedlander, Nüwa Founder
Many of us wear multiple hats these days in all areas of our lives. Danny Raven Tan is a Singaporean artist who in this way – is very similar to the rest of us. However, his dedication to follow his artistic calling in the face of adversity, and ability to find innovative solutions is much rarer.
Photo: Nüwa. Art: Danny Raven Tan, The Gods Are Crying
As a young boy he had a talent and love of art, however he opted for a more financially stable career in property development with public listed companies such as Ho Bee Investment Limited and Koh Brothers Development. A dilemma so many young artists face early in their careers – and understandably many inevitably choose to ‘park the art’ until they have gained financial independence.
Danny then moved into marketing for Singapore Tourism Board and Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts before returning to the arms of the arts. In 2009, 2nd January, he walked into a little black box at McNally Street better known as LASALLE College of the Arts, and spent 6 years involved in marketing the college in Singapore and overseas. He was getting closer to following his dream of being an artist, but hadn’t got there yet.
Photo: Nüwa, Art: Danny Raven Tan
Then in 2010, life threw Danny a curve ball. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His life changed without his permission in a drastic way and here is why Danny is such a remarkable person in my eyes. Not only did Danny catch the curve ball – he hurled it back. His life-changing diagnosis motivated Danny to seriously think about his passion for art. This resilient man was then faced with two more life-changing events; Danny’s father passed away in 2015 and Danny’s mother was diagnosed with dementia.
The Tiffin Gallery has managed to combine the warmth of a home with the professional finish of a gallery. They have invested in gallery-grade lighting and wall hanging systems and regularly welcome art collectors and visitors into their home for private viewings, and as part of public art programmes like the ’Open Homes’ project commissioned by the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2017.
Danny is largely a conceptual painter with impressionistic style using acrylic and mixed media. Much of his work is inspired by the myth of celebrity and icon and his artistic commentary on the values that society places on celebrities, and popular culture and brands. The ‘Undead’ series of paintings are Danny’s responses on how brands, iconic movies, or celebrities ‘live’ forever. One can imagine that there would be several events in Danny’s life that led him to question what it is that will endure beyond each of ‘us’.
Photo: Nüwa, Art: Danny Raven Tan, artwork from The Lotus Series in memory of his father, Mr Tan Kee Leong
The Tiffin Gallery has managed to combine the warmth of a home with the professional finish of a gallery. They have invested in gallery-grade lighting and wall hanging systems and regularly welcome art collectors and visitors into their home for private viewings. Galleries serve to put art on a pedestal and present works of art in a manner that connects the audience and art in a meaningful way – The Tiffin Gallery has certainly achieved this with Danny’s work.
Date: 11 November 2017, 2.30 – 4pm
Tickets: $25 members, $35 non-members
Info and ticket bookings at www.nuwa.sg
Venue: Trehouse Cowork, 442 Orchard Road, #03-01, Singapore 238879
