Melancholic Art of Maurice Chan
Dr. Maurice Chan is passionately spearheading a fundraising initiative to support the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN) by selling his diverse collection of artworks. Ranging from delicate ink creations on rice paper to textured expressions in oil and enriched with skillful calligraphy, each piece contributes to the cause of advancing palliative care in the Asia Pacific region. By purchasing one of Maurice's artworks, patrons not only acquire a unique piece of artistic brilliance but also directly contribute to the APHN's mission, making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. This collaboration between art and philanthropy aims to foster compassion and create a lasting legacy of support for palliative care advocacy.
All artworks are priced at SGD$1,999 (USD$1,500). Donate to Maurice's campaign today!
Words from Maurice
I explore the themes of desolation and alienation in modern society. Confronting these emotions can lead to reconciliation and consolation. As Robert Burton said, “Melancholy can be overcome only by melancholy”. Through these works, viewers are invited to reflect on their own isolation and existence.
Works in ink on rice paper (纸本水墨)
Wild plants series
This series of paintings portrays different aspects of wild plants as metaphors for life struggles. Morphine shows a plantlet tied to a trunk, symbolizing an anxious system that produces pampered youth. Lifelong and Wildflowers depict the resilience and beauty of wild plants, despite their harsh environment.
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Dimensions: 4x2ft
Medium: Ink on rice paper
1 – Wildflowers
2 – 人画鲜花我画枯叶
3 – Lifelong 一生
一生Lifelong (satires series) is an allegory of my life using a typical pot of plant, with young shoots at the bottom, and older leaves at the top, wilted and browned, having endured the effects of the sun and weather. Our lives are like that, keeping the marks of struggles and pain on us as we age. Like this plant, most of us remain insignificant and unremarkable, going from youth to wilt without blooming and without legacy. But such is life, ever tragic, inconspicuous, and filled with regrets.
4 – Morphine
Works in oil
Bergamots
Medium: Oil on canvas
Size: 24x22in
Still-life with flowers
Medium: Oil on canvas
Size: 24x22in
About the Artist
Meet Maurice Chan, a versatile artist mastering the realms of oil painting and Chinese art. Under the mentorship of Wee Shoo Leong since 2014, he refined his skills in oil painting and ventured into Chinese art and calligraphy under Tan Khim Ser from 2016.
Maurice's art has graced prestigious exhibitions, including the 2023 Dr Tan Sze Chor Awards Exhibition and the 2021 Life Art Society Singapore 56th National Day Art Exhibition. His creations also contributed to charitable causes, such as the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN) Online Charity Art Sale.
Noteworthy accolades include the 2022 Life Art Society Singapore 50th Anniversary Contribution Award. Maurice's artworks adorn collections at Parkway Laboratories Singapore and in the hands of private art enthusiasts.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Maurice is an integral part of the Life Art Society, having served as Treasurer in 2017-2018 and 2020-2022. Currently, he holds the position of Vice-President for the term 2023-2024.
Maurice Chan's mastery extends across oil and Chinese ink, reflecting his profound appreciation for traditional and contemporary artistic expressions. Through his art and dedicated service, Maurice continues to make a lasting impact on the vibrant world of visual arts.