In July 2025, The Red Pencil (Singapore) had the privilege of spending time with local artist Chen Yi Quan at his studio along Upper Paya Lebar Road. He spoke warmly of his craft, his hopes, and his excitement for the future. Little did we know, that visit would become a cherished memory. 

We were deeply saddened to learn of Yi Quan’s passing in January 2026. With the kind permission of his cousin, Harry Koh, we are honoured to share excerpts from what would become his final conversation with us. It’s a poignant reminder of the heart and soul he poured into his art. 

Yi Quan’s works will be on display at our Art to HeART Charity Art Exhibition at The Culture Story from 10 to 12 April 2026, 12noon to 6pm. Admission to the exhibition is free. 

1.  Hi Yi Quan! Would you like to share with us what mediums you primarily work with? 

In my 10 years as an artist, it’s acrylic paint all the way. That’s my forte. I tried oil painting once. Clay art – I have never tried it, but I would love to represent clay artists. There is a local clay artist, Lim Kim Hui, who is extremely talented, along with his wife. He has a healthy crowd of students.

2. Who are some artists that have influenced you? 

My biggest inspiration is veteran Chinese ink artist Lim Tze Peng, who passed away at the age of 103. In 2022, when I was still a draftsman, I spent about two months at Lim Tze Peng’s place. I was given free rein to select images from his 1982 catalogue, mostly his Chinatown shophouses and kampong scenes.

During that time, he will be in his room, I will be working on the outlines at his stairwell. Occasionally, he will come out of his room to munch on some biscuits. What he really taught me was the importance of lines and outlines, 线条. It was an interesting dynamic because he spoke in terms of Western oil painting, while the colour was all Chinese ink. It’s psychology and perception, how we perceive things. There’s continuity. Even though the lines, or the brush might be broken, there is still continuity and beauty.

3. Have you always used this space as your art studio? 

I won’t call this my gallery, but yes, I started this space. I want to look forward; the past is history. At Tai Seng, I rented a smaller studio for one year, then another studio for six months at Chinatown Pearl’s Hill, near the old police station. Now the government is taking back the Pearl’s Hill area.

“Even though the lines, or the brush might be broken, there is still continuity and beauty."

4. Having studied psychology in university, what are your thoughts on art therapy?

My psychology knowledge is a little rusty (laughs), but I remember this term ‘Gestalt’ till today – the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s like The Beatles, they are a good real-world example of Gestalt. Same for art therapy, there is the art therapist, the client, parents. I also believe the relationship between people goes beyond the canvas, it’s about conversation.