Five Questions with Singaporean Pop Artist Andre Tan
Check out his animated artworks at Avenue Medical, and treat yourself to a little pick-me-up while you're there.
If you happen to be in town for the weekend, pop by Avenue Medical for a colourful surprise. Located in Ngee Ann City, the aesthetic clinic is currently showcasing the artworks of Singaporean pop artist Andre Tan in their gallery space. You’ll recognise familiar characters like Astro Boy, SpongeBob and Hello Kitty as they're chaotically replicated and mashed with luxury logos in vibrant and fun tableaux. It’s pretty wild. Tan tells us more at a recent meet and greet:
Pop culture is heavily featured in your art. Is there a reason why?
I am fascinated by 1960s pop artists and their works, especially the bold colours and found imagery they used. This style of art captured my attention back when I was a student and it continues to resonate with me. Artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein transformed everyday objects and pop culture icons into high art using a striking visual language rooted in mass media. This made their art not only visually impactful but also conceptually rebellious, blurring the lines between art and product. My appreciation for this style shows a deep connection to both the aesthetic and cultural context of the pop art movement, where imagery and colour became a powerful tool of expression and commentary on modern life.
Which pop culture subject has been your personal favourite to work on?
Childhood cartoon characters have always been my favourite subjects to explore. They hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of a time when life was carefree and full of imagination. They were my first introduction to visual storytelling and colour theory. These characters sparked my creativity at an early age; they remind me of why I fell in love with art in the first place. They are a bridge between my past and present, and they continue to shape how I see and create my art to this day.
Tell us about Mr Cool Lee #1 from your most recent series.
Mr Cool Lee #1 is a mixed media painting that employs large-format hand stencilling technique to depict early migrants of Singapore in a contemporary context. Inspired by archival photographs, the artwork blends historical imagery with present-day elements, fostering a dialogue between the past and the present. It honours the heritage and traditions of the early migrants while illustrating how their values resonate in today's multicultural society.
In this series, coolies and samsui women are depicted in scenes of manual labour while carrying designer wares such as Hermès Birkin bags, shopping bags and Nike Jordan sneakers or holding basketballs — symbols of leisure and consumerism that contrast with the hardships and limited opportunities for recreation that they faced in the past. It provides a commentary on the changing Maslow hierarchy of needs, reflecting a shift from working purely for survival towards aspirations for a higher quality of life. Through its visual narrative, the artwork emphasises the continuity and adaptation of cultural traditions, bridging past experiences with present-day realities. It encourages appreciation for the diverse heritage that shapes modern Singapore, prompting reflection on the significance of cultural legacy in personal and community identity.
Which artists have influenced your work?
My artistic practice is primarily influenced by the pioneering figures of 1960s Pop Art, most notably Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, whose use of bold colours, commercial imagery and graphic precision continues to shape my visual language. Additionally, I draw significant inspiration from James Rosenquist's dynamic compositions and surreal juxtapositions, Robert Rauschenberg's experimental approach to mixed media and assemblage, and the raw gestural expressiveness of Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Besides these foundational figures of western Pop Art , I’m also drawn to contemporary interpretations of the genre, particularly within the Japanese Superflat movement founded by Takashi Murakami. Murakami's work, along with artists like Yoshitomo Nara, has significantly influenced the way I think about colour, surface, and the line between fine art and pop culture. This movement's seamless integration of fine art and commercial aesthetics resonates strongly with my interest in image reproduction, cultural symbolism and visual accessibility.
How do you see your work evolving in the future?
My work is deeply rooted in observation and reflection, often drawing from everyday encounters and the world around me. I see my practice evolving as a continuous form of visual documentation — like a diary, capturing fragments of life, emotions and thoughts. Whether it's a verse from a song, a walk down town, or an image I come across online, these moments spark ideas that blossom into new works.
I also hope to explore new mediums that challenge my current ways of expression, perhaps diving into sculptures, digital formats, or even installation work. Thematically, I'm drawn to exploring concepts like memory, identity, and the intersection of personal and collective experience. I am looking forward to continuing this organic, curiosity-driven journey of making art.
"Childhood cartoon characters have always been my favourite subjects to explore. They hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of a time when life was carefree and full of imagination."
Tan's works will be exhibited at Avenue Medical for the month of May. Be sure to check them out up close, and treat yourself to a little pick-me-up while you're there.
