Tan Swie-Hian

Painter

1973, held first art exhibition and has since exhibited works in oil, Chinese ink, acrylic, sculptures, calligraphy and seal engravings; stage and costume designer; 1987, elected Correspondent-Member, The Academy of Fine Arts, Institute of France; 1996, calligraphy in preface to the Museum of World Famous Chinese Artists' Works inscribed on steel and erected at museum entrance; 1998, selected by the United Nations to illustrate a new edition of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Completed gigantic enamel mural and a floor calligraphy in granite, Chinatown subway station, Singapore. Author of 35 publications of poetry, essays, stories, criticisms and translated works including: "The Giant" (1968), his first collection of modern poetry. Recipient of honours and awards: 1978, Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres, France; 1985, Gold Medal, Salon des Artistes Francais, Paris; 1998, Marin Sorescu International Poetry Prize, Romania; Seoul International Calligraphy Gold Medal, Korea/Japan World Cup.