GRACE TAN

With roots in fashion design, Grace Tan is a multi-disciplinary artist and founder of Kwodrent

A multi-disciplinary artist with the Young Artist Award and a slew of showcases under her belt, Grace may come across reserved at first. But when it comes to art—its construction, material and form—a pure and passionate energy unlocks. Her love for material, she says, shaped her creative practice. Yet it's not the material itself that intrigues her, but how its origins, heritage and cultural significance come together to breathe meaning into a piece of art.

“With ‘The Pact’, I was inspired by the idea of having
many parts come together to form a single, cohesive story.”

‘The Pact’ is a conceptual masterpiece suspended above The Clan Hotel’s concierge

Having received support from various gallerists, curators and fellow artists over her years of practice, Grace is no stranger to community. In fact, she wouldn’t be where she is if not for the opportunities from encounters with people like Stephanie Fong, founder of FOST Gallery and long-time gallerist of Grace.

Having worked together for years, Stephanie is often the voice of reason for Grace’s artworks

In her budding days, Stephanie saw beyond her wearable fabric-based works and believed in her potential. She encouraged her creative exploration while shedding different perspectives to her artworks. In fact, you know a true friendship is formed when one eventually designs a wedding outfit for the other. After all, it was the knowledge that they had each other’s best interests at heart, that truly bonded them.

This is why when Grace initially read the phrase ‘stronger together’ on the manifesto of The Clan Hotel, she was inspired to translate the abstract concept of ‘community’ into something tangible. She was reminded of clan associations from yesteryear—drawing inspiration from their poignant stories of kinship, as well as her own personal experiences with her community.

"Imagine entering into a new space, looking at a piece of art
and being inspired to reflect on its meaning."

Suspended above the concierge, 'The Pact' is a structural feat inspired by a paper-folding technique called the Golden Venture. This geometric origami technique was birthed from a group of Chinese migrants who found themselves in a foreign land, quite like the migrants who settled in the Telok Ayer district—an apt metaphor for the coming together of communities in a beautiful medley.

Spot the artwork when you stay with us at The Clan Hotel Singapore.

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'The Pact’ hanging from the ceiling of The Clan Hotel

Grace has collaborated with local names such as the Asian Civilisation Museum and Singapore Biennale, as well as international partners in Berlin, Hong Kong and Japan. Grace was also awarded the President’s Design Award in 2012 and Young Artist Award in 2013.