Joe Fan’s Curiosities invites us into an arcadia in which we might see ourselves reflected amongst the swirling paths, mountain roads and garden gates.

‘During the process of working on this series, I set myself a personal challenge of observing my day-to-day life as the foundation of turning the everyday into something more whimsical. It was a challenge I enjoyed, with many ideas coming to me during the short walk from my home to the studio. I’m not sure where the swirling paths, mountain roads and garden gates are leading me – but I certainly know it has led me from my studio to someplace I can call my own. Now… what am I going to paint today?’ – Joe Fan

Joe Fan

Born: 1962

Place of Birth: Hong Kong

Joe Fan, born in Hong Kong in 1962, came to Scotland to study Graphic Design at Aberdeen College of Commerce. He was then advised by an Aberdeen College lecturer to apply for a place at Gray’s School of Art to study Fine Art. Joe Fan presented a new group of paintings with The Gallery in October 2022, entitled Joe Fan’s Curiosities as part of our Autumn programme of exhibitions Scratching the Surface.

After successfully gaining a place at Gray’s, one of his teachers was Gordon Bryce. Following graduation in 1988, Joe won the Miller Homes Young Scottish Artist of the Year, and was sent to Paris to spend time at the Cité Internationale des Arts from 1989–1990. From 1990–1997, Joe returned to Aberdeen and became a Lecturer at Gray’s School of Art in Drawing and Painting. During this period, Joe also spent time as a visiting lecturer at Cyprus College of Art, Paphos in 1994. Joe Fan has been a full-time artist since 1997 based in Aberdeen.

Joe Fan’s Curiosities

Joe Fan

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