Nathan Tan Yew Wai (b. 1995, Singapore) is a print-based artist whose practice explores the relationship between human intervention and aquatic life within freshwater ecosystems. Grounded in printmaking and extended through installation, sound and kinetic processes, his works examine the entanglement of natural and manmade ecologies.
Drawing from field research and underwater observation, he works across materials such as aluminium and plywood to produce both object-based and spatial installations that reflect on fragility, care and systems of control. His recent projects consider the ethics of ornamental fishkeeping and the consequences of aesthetic-driven intervention.
Tan has exhibited internationally across Germany, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. His work has been selected for the 8th Graphic Art Biennial of Szeklerland (Romania) and the 4th ASEAN Graphic Art Competition and Exhibition (Vietnam).
He is currently completing a BA (Hons) Fine Art with the University of the Arts London at NAFA, supported by the Tan Chin Tuan Scholarship and the NAFA Talent Development Programme and mentored by Thai artist Kitikong Tilokwattanotai.