Nathan Tan Yew Wai (b. 1995, Singapore) is a research-led contemporary artist whose expanded print 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 work examines the entanglement of natural and human-made ecologies. Drawing from field research and underwater observation, he works across materials such as aluminium and plywood to create 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 presented solo exhibitions including Flowerhorn Fever: The Search for Luck (2025), presented by Con-Temporary Art at JW PROJECTS; Traces Beneath (2025) at Bank of Singapore; and Blue Imprint: FEEDfragileBACK (2022) at Art Outreach. He has exhibited internationally across Germany, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. His public art commissions include Where Tigers Once Roamed (2026) for Tan Kah Kee Station (Downtown Line) and When This Sungei Ends (2026) for Kovan Station (North East Line), both commissioned by the National Arts Council and Land Transport Authority under the Art in Transit programme, as well as Aqua-Scape – Our Freshwater Home (2023), commissioned by NAFA and Resorts World Sentosa for S.E.A. Aquarium, Singapore.
He graduated with a BA (Hons) Fine Art from the University of the Arts London at NAFA, where he was supported by the Tan Chin Tuan Scholarship and the NAFA Talent Development Programme, and was mentored by Thai artist Kitikong Tilokwattanotai.