Profile

Photo courtesy of Yap Wai Leong
Tan Sei Hon (b.1975) has curated for the National Art Gallery, Tourism Malaysia, RHB Bank, Maybank, Soka Gakkai and a number of private galleries in the Klang Valley. Notable exhibitions include the retrospective for Malaya's First National Painter and founder of batik as fine art, Datuk Chuah Thean Teng@Teng (2008), the design section of Malaysia's Seniman Negara (National Art Laureate) Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal’s retrospective (2009). He was the guest curator for Malaysia’s Tokoh Cetakan Long Thien Shih's survey exhibition 'Man of the Times' (2014) and the celebrated painter of Peranakan-themed subject matter, Sylvia Lee Goh's 'Then And Now:The Enduring Heart' (2015). He also curated Sasterwan Negara (National Laureate) A. Samad Said’s solo exhibition ‘Black and Red: The Art of Pak Samad’ for a private gallery in 2015.
Sei Hon has curated more than 40 exhibitions (group and solo) and has contributed writings to PETRONAS Gallery (New Objections), the Museum of Arts and Crafts Zagreb (Syed Ahmad Jamal-Guru of Colour) and Bank Negara Malaysia’s Museum and Art Gallery (The Unreal Deal-Six Decades of Malaysian Abstract Art).
C.V
Education
2001
Bachelor of Applied and Creative Arts
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Grants / Awards / Appointments
2024/25
2009
2007
2005
Malaysian Bar Council Art and Law Committee
‘Anugerah Khidmat Cemerlang’ (Outstanding Service Awards)
Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture
‘Skim Latihan Penggiat Seni’ for the project ‘Using Art as Therapy'
Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage
Grant recipient for the project ‘ K.L Sing-Song 2005’
Art’s Network Asia (ANA)
Employment
2022-Present
Dasein Academy of Art
Full time lecturer & curator
Part-Time Lecturer (2011-2022)
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Malaysian Art History
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General / Western Art History
-
Organize, manage and curate exhibitions
2017-2023
Balai Seni Menara Maybank
Guest curator and consultant
2014-2022
Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA)
Part-time lecturer, Fine Art Dept
2012-2013
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Lectures on Malaysian art and general western art history
-
Weekly lessons, exam questions and marking
-
Visits to galleries and museums
Galeri Petronas (GP)
Executive, PETRONAS Art Collection (PAC)
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Manage the PAC
-
Speeches, forewords etc
2007-2012
Selected Curatorial Work
2024
LIFE, ART AND WRITINGS
Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) , Wisma Kebudayaan SGM. K.Lumpur
d’ Gallery, Dasein Academy of Art. K. Lumpur
New Perspectives
d’ Gallery, Dasein Academy of Art. K. Lumpur
d’ Gallery, Dasein Academy of Art. K. Lumpur
The Graphic Art of Felipe Taborda
d’ Gallery, Dasein Academy of Art. K. Lumpur
d’ Gallery, Dasein Academy of Art. K. Lumpur
2023
A look at the ideas behind selected works from the ‘Fire That Burns Again: A Ceramic Exploration by Kim Ng
d’ Gallery, Dasein Academy of Art. K. Lumpur
d’ Gallery, Dasein Academy of Art. K. Lumpur
d’ Gallery, Dasein Academy of Art. K. Lumpur
d’ Gallery, Dasein Academy of Art. K. Lumpur
Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank K. Lumpur
The Calligraphic Expressions of Ong Chia Koon
d’ Gallery, Dasein Academy of Art. K. Lumpur
A Journey Within
d’ Gallery, Dasein Academy of Art. K. Lumpur
A Celebration of the Good Life
Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank K.Lumpur
2022
HARI HARI MALAYSIA
A Collection of Wordless Comics celebrating Merdeka and Nationhood
Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank, K.Lumpur
2021
A My TIGER Values Tribute to Merdeka and Malaysia
Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank, K.Lumpur
2020
5th Solo Exhibition by Mohd Yusoff Osman
Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia, K.Lumpur
A Tribute to Merdeka and Malaysia
Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank, K.Lumpur
An Exposition of Non-Figurative Art
Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank, K.Lumpur
2019
Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank, K.Lumpur
Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank, K.Lumpur
Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank, K.Lumpur
Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank, K.Lumpur
Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank, K.Lumpur
2018
Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank, K.Lumpur
THE WORKS OF VONG NYAM CHEE
Blue Space, National Art Gallery, K.Lumpur
Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank, K.Lumpur
Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank, K.Lumpur
2017
Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank, K.Lumpur
Third Solo Exhibition by Marisa Ridzuan Ng
Creative Space 1, Balai Seni Negara (NAG) , K. Lumpur
Creative Space 1, National Art Gallery, K.Lumpur
Balai Seni Maybank, Menara Maybank, K.Lumpur
Selected works 1997 - 2017
Creative Space 3, Balai Seni Negara (NAG), K.Lumpur
RHB Bank HQ, K.Lumpur
2016
A Solo Exhibition by Cheong Tuck Wai
HOM Art Trans, K.Lumpur
A showcase of Naive Style, Self Taught and Outsider Art Malaysia
Galeri Shah Alam
Creative Center, Balai Seni Negara, K.Lumpur
HOM Art Trans, K.Lumpur
2015
A group exhibition featuring 15 self-taught artists
City Gallery, K.Lumpur
Xin Art Space, K.Lumpur
Xin Art Space, K.Lumpur
Balai Seni Negara (NAG), K.Lumpur
Xin Art Space, K.Lumpur
Joint charity exhibition organized by Xin Art Space and Art Expo Malaysia
Xin Art Space, K.Lumpur
A Celebration of Malaysian Outsider, Naive and Self-Taught Art
2014
Xin Art Space, K.Lumpur
Sepanjang Zaman / Man Of The Times
Balai Seni Negara (NAG), K.Lumpur
Solo Exhibition by Kim Ng
Wei-Ling Gallery, K. Lumpur
A mini exhibition in conjunction with the Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival at KLPAC
Xin Art Space, K.Lumpur
An exhibition of works by Angeloh Guik Choo and Chekri Mansor
City Gallery, K.Lumpur
As Curator of the Balai Seni Negara (NAG)
2012
An exhibition showcasing the works of active members of the NVAG
Balai Seni Negara (NAG), K.Lumpur
2011
An exhibition of selected works from the National Collection in conjunction with the celebration of Labor Day
Balai Seni Negara (NAG), K.Lumpur
2010
A showcase of works by self-taught artists and outsiders
Balai Seni Negara (NAG), K.Lumpur
Design section of SAJ’s retrospective exhibition
2009
Balai Seni Negara (NAG), K.Lumpur
An exhibition of Informal art, Naïve Style and Beyond
2008
Balai Seni Negara (NAG), K.Lumpur
An overview exhibition of the ‘Father of Modern Batik Art’
*Co-curated with Ms. Lim Ai Woei
Balai Seni Negara (NAG), K.Lumpur
Selected Writings (2003 - Present)
2024
Curator's essay
A Retrospective: Chew Teng Beng — Life, Art and Writings
Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM), Wisma Kebudayaan SGM. KL
2023
MY MALAYSIA: A SPECIAL KIND OF WONDERFUL
Curator's essay
Balai Seni Menara Maybank
Guest writer
2021
SENIKINI
Guest writer
SENIKINI
DENGAN KASIH DAN HARAPAN
Curator's note
Dengan Kasih dan Harapan: A MyTIGER Values Tribute to Merdeka and Malaysia Day 2021
Balai Seni Menara Maybank
2020
Guest writer
SENIKINI
Guest writer
HOM Art Trans
SAYANG MENYAYANG: A Tribute to Merdeka and Malaysia.
Curator's essay
Balai Seni Menara Maybank, Maybank KL
Curator's essay
2019
Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia, KL
PAINTING BATIK: AN EXHIBITION AND TRIBUTE
Curator's essay
Balai Seni Menara Maybank, Maybank KL
Curator's essay
Balai Seni Menara Maybank, Maybank KL
THE JOYS OF MELUKIS
Curator's essay
MELUKIS
Balai Seni Menara Maybank, Maybank KL
CURATOR’S NOTE
Curator's essay
MerdekaMalaysiaMillennial
Balai Seni Menara Maybank, Maybank KL
2018
Guest writer
Hidden Beyond Yesterday: Azam Aris-10 Years & Now
Hom Art Trans
Guest writer
PURE Painting: An Exposition of Non-Figurative Art
Balai Seni Menara Maybank KL
LIVING TOGETHER AT 55: MALAYSIA AT A CROSSROADS
Curator's essay
Hidup Bersama: Malaysia@55
Balai Seni Menara Maybank KL
CURATOR’S NOTES
Curator's essay
RRRWARRR!!! Maybank’s Emerging Women Artists Show 2018
Balai Seni Menara Maybank KL
2017
Curator's essay
Art with a Heart: Act of Kindness
RHB Bank HQ. Jalan Tun Razak KL
Guest writer
‘Gan Siong King: Meeting People is Easy’ An Open Studio project
Artist's studio KL
MEDITATIONS ON THE HUMAN CONDITION-THE SCULPTURES OF CHIN WAN KEE
Curator's essay
Sculpturing is Meditative by Chin Wan Kee: Selected Works 1997-2017
Creative Space 3, Balai Seni Negara (NAG), KL
Guest writer
The Unreal Deal: Six Decades of Malaysian Abstract Art
Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery, KL
BADRUDDIN’S EMANSIPASI - Continuing the struggles of the Modern Artists of the Merdeka
Generation.
Curator's essay
Balai Seni Maybank, Maybank HQ, KL
Curator's essay
Creative Space 1, Balai Seni Negara (NAG), KL
SMALL WORKS, BIG STATEMENT: 4TH SOLO EXHIBITION BY HAMIR SOIB
Guest writer
Small Work by Hamir Soib
Segaris Art Center, KL
Guest writer
‘Young Guns 2016’ Triennial Award and travelling exhibition
Segaris Art Center, KL
2016
IMAGES OF MALAYSIAN LIFE MADE FROM THE HEART
Guest writer
Art with a Heart: Images of Life exhibition by RHB Bank
National Visual Arts Gallery, KL
Curator's essay
‘IMPERIUM: A Solo Exhibition by Shafiq Nordin
HOM Art Trans, KL
THE LINGERING PRESENCE OF HOME
Curator's essay
Linger: A Solo Exhibition by Cheong Tuck Wai
HOM Art Trans, KL
MOHD. YUSOFF OSMAN: THE ARTIST BEHIND THE VOLKSWAGEN
Guest writer
Alamiah 2: Homage to Nature- A Solo by Yusoff Osman
Published by ITB (2016) in conjunction with theexhibition at The Penang State Gallery.
2015
Guest writer
Singular Rhapsody: A Celebration of Self Taught, Naive and Outsider Art
Xin Art Space, KL
Proposal writer
Proposal for the National Visual Arts Gallery
Commissioned by the Research and Development Department of the NVAG.
Curator's essay
Xin Art Space, KL
Curator's essay
SYLVIA LEE GOH Then and Now: The Enduring Heart
Balai Seni Negara (NAG), KL
IS ‘WORK’ REALLY A FOUR-LETTER WORD?
Curator's essay
Peasants and Proletariats: A Print Art Exhibition Tribute to Workers
Xin Art Space, KL
SHADES OF BLACK AND RED: The Art of Pak Samad
Curator's essay
Xin Art Space, KL
THOUGHTS FROM THE (P) RESIDEN: THE ISSUE BASED ART OF FADHLI ARIFFIN
Guest writer
2014
HOM Art Trans, KL
Guest writer
Malaysian Emerging Artist Winners Showcase 2013/2014
Published by Galeri Chandan and Hom Art Trans, KL
Curator's essay
Long Thien Shih Man of the Times
Published by Galeri Chandan and Hom Art Trans, KL
Guest writer
Syed Ahmad Jamal Guru of Color: Pelukis
Zagreb, Croatia
GAME ON
Guest writer
RA Fine Art, Publika, KL
2013
D IS FOR DONALD
Guest writer
Unpublished
2012
Guest writer
Art Malaysia #20
Guest writer
SENIKINI #17
TERIMA KASIH DAUN KELADI - NURIMAN AMRI
Guest writer
SENIKINI #17
MALAYSIAN EMERGING ARTIST (MEA) - An Introduction
Guest writer
SENIKINI #17
CHARLES CHAM: THE MAN BEHIND THE PAINTED FACES
Guest writer
SENIKINI #17
UNITY IN FUSION
Guest writer
The 3rd annual exhibition of the members of Malaysian Artists Society
University of Malaya Art Gallery, KL
THE FANTASTICAL AND PRIMORDIAL WORKS OF CHANG YOONG CHIA
Guest writer
SENIKINI #16
AMRON OMAR: PERTARUNGAN
Guest writer
Art Malaysia #18
Guest writer
A Meter Diameter: The Circle’ series of exhibitions
HOM Art Trans, KL
ALI MABUHA: THE EMBODIMENT OF THE SPIRIT OF ANAK ALAM
Guest writer
2011
Art Malaysia #17
Guest writer
SENIKINI #14
THE 14 TH ASIAN ART BIENNALE BANGLADESH 2010
Guest writer
SENIKINI #10
2010
BEREHATLAH! BECAUSE WORK IS NOT ‘WORKING’!
Curator's essay
Unpublished
Guest writer
Long Thien Shih: Dalang (1990-2010)
RA Fine Arts, K.L
Guest writer
Young Malaysian Artists
Petronas Gallery, K.L
2009
ARTIST AS DESIGNER
Guest writer
‘Syed Ahmad Jamal: Pelukis’ catalogue/ book for retrospective exhibition
Balai Seni Negara (NAG), KL
DISCOVERING SERENITY
Guest writer
Book of paintings by Tan See Ling
LOUDER THAN WORDS: Leon Lim, Our Man in New York
Guest writer
SENIKINI #4
‘URBANSCAPES 2009: Multi Art and Pop Culture Festival
Guest writer
Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC), KL
TLG UNDER THE TURKISH SUN
Guest writer
SENIKINI #3
BACKWASHED AT THE MALACCA RIVERSIDE
Guest writer
SENIKINI #3
SUGGESTIONS OUT OF THE ‘TEMPURUNG’: Liew Kung Yu’s Cadangan-Cadangan Untuk Negaraku
Guest writer
2008
SENIKINI #3
TENG, A PATRIOTIC MALAYSIAN
Curator's essay
Teng: An Appreciation
Balai Seni Negara (NAG), KL
ON THE CORNER: AN EXHIBITION OF INFORMAL ART, NAIVE STYLE and BEYOND
Curator's essay
Susurmasa (Timelines) - (under the contemporary arts section)
Balai Seni Negara (NAG), KL
TURNING WORDS INTO IMAGES/ PUTTING A FACE ON 'THE UNKNOWN'
Curator's essay
RA Fine Arts Gallery, KL
2007
HE PAINTS LIKE A MAN GOING UP HILL, SINGING...
Guest writer
DIDADA - Fathullah Luqman Yussuf's solo exhibition
Galeri Pelita Hati, KL
DAVID TAY: BUILDINGS AND TREES
Guest writer
SENTAP Issue #6
2006
ULANGTAYANG: VARIATION IN REPETITION - EXHIBITION REVIEW
Review essay
Exhibition by Rahmat Haron & Fathullah Luqman
SENTAP Issue #4
SE’BIAS’ KATA
Guest writer
ULANGTAYANG: VARIATION IN REPETITION
2005
Pelita Hati House of Art, KL
PASTICHE PHILOSOPHY
Guest writer
KLUE Magazine Issue #80
BANGAR FIGHT CLUB: LIGHTWEIGHTt vs. HEAVYWEIGHT
Guest writer
kakiseni.com
2004
HARON RAHMAT: “AKU MAT BUNGA DARI SELAMBAK HAPAK, RABAK-KUTU BERKAHAK"
Guest writer
reka-art.com
ANIMAL INSTINCT IN EDEN
Guest writer
Kakiseni.com
TRASH AND THE CITY
Guest writer
Kakiseni.com
AUTONOMY IN SETAPAK
Guest writer
A SURVIVAL COURSE FOR CREATIVITY IN A HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT
Culture Europe International issue #43
Guest writer
kakiseni.com
S3, AN ART COLLECTIVE THAT WANTS TO REDEFINE ARCHITECTURE
Guest writer
kakiseni.com
2003
TICKETS TO NEWTON'S FUNFAIR?
Guest writer
kakiseni.com
THE CRISIS OF CARI MAKAN
Guest writer
Published by Yayasan Kesenian Perak, Ipoh, Perak
ANTALOGI ANTI PERANG
Guest writer
Published by Yayasan Kesenian Perak, Ipoh, Perak