Theseus Chan

Profile

Theseus Chan, born in 1961 in Singapore, is a graphic artist celebrated for his trailblazing contributions to visual arts. He founded WORK, a creative studio that has profoundly influenced the graphic design scene in Singapore and globally. Chan is also the mastermind behind WERK Magazine, published since 2000. This publication has redefined the boundaries of design with its avant-garde aesthetics and unconventional use of materials, earning a cult status among design enthusiasts.

Chan’s exceptional talent has been recognised with multiple prestigious D&AD Pencils, underscoring his impact in the field. In 2006, he received the Designer of the Year award from the President’s Design Award, Singapore’s most distinguished design honor. He is the sole Singaporean artist to stage a solo exhibition at Tokyo’s prestigious Ginza Graphic Gallery (ggg).

His works are included in collections from major institutions such as Kunsthaus Göttingen and the Cooper Hewitt in New York, the Smithsonian Design Museum in New York, and the M+, Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture. At Kunsthaus Göttingen, his collaborative projects with Gerhard Steidl were showcased as part of documenta 15, highlighting his innovative approach to print and design. Cooper Hewitt also acquired a poster he designed for a solo exhibition, demonstrating his hands-on and experimental approach to creating tactile, engaging designs.

Theseus Chan’s career is marked by a continuous exploration of the possibilities within print media, pushing the boundaries of graphic design to create unique, impactful works that challenge conventional aesthetics.