Through the eyes of a dandy

Chang has been often compared with the Japanese-French artist Leonard Tsuguharu Foujita (1886-1968), because of his similar approach to blending styles from East and West.

"They were both influenced by Amedeo Modigliani," Keng says. "Foujita's works also feature brief, clean lines - but for me, I feel these lack emotion; Chang's works are full of emotion, brought about by the cultural enhancement and history of the country he grew up in."

Keng says the themes of reclusiveness, pride and homesickness conveyed by Chang's works are likely to touch a chord with contemporary audiences dealing with the fast pace of urban life.