S’porean, 31, with terminal cancer fulfils bucket list wish to hold his own art exhibition at Suntec

A 31-year-old Singaporean artist with terminal cancer will fulfil a long-held ambition with his own exhibition this weekend at Suntec City.

Titled "Canvas of Memories," the exhibition features photographs and illustrations by Pow Jun Yang and runs from Jan. 3 to 5, 2025, at the walkaway between H&M and Uniqlo.

Canvas of Memories

Pow, a graphic designer by trade, was diagnosed with urachal cancer in February 2023.

After exhausting all his options of treatment for the rare disease, he was told mid-way through 2024 that he had about six months left to live.

Speaking to Mothership, Pow said that the exhibition was not just a chance to scratch an item off his bucket list but also an opportunity to say goodbye to his friends, family, and colleagues.

The idea for the exhibition first came up during a conversation with a nurse at the National Cancer Centre.

"She said, you should just write down your bucket list, even if you already have a list in your head. It will be helpful to write it down," recalled Pow.

In December 2024, Pow was connected with Ambulance Wish Singapore, a charity supporting terminally ill patients through granting wishes.

Together, they began putting together "Canvas of Memories".

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While they initially wanted to hold the exhibition towards the end of January, plans for the display were expedited after Pow's condition took a turn for the worse.

"It would've been easy for us to say 'let's delay'," said Kenny Wang, a volunteer at Ambulance Wish Singapore who helped to coordinate and organise the exhibition.

"But for [patients battling cancer] one day is one day."

Singapore-inspired work

As directed by Pow, "Canvas of Memories" will be held in a shopping centre to make it as accessible and down-to-earth as possible for visitors.

The theme runs through much of the artwork on display — Pow's illustrations take inspiration from familiar sights and objects found around Singapore.

"I hope that through my exhibition, people will find — or try to find — what they would like to do in life. That they won't just feel like life is a bore anymore," said Pow.

"I think a lot of people complain about their jobs and how unhappy they are. But through my cancer journey, I've just been telling myself, you know, stop and smell the roses."

Apart from enjoying the artwork, visitors to "Canvas of Memories" can also purchase T-shirts, postcards, tote bags, and even plates printed with Pow's work. Prices range from S$4.90 for postcards to S$21.90 for an 8-inch plate.

All proceeds from the exhibition will be donated to Art Outreach Singapore, helping to support other young artists.

Canvas of Memories

Location: Suntec City, between Uniqlo and H&M

Date: Jan. 3 to 5, 2025

Time: 11am to 8pm

Top image from Pow Jun Yang