Before the Unseen: Thomas Ngan's First Solo Exhibition in U.K. & Inaugural Artist Residency Programme at The Whiteley London

16 January - 7 March 2026 London

Overview

“Keep your eyes on that light amidst the unknown, knowing that one day when the fog is cleared, you will find yourself in the garden, surrounded by grace.”

– Thomas Ngan

3812 Gallery is thrilled to present "Before the Unseen", Thomas Ngan's (b.1995) first solo exhibition in the U.K, showcasing the young artist’s dreamlike and mesmerising paintings. Highlighting a body of new works created in 2025, the exhibition endeavours to capture Ngan’s distinctive artistic voice in expressing the uncertainties of reality and the infinite possibilities of life. This exhibition will be on view at our London gallery from 16 January to 7 March 2026.

As the title suggests, “Before the Unseen” encapsulates Ngan’s profound reflections on the inherent "duality" of art — the meticulous interplay between the “visible” and the “invisible”. His paintings unfold captivating narratives, with colours and brushstrokes hinting at deeper stories. Many intangible experiences — such as love, life, grace, or that guiding "light" which shapes our thoughts and perceptions — often lie hidden from view. Ngan aspires to foreground these profound spiritual meanings, enabling viewers to interpret them more deeply and resonate with their essence.

The new works in “Before the Unseen” invite viewers into the “behind-the-scenes” world of Ngan’s artistry. Through his mysterious floral and innocent youthful imagery, his brushstrokes masterfully merge elements of Van Gogh and Monet’s classics, the vibrant hues of Japanese Ukiyo-e, and the unique textures he has acquired from Chinese calligraphy. The artwork is primarily characterised by layered greens and blues, seemingly enveloped in a gentle haze, creating a poetic and melancholic atmosphere. Within this mist, viewers sense the presence of an otherworldly light, radiating romance and elegance, interweaving past, present, and future. This ethereal yet serene atmosphere allows us to transcend reality and step into the fantastical world crafted by the artist.

In both his portraits and floral compositions, where “hope” and “grace” converge, seeking a tranquil yet resolute illumination amidst uncertainty.

Calvin Hui, Co-founder and Chairman of 3812 Gallery, who also serves as the curator of this exhibition, stated:

“Despite his keen sensitivity to colour and texture, Thomas remains understated in his details, embracing fractured yet richly textured surfaces that naturally emerge within clean compositions. These elements amalgamate, creating a cohesive and dynamic visual intersection that thoroughly embodies the curatorial philosophy that 3812 has consistently upheld.”

In 2023, 3812 Gallery Hong Kong presented Ngan’s debut solo exhibition, “We Dream for That Light”, and became his global representative. Over the past two years, Ngan has gradually emerged on multiple international art platforms, including the Treasure House Fair 2024 in London, the Art Central 2024 in Hong Kong, and Taipei Dangdai in 2025.

On the occasion of Ngan’s inaugural solo exhibition in the UK, we are also launching the 3812 Artist Residency Programme, further demonstrating our commitment to fostering the development of young artists.

Ngan is the inaugural participant in the 3812 Artist Residency Programme, which is designed to provide artists with invaluable local experiences in artistic practice and life, while facilitating exchange with other artists. 3812’s new space at The Whitley London will promote meaningful cross-cultural dialogue. The two-month residency will conclude with unveiling a two-metre-high and six-metre-wide monumental work created during his stay in London.