An Artist's Heartfelt Farewell

In a poignant display of artistic expression and a heartfelt farewell, graphic designer Mr. Pow Jun Yang is staging his own art exhibition in Singapore as he fights a terminal diagnosis.

At just 31 years old, this emerging artist was given a grim prognosis of approximately three months to live after doctors discovered he had stage 4 urachal cancer, a rare form of the disease deriving from remnants of the urachus, a fetal structure normally closing before birth.

A Wish Fulfilled

This devastating news transformed Mr. Pow’s lifelong dream of hosting an art exhibition from a mere ambition to a pressing item on his bucket list. Diagnosed in early 2023, he pursued multiple treatment avenues, including several grueling chemotherapy sessions, but unfortunately found no relief.

Initially optimistic about defeating the disease due to his youth, Mr. Pow’s hope dwindled as each treatment failed. Doctors extended his life expectancy, but he consistently surpassed their expectations, even as he navigated the daunting reality of his condition. "I just tell myself to take each day at a time,” he reflected.

Realizing a Dream

With a three-month outlook given in November, he felt an urgency to actualize his dream. Reaching out to the charity Ambulance Wish Singapore (AWS), his sister helped coordinate the logistics of his solo exhibition titled "Canvas Of Memories – Jun Yang Pow", taking place at Suntec City from January 3 to 5, 2024.

A Living Funeral

Mr. Pow describes the exhibit as akin to "a living funeral." He relishes the opportunity to showcase his work to family, friends, and peers, viewing it as a symbolic farewell. "It’s like my last ditch at life," he shared with deep emotion.

The Exhibition

The exhibition will feature 56 captivating pieces, ranging from digital illustrations to photographs capturing his journeys. Notably, his blue and white series draws on traditional ink-washed painting styles, depicting iconic Singaporean scenes.

Supporting a Cause

To add a meaningful layer to his exhibit, Mr. Pow is selling merchandise including t-shirts and mugs, with proceeds supporting Art Outreach, a charity dedicated to fostering a love for the arts within Singapore.

Creating Priceless Moments

Mr. Pow's story resonates deeply in the community, prompting AWS’s executive director Marya Malek to highlight the importance of such initiatives. Since its inception in 2019, AWS has granted approximately 300 wishes, ranging from special gatherings with loved ones to fulfilling personal aspirations, often creating priceless moments for individuals and families facing terminal diagnoses.

Hope Amid Struggle

Beyond Mr. Pow's story, AWS has facilitated poignant memories for others too, such as arranging a yacht cruise for a bedridden man and enabling a daughter to bring forward her wedding for her ailing father. Each wish granted brings joy and comfort, as families savor fleeting moments together in the face of mortality.

Embracing Life

Despite his grim reality, Mr. Pow insists he holds onto a flicker of hope. "I still have a slight hope – and slim chance – that a miracle may happen," he expressed. In his moments of reflection amid life's fragility, his message resounds: “Don’t waste your time. Savor each moment to discover your passions and pursue them fervently, no matter how small.”

Details of the Exhibit

This profound exhibition is free to the public and will run daily from 11 am to 8 pm, located in the walkway between Uniqlo and H&M at the West Wing of Suntec City. The showcase serves as both an artistic celebration and a heartfelt farewell, encouraging attendees to embrace the beauty of life, art, and connection.