Joe Fan, born in Hong Kong in 1962, came to Scotland to study Graphic Design at Aberdeen College of Commerce. He progressed to study Fine Art at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, where he gained a 1st Class Honours Degree. Following graduation in 1988, Fan won the Miller Homes Young Scottish Artist of the Year and was sent to Paris to spend time at the Cite Internationale des Arts from 1989-1990.

From 1990-1997, Fan returned to Aberdeen to become a lecturer in Drawing and Painting at Gray’s School of Art. During this period, he also spent time as a visiting Lecturer at Cyprus College of Art, Paphos in 1994.In 1997, Fan left his role as a Lecturer to pursue a full time career as an artist.In 2003, Joe was elected to be a Royal Scottish Academy Academician.