Copyright Singapore Art Museum

National Museum of Singapore

14 March 2013 – 23 June 2013

Picture standing in front of what appears to be an imitation of an old fashioned water colour poster hanging at the entrance of the National Museum’s Stamford Gallery, with the words ‘Trading Stories: Conversations with Six Pioneering Tradesman’ printed across it.

You then proceed to read the write up in the brochure that tells you that the exhibition harks back to a time when Singapore depended on the trades of poultry farmers, Samsui women, goldsmiths, movie poster painters, letter writers and the like.

What would you expect to follow? Perhaps a curatorial attempt at recreating the old Singapore? Or maybe some elements of a vintage themed arrangement at the very least? Well, you’re in for a surprise. I certainly was.

Instead, what you will be confronted with is a well-thought out juxtaposition of contemporary design and historical content. The narrative is indeed about older generation Singaporeans and trades that are no longer as prevalent in current times, but their stories are set within a very contemporary layout. The boards and frames used and the aesthetic design of the exhibition has a very young feel, and does not at all attempt to steep itself in the antiquities of our past.

I do not intend, in this article, to critically review the exhibition and its curatorial decisions. But there is certainly a bigger picture to take away from it, and that is what is of greater importance in my humble opinion.

This exhibition goes to show that even with the constant emphasis on how young a nation Singapore is, we definitely have enough to make our local art scene rich and meaningful. Singapore is moving at bullet train speed in terms of progress, but that doesn’t mean that our history will be left behind. And what’s more, we no longer need to confine ourselves to making the argument that Singapore needs to try harder to conserve and preserve our history or we’ll lose at the expense of moving forward at the rate we do.

Simply put, the two are not part of a zero sum game. The Trading Stories exhibition at the museum articulates this fact succinctly even in its compact layout. The lesson we take away from this is that given the right environment and the right mindset, the historical and the contemporary can play with each other and interact to create a very wholesome yet dynamic outcome. We just need to learn to use both aspects to each other’s advantage.

Singapore may not have Greek beginnings or a Renaissance development, but we do have a past, even if it doesn’t go very far back. We should appreciate this past and not allow it to get lost, yes, but we must also embrace the future and progress. Without progress, Singapore cannot build a past. Put the two together and Singapore’s art has boundless potential.

Singapore is really behind its artists. Several societies and organizations support and encourage the growth, sustenance and artistic development of its budding talents. Below are some exhibitions, awards and recognitions given to the young artists of Singapore;

Young Artist Award – Sponsored by the National Arts Council of Singapore, the annual Young Artist Award is given to the artists below 35 years of age and who show excellence in any artistic field. First held in 1992, the award has been conferred to 112 young artists coming from all artistic endeavors including film, literary, theater, visual arts, dance and music.

Singapore Contemporary Young Artists – The arts society aims to highlight the up and coming young artists of the country. The organization provides another venue for young artists to showcase their talent. The society was launched in 2008 and has been promoting, supporting and encouraging young artists to conquer bigger audience and participate in world events including the WEYA or World Event Young Artists which it sponsors.

MinimArt – This is an art exhibition organized by Singaporean artists structured to provide support to other artists. The MinimArt exhibition focuses on artworks done by young artists including sculptures, paintings, photography, music, performances, graphics and other disciplines. The exhibition aims to promote the collection of local contemporary arts and the prolific art production among its artists.

The Singapore Show – Future Proof – The Future Proof is the exhibition sponsored by the Singapore Art Museum dedicated to works of young artists. As the title of the show Future, suggests, it is in anticipation of what art has in store for the country’s future, coming from its talented pool of artists. The show honors young artists by its contemporary and fresh concepts, usually based on today’s digital development and other influences. Entrants range from arresting visuals, interesting street arts, innovative photographs and overall futuristic depiction of art.

World Event Young Artists – WEYA is considered one of the major art events for young artists. One thousand artists coming from one hundred countries convene to share and showcase contemporary artworks from different cultures. Aside from getting the chance to show the world of their artworks, artists can also participate in symposiums, seminars and talks coming from virtuosos of the art, giving a once in a lifetime experience.

Even as art is clearly palpable in the city, Singapore is not resting on its achievements. The country believes on the fact that its art future is on the creative geniuses of its youth. With the activities and events dedicated to its future art masters, Singapore is truly on its way of becoming the art authority of Asia.

A piece of art is a reflection of the artist. It represents his beliefs, outlook, emotion and passion. Religion, war and power were very prominent themes of the medieval artists and are reflected in most of the medieval art pieces. Impressionism gave us the tranquility, vibrancy and color of the world as it ushered the 20^th century and long before it faced the harsh realities of inequality and war.

Perhaps one of the most passionate and volatile era of arts came during the dark years leading to and during the two world wars. With the advent of film and photography, some of the most poignant human emotions were captured. War, loss of innocence, pain, suffering, loss of life and racism are few of the powerful subjects of the times.

The Art of Today

What types of art do we have today? The art movement of today is not on the type or on the subject. More than the subjects taken, it is the huge shift from the exclusivity of the rich and learned to the popularity of the masses. Several art forms have emerged together with the boom of the internet technology. Graphic arts are made popular with the amalgamation of photography and technical editing.

Gadgetry has also made it possible for everyone to try their hand in creating arts. Cameras and mobiles have applications that enable users to transform a simple snapshot into something extraordinary. Everyone can be an artist today. All one need is an eye for a good subject, the ability to capture it and the knack for powerful presentation.

Nowadays, you no longer have to visit museums or attend recitals in order to visit art. Advertisements, television shows, products packaging and even the wall paintings on the side of buildings are already recognized as legitimate arts.

New media Arts on Exhibitions

Exhibitions focusing on the new genres of arts are held worldwide to enhance public involvement and appreciation of today’s arts. The Art Taipei 2012 is one exhibition that will showcase contemporary arts of today’s artists. The show is expected to provide artists a chance to showcase their artworks and share diverse and innovative techniques in the rendition of art. More than a gathering of top art movers all over the world, the event aims to gather a collective vision of how the world is reflected in the art form.

Every Mimili artwork tells a story: It’s a representation of the artist’s home, life, environment and beliefs, or a depiction of his surroundings or a map of the streams, clumps of bush or animal sanctuaries relevant to him. A lot of the paintings also symbolize revered places, vibrant cultures and sacred laws. The tribal paintings are characterized with vivid colors, abstract designs, and eye-catching patterns, dotted and natural brushstrokes. The strong tradition base and contemporary timbre of the art genre makes it one of the most stirring artistic revelations of today.

The Mimili Makus have been painting for the last decade or so, but their work only gained due recognition after a woman of 80 years, Milatjari Pumani stated painting. The novelty of the elderly painting paid off and started the interest in the unique paintings that she and her people created.

Today, the Nganampa Art Center serves as a creative haven to Mimili Maku artists. It is an artist center that provides all the support to the proliferation of the arts. Artists of all ages from the surrounding four Aboriginal communities of Perentie Bore, Blue Hills, Wanmara and Sandy Bore come to the center to paint. Children and adults alike enjoy the artist friendly environment in the center.

2012 saw the first Mimili Maku arts exhibition in Singapore. The art show featured important art pieces by the woman who started the ball rolling, Milatjari Punami. Other artists to be showcased are Milatjari’s daughters Betty and Ngupulya Punami, Kathleen Tjapalyi and Tuppy Ngintja to name a few. The Nganampa Art Center director Hannah Grace and some of the artists were also on hand to celebrate the occasion.

The Mimili Maku has quickly taken the art world and is now one of the most sought after works of art by collectors in Australia and the world. The Red Fine Art Gallery of Singapore is the first gallery to officially represent the Mimili Maku outside Australia.

Doubtless, after roughly a decade of formal acknowledgment, Mimili Maku still has a long way to go. But it has successfully captured the bush world and brought its vibrant life and colors to the mainstream art.

The bi-annual art event aims to nurture and encourage Singaporean artists by bringing the art world into the country. This is also to enhance Singapore’s image as the premier art city of Asia, where everyone can live, work and play amidst a vibrant and sophisticated culture.

The Singapore Biennale is open to all interested artists around the world. To be able to join, they need to submit their works of art before the exhibit opens. All submitted and approved works will be properly curated by renowned art curators from Singapore and other countries. The piece has to address the event’s theme and should be relevant to contemporary art enthusiasts as well as seasoned art followers. All art pieces should be in specified form and measurements to ensure fairness among all artist exhibitors. Artworks will not be returned and will then be entered into the Biennale Archive to be kept by the Biennale Secretariat.

The first Singapore Biennale held in 2006 was able to showcase 195 artworks from artists representing 38 countries. The Biennale featured contemporary art of different types including paintings, drawings, photography, performances, new media, publishing, video, wall painting, sound and furniture designing. The art exhibition of 2006 was held in many key venues around the city, including seven religious sites, the City Hall, shopping malls, the National Library and in Singapore’s important museums.

Singapore Biennale: Moving Forward

The next installment to the international art event comes with a theme, If The World Changes, and will be focusing on the roles of Singapore, the South East and whole of Asia in the 21^st century world changes. The fast upheavals coming from the industrial world of early 1900s, decades of massive world wars, fights for peace and the rapid rise and acceptance of the technologically enlightened world, have left artists with a lot of subjects. Asian artists most especially were exposed to different mediums of arts coming from the different cultural heritage of invading countries during the war years. The exhibition will aim to show the world how Singapore and Asia embraced the changes while retaining the best of the past.

The Singapore Biennale has no boundaries and only looks into art as its universal language. It welcomes and pays tribute to the artists of today’s world whose works helped make the world a better and more beautiful place to live.

The exhibition includes works produced by both established and emerging artists. The artworks are further arranged in sub-thematic galleries with carefully selected artefacts (loaned from other institutions and the Singapore’s Asian Civilizations Museum) such as a 20th century Manuscript placed to contrast with Yuree Kensaku’s comic-inspired artworks and a seated Buddha to emphasis the meditative effect of Panya Vijinthanasarn’s “Rebirth of the Buddha”.

The exhibition includes a whimsical “hole-some” I-Jud by Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch that draws both visitors and camera clicks to itself. Besides I-Jud, photographs of interesting characters like a carpenter dressed in what looked like pyjamas taken by Dow Wasiksiri in Chiang Mai two years ago add humour and colour to the otherwise sobering white museum walls. If one is in need of a stimulating discourse, the Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook’s video where a Buddhist monk led a discussion on Western paintings with a group of villagers, again in Chiang Mai, will not fail to amuse you.

The exhibition also includes Rirkrit Tiravanija’s installation where visitors would be given the opportunity at selected times to participate in the art creation and to reflect on water management issues in a room where the walls are built with chalkboards and a disappearing piece supposedly by Pratchaya Phinthong (the artist has mentioned in the “Artists’ Conversation” organised by the museum on the 26th Oct 2012 that he has engaged a young Singaporean to execute the work).

The artworks, though contemporary, reference many Thai’s traditions and myths. Chusak Srikwan’s shadow puppets, made using traditional buffalo’s hide and methods, collectively tell a story twisted from traditional Ramayana and Traiphum tales to poke fun at avarice. In “Free Form Avaricious is a Precious Blessing”, an elephant dies from overconsumption and passed on its greed to the man and woman who consume the elephant.

It is also hard to overlook the influence of Thai Buddhism – its teachings and practices – on Thai art. Buddhacharoen’s “Namo Buddhaya: a path towards the divine light” is a very poignant piece on meditation as one walks in the “footsteps of Buddha”. The original art work was designed to be in a dark room made to look like an interior of a temple and visitors would each be given a candle to explore the embossed symbols and the Buddha’s footprints on the wall as they walk around the gigantic footsteps placed in the centre of the room. A singular leg leaning on a walking stick in the same artwork reminds the visitors that the artist’s legs were severely impaired in an accident eight years ago which perhaps explain the artist’s preoccupation with walking and footsteps. In SAM’s case, although the artwork was modified to a dimly lit room, visitors can still view the intricate markings on the wall that depicts symbolic Buddhist objects such as the dharma wheel.

Unlike Buddhacharoen, Kamin Lertchaiprasert’s reflections are more worldly, light-hearted and less personal. In “Beyond”, the artist cast in bronze and gold 24 statues in various poses but with empty spaces in place of either or both the heart and head, an allegory perhaps that many may practise their faith faithlessly -without heart, mind and soul. His other work, a Buddhist statue moulded completely out of shredded baht notes is a more direct commentary on how wealthy people often attempt to use money in exchange for blessings.

In Thai Transience, one would also see how artists interpret stories and images surrounding Traiphum, sometimes with modern quirky touches such as a Mickey Mouse in Siroj Phuanglohupha’s otherwise traditional and colourful depictions and sometimes with grotesque hellish beings that remind us of the need to make amends and do good as in Thai National Artist, Tawee Ratchaneekorn’s work.

Beyond religion and contemporary issues, there are also personal reflections. Imhathai Suwatthanasilp chooses the human hair as a representation of the impermanence of life as she constructed her works in memory of her father while Prasit Wichaya reminisced on a past love in “Valor” where he filled up a human face he cast using colourful pins, perhaps signifying the prickly nature of love and affections.

The works on display truly demonstrates a wide breadth and diversity of Thai art today. Creative innovations and ideas abound even as the artists explore their religion and heritage. The exhibition will be on from now till Jan 6, 2013.

For more information:

http://www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/

http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Plush/Story/A1Story20121029-380273.html

http://www.artitute.com/2012/10/26/thai-transience-timeless-art-that-expresses-the-temporal/

Singapore’s photography scene is very much alive and kicking. Asia’s premier art hub is able to sustain and encourage the development of its raw artists and photographers through several prestigious photography exhibits and competitions. Here are some of the events that makeup Singapore’s photography art scene;

Singapore International Photography Festival – The six week long event aims to bring the art to the mainstream and to create real connection between the artists, the audience and the collectors. The SIPF will showcase contemporary works of rising and renowned photographers, sponsor workshops to those interested in taking their hobby another notch higher and conduct talks wherein artists will be able to share tips, experience and processes on how they approach photography.

Month of Photography Asia – MOPA is another festival organized in Singapore that aims to showcase the works of Singaporean artists. Usually following a theme, the yearly festival promotes photography as a creative industry and as an art. Aside from the presentation of curated masterpieces, the month-long MOPA also hold workshops, master classes, portfolio reviews, and dialogues with established artists and screenings.

Singapore International Photography Award Exhibition – This is the first photography exhibition organized and held in Singapore. It first exhibition was held in 1957. The festival was able to compile and document the evolution of photography in the country, from the earliest form of darkroom procedures up to today’s advanced photography techniques. SIPA is both an exhibition and a competition, and winning a SIPA award is one of the highest accolades a photographer can achieve.

The Photographic Society of Singapore

The PSS or the Photographic Society of Singapore has been hosting SIPA and other key photography events in the country including the Faces of the World, Children of the World Photography Exhibition, the International Online Digital Photographic Competition and the prestigious Nikon PSS Photo of the Year Competition.

PSS was established in May of 1950 as a camera club by its five founding members. It officially became the Singapore Camera Club with 30 members after two months. It started as a hobby club but is now Singapore’s premier photography authority that aims to continually develop photography as an art that will ably sustain the artists. PSS offers photography courses that cover all areas of photography including studio lighting, basic, fashion, and travel, nature, landscape and creativity programs. Membership to the society also includes access to a clubhouse and facilities and an enthusiastic, encouraging and supportive artist community.

Classical Art Movements

The painted art form has gone through a lot of phases and adopted a lot of styles, and these have a lot to do with the artists of the era. The period of The Renaissance gave us the Mona Lisa, The Creation of Adam and other works of Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Then come the era of Neoclassicism and Romanticism. During these years, the complex influence of literacy, intellect and royalty are reflected in the rich and powerful canvasses of artists like Eugene Delacroix, Philipp Otto Runge and Caspar David Friedrich.

The Period of Modern Art first acknowledged photography as an art. The realism art style dominated this age and gave the art world Gustave Courbet, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Honor Daumier, Thomas Eakins, Jean-Baptiste Simeon Chardin, Jules Breton and Oswald Achenbach. After the reign of the Realism, Impressionism came into rage. Considered radicals, the era violated the academically set standards of art. Landscapes and outdoor scenes are the prominent subjects. Impressionist artists tried to capture and immortalize ordinary scenes of the time. Prominent artists of the age include Claude Monet, Mary Casat, Camille Pissarro and Pierre-Auguste Renior.

The early 20^th century saw an explosion of many art movements that defy the academic standards. Cubism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Dada and Abstract continued to revolutionize the standards of acceptable art. As opposed to the eye-pleasers of the earlier years, this era also presented arresting, fearless and often incomprehensible canvasses. Famous artists that dominated the era are Marc Chagall, Ludwig Kirchner, Salvador Dali, Henri Rousseau, Max Ernst, Edvard Munch and El Greco.

The Time for Pop Art

Early of the 1950’s saw the rise of another art style. Hugely derived from ironical Dadaism, and opposing the highly intellectual Abstract, Pop Art was trust to the art world. It started in England, but it was in the more unconventional United States where the art was first accepted and celebrated.

Pop Art comes from the phrase, Popular Art, and is the complete departure from the Abstract rage. The art style incorporates the use of media arts, film, photography, comics and advertising. Pop art can be in any form, in comic books, advertising copies, printing copies, anime, commercial packages and photography. They can either be created with the use of human talent alone or with the use of mechanical or technological aid. The genre is not all about the artists’ technique or skill; it is mostly on the idea that is being presented.

Pop Art was first conceived as brass and ugly. But while the previous art movements defied the conventional norms and standards of art, Pop Art challenged its verity. The essence of the art style is to find and present beauty in all its form. It successfully described beautiful in every mundane thing we see. Andy Warhol famously described it with a soup can, Takashi Murakami in anime and Burton Morris with popcorn boxes.

What made Pop Art acceptable is its profound simplicity and often arresting presentation. One doesn’t have to be schooled in order to appreciate the message that the artist is trying to impart. This makes the pictures, the photographs, the prints and everything else more enjoyable and beautiful to more people.

So, what really is beautiful and artful? Is it the ethereal rendition of angels or a snap shot of a dove? Is Mona Lisa more beautiful than Marilyn Monroe? Are cats of a lesser subject than sunsets? Pop Art says no, not necessarily. Not when we can see them in their best presentation.

So, is Pop Art better than the other art styles? Maybe yes, maybe no. After all, beauty is still in the eyes of the beholder.

A great diversity of art forms is evident in the museum, from traditional paintings and sculptures to installation art and moving-media. The majority of the exhibitions at the SAM are temporary exhibits showcasing the work of various Singaporean and Asian artists for several months at a time.

If you are in the look out for fresh talents or for less expensive yet quality art pieces, the Affordable Art Fair is the best place for your art hunting.  Aside from giving ordinary people the chance to buy, collect and enjoy art, it also strives to provide young and raw talents a venue to showcase their work. In fact, exceptional works of under 30 emerging artists will be featured in the Young Talent Programme.

The annual Affordable Art Fair of Singapore is already on its third year. It was founded by William Ramsay in 1999 aiming to enliven and support the contemporary arts scene and to provide not so affluent art enthusiasts a chance to buy and collect arts. The first Affordable Art Fair was held in London was able to attract over a million visitors from all over the world. Today, the popular art fair is now being held in key art cities around the world including New York, Seattle, Milan, Mexico City, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Hamburg and London. Singapore hosted the first Asian exhibition of the Affordable Art Fair in 2010.

The affair showcases masterpieces from various art forms including paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures. Fresh and contemporary art pieces, from artists of different genre, experience and orientation will be available for sale. Art enthusiasts without millions of dollars can easily acquire art pieces in the fair. All items will be affordably priced with at least 75% of the art pieces will be under SG $7,500.

To complete the experience of art enthusiasts, the Art Equity is also expected to grace this year’s event and its ranks of art experts will conduct free art talks. The focus of the discussion will mainly be on collecting art, starting a collection and basic art assessment and appraisal. Visitors can also listen to lectures on the contemporary art scene of Singapore.  Aside from talks, visitors can enjoy a hands-on art demonstration and workshop to be hosted by renowned artists. The fair will also showcase the works of Singaporean artists.

The exhibition has enjoyed big participation with at least 85 galleries participating from 18 countries. The huge turnout provides diverse collection of affordable contemporary art. Everyone is invited to the Affordable Art Fair. Guests will enjoy and be inspired by artworks from galleries all over the world. There is sure to be one piece that will catch the eye, suit the budget and have a perfect place at home.