Singapore has been appointing various cultural figures from many different creative genres as art ambassadors for the country, and the latest ambassador is pop star JJ Lin.
Lin, a singer and songwriter, has been appointed art ambassador as a part of a program called “My Masterpiece Campaign.” This initiative names art ambassadors from dance, music, writing, film, and many more areas. In turn, the ambassadors select a work of visual art as their favorite, promoting it as the art ambassador to that particular piece.
Lin selected a Singaporean performance artist’s piece “Journey of A Yellow Man No. 11: Multiculturalism” as his artwork of choice. In the piece, the performance artist paints himself yellow and wears a yellow speedo while appearing in different everyday situations. The situations are photographed, many times to surreal results, such as a bright yellow man attempting to hail a taxi amid an otherwise normal downtown scene.
Lin said that he identified with this particular artwork because he often travels to cities far from his home of Singapore in order to share his music and songs. It is often difficult to be a stranger in a strange city, and Lin said that he had a hard time connecting with people as deeply elsewhere than he did in Singapore itself. The “Journey” artwork also reflected how hard it was to fit in when you are different from everyone else around you. Lin also commented on the series’ stillness. Though the bright yellow is riotous, the still photos are often meditations on the contents of the frame. Many scenes depict busy life, filled with new technology and packed schedules, but the man painted in yellow remains unmoving, unchanging.
The “My Masterpiece Campaign” is one of many initiatives created by Singapore officials to help lead up to the grand opening of National Gallery Singapore in November. Art ambassadors named as a part of the “My Masterpiece Campaign” have been naming their favorite artworks ahead of the grand opening. National Gallery Singapore will be the host of the greatest number of artwork from the Southeastern Asia region once it opens. The artwork will be hosted inside two revamped historical buildings — the former Supreme Court and the former City Hall, a nod to the importance of the past and heritage while building toward the future.
Become your own art ambassador by thinking about enrolling in an art class today. Visit SGArtClass.com to learn about all the various art classes offered, all with the option to tailor the lessons to your particular needs or interests. Art students can get valuable input from professional and knowledgeable teachers on projects they’re pursuing for class, while beginners can get the essential skills they need in order to grow as new artists. Perfect for all ages and all careers, our selection of art classes will bring a new understanding and appreciation for art ahead of the opening of National Gallery Singapore.
To learn more about JJ Lin being appointed as an ambassador of art, go to http://www.globalpost.com/article/6650462/2015/09/16/singapores-pop-star-jj-lin-appointed-art-ambassador.