All Posts by Smiley Admin

0 National Gallery Singapore cafe courts controversy with show’s closing

Two young siblings who are part of an art collective formed by their family have been disappointed by the sudden closure of their exhibit that was to be held in a cafe housed inside the newly opened National Gallery Singapore.

The cafe in question, Gallery & Co, says that a misunderstanding and mishandling of the exhibit, primarily the stipulation that National Gallery Singapore must approve any and all exhibits that are displayed on its property. Gallery & Co cafe apparently did not secure that approval prior to inviting the brother and sister duo to display their joint art pieces inside the cafe space.

In a Facebook message, Gallery & Co apologized for the abruptness of the show’s cancellation and explained that while National Gallery Singapore had approved the theme of the exhibit, which explored the siblings’ relationship and how they inspired each other creatively, the gallery hadn’t approved the format of the exhibit, which included canvas artworks hanging on the wall.

Many people in the art community, including the siblings’ artistic parents, decried the treatment of the exhibit, calling National Gallery Singapore’s actions authoritarian and criticizing the fact that the gallery had refused to be flexible and allow the exhibit, which had to be taken down after just a few days of being installed. The exhibit had initially been scheduled to be on display throughout January. Critics also brought up the fact that the children, Renn and Aira, had been working very hard on the exhibit, juggling their artwork with schoolwork. Renn was even splitting his time with important exams at his school

Gallery & Co is a boutique retailer that also features a cafe that sells food products. National Gallery Singapore said that the cafe space is actually not permitted to display art, and that Gallery & Co failed to properly communicate with the museum on just what was taking place there. As a workaround, officials at National Gallery Singapore suggested that the siblings transform their exhibit into a workshop for anyone interested to attend, which would still include the opportunity for the brother and the sister to sell their handmade art. However, officials said that the family instead decided to remove the art exhibit altogether.

Just like anything else in life, art has its ups and downs. One failure, however, shouldn’t mean that you should give up on art forever. If you decide that you don’t like acrylic painting anymore, for example, there’s no reason that you might not have success in an entirely new genre of art. SGArtClass.com makes it easy to find an art class that you might be interested in, from mural painting to upcycling found objects into works of art. Your creative spirit might just be waiting for the right class to come along before bursting forth, surprising you with its presence. Our teachers are ready to guide you on your artistic journey.

For more about the miscommunication that led to the show’s closing, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/cafe-at-national-gallery-singapore-apologises-for-closing-art-exhibit-by-young.

0 Artwork’s sale sets record at auction

A recent art auction at a world renowned auction house was already historic because it planned on featuring only art from Singapore — the first time such a thing had happened at the venue. However, something even more special happened during the auction: an oil painting by a Singaporean artist broke previous records with a sale of S$1.408 million.

The painting in question, “Balinese Dance” by Cheong Soo Pieng, was the record setter, even beating out the artist’s previous high sale at auction. The work itself is a bright depiction of costumed women surrounding a masked being, a work with riotous color and active movement. In all, the auction of the Singaporean art fell within 97 percent of the estimated high sale of the auction, held at Christie’s in Hong Kong. The vast majority of the art presented at the auction exceeded the estimates for their sales. Cheong wasn’t the only record-setter, with many other artists surpassing the high prices of previous sales.

The only artist who is still living who set records during the Christie’s auction, Lee Hock Moh, said that it was a good feeling to have his art valued. His large artwork took him a solid quarter of the year to complete, and the payoff was that the individuals who purchased the artwork at auction appreciated his hard work. The quadriptych masterpiece — an artwork completed by four separate panels — outsold his previous record-setting auction by a wide margin. Though it’s rare for artists to make art solely for the money, the prices that such work can command acts as an affirmation that the work is valued and a motivating factor for the artists to continue working diligently to create the best work possible.

The founder of an art organization responsible for promoting Singaporean artists’ works said that this is the time for the nation’s masterpieces and those who create them to rise to the forefront of the art world’s attention. Especially now, with the opening of National Gallery Singapore, many more art critics across the globe are paying closer attention to the artistic offerings of creative minds in Singapore. This will translate to more sales of art in galleries and in auctions, as well as a heightened curiosity from collectors for art coming out of Singapore.

Take part in Singapore’s art renaissance by signing up for an art class via SGArtClass.com. Even if you’ve never taken an art class before, our website compiles only the best art classes so that you can find one perfect for your skill level and schedule. You can choose to invite one of our expert teachers into your home to teach you everything from sketching to oil painting, or attend a group class at a conveniently located art studio. The instructor is ready to work with you on what you’d like to learn, focus on, and return to — all within your schedule and budget.

To learn more about the outcome of the historic auction, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/auction-records-set-at-landmark-sale-of-singapore-art.

0 National Gallery Singapore offers exhibition space for unknown works

Until this month’s opening of National Gallery Singapore, there was no dedicated gallery in the entire nation that was devoted to showcasing Singaporean artwork and masterpieces from the surrounding Southeast Asian region. But with the inauguration of this brand new art space, Singapore has perhaps the foremost historical and meaningful facility to do so.

National Gallery Singapore is a unique mating of two of Singapore’s most important historical buildings, the City Hall and the Supreme Court. Both buildings have been painstakingly preserved and incorporated into one enormous gallery space. Many architectural considerations were taken into account, including expanding and reinforcing the buildings’ foundations to allow for parking and visitor access. Both classical and contemporary Singaporean and Southeast Asian art will be viewed in context of the historically rich buildings, with original features like holding cells for people on trial in the Supreme Court and portions of City Hall, in which Japan surrendered to Allied Forces following World War II, restored to their original luster.

The director of National Gallery Singapore says that the displays are meant to inspire visitors both native to the nation and region and tourists alike. The museum is cultivating educational partnerships with schools in the area to help cull the budding artistic talent present into something a force to be reckoned with.

Already, thousands have visited National Gallery Singapore as a part of the museum’s opening and in conjunction with art festivals held to draw more visitors. Even though some of the art pieces were painted decades ago, they’re still topical to today. One such piece, a large, vivid treatment of a forest fire, is reflective of a plague of smoggy haze in Singapore from nearby fires raging in Indonesia.

The broad inclusion of artworks from around the Southeast Asian region is an effort to show the many connections between the area and the broader world, the director of National Gallery Singapore said. The collection will be viewed alongside guest shows, installations made just for the display space, and other upcoming works. National Gallery Singapore aims to be a renowned destination for up and coming Singapore artists as well as artists traveling from around the globe. The museum will even be responsible for curating and organizing shows that will travel abroad, such as an April showing in Paris.

Celebrate the opening of National Gallery Singapore by getting artistic. SGArtClass.com offers a comprehensive listing of all kinds of art classes, suited to all creative tastes. It’s easy to browse our various art topics and connect with expert teachers ready to adapt to your art needs and schedule. We want to work with you, developing curriculum and lessons that are convenient to your lifestyle and work commitments. There’s always time to learn something new, and taking art classes can help develop your creative problem solving skills, your confidence, your teamwork, and much more. Sign up for an art class today.

For more about National Gallery Singapore, go to http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/25/arts/national-gallery-singapore/.

0 A number of exhibits, events for all tastes on tap for gallery opening

Residents in Singapore and the world alike are primed and ready for the opening of National Gallery Singapore, set for the end of this month. The event, timed to coincide with the nation’s 50th birthday, is perhaps one of the biggest culminations of Singapore’s efforts to renew interest in arts and culture in the country.

An assortment of exhibits and events will pave the way for National Gallery Singapore’s grand opening, which will take place toward the end of the month. For nearly two weeks, all visitors will be able to take part in the special events and experience National Gallery Singapore for free as part of a special promotion marking the historic moment.

A block party will be the first major event to highlight National Gallery Singapore opening its doors. The block party will feature art installations that visitors can choose to take part in, creative workshops for all interested participants, and specially made treats available. Once it is dark, an artistic light presentation, sponsored by Cartier and inspired by the collections contained within National Gallery Singapore, will light up the façade for the new museum.

One official with National Gallery Singapore talked about how important it was to emphasize that art was essential to all life. The goal of the National Gallery Singapore’s opening and all of the festivities scheduled around that time is to make art more accessible to Singaporeans and visitors alike. That’s why there will be so many different events to pique the interests of people who had perhaps never considered themselves to be big fans of art.

Another special part of the opening of National Gallery Singapore will be a chance for visitors to pick the brains of curators, directors and other museum officials as a part of special forums scheduled to be held. Attendees will be able to hear insights on National Gallery Singapore’s devotion to promoting and preserving art from the region of Southeast Asia, as well as some of the thought that goes behind different collections within the museum.

Additional special features of the coming festivities include film screenings as a part of a film festival, and an opportunity to download a free app that will help visitors with smart devices navigate the exhibits within National Gallery Singapore.

Consider enrolling in an art class today to take part in this special moment in Singapore’s history ahead of the opening of National Gallery Singapore. SGArtClass.com is just the place to browse dozens of options for art lessons, including acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolor painting, and many more subjects. Whether you’re a professional artist or just someone looking for a brand new hobby, our professional teachers will help lead you to the goal you wish to achieve within your creative pursuits. Classes are scheduled with your valuable time in mind, meaning that you control when — and where — the classes will be held. There’s no time like the present to start — or continue — your creative journey.

For more information about the upcoming events, go to http://www.incentivetravel.co.uk/news/venuesevents/29759-national-gallery-singapore-to-open-with-multi-sensory-art-extravaganza.

0 Big plans in the works for next year’s Art Stage Singapore

Urbanization, the term coined for the process of people increasingly moving out of rural areas and into urban and suburban areas, is an issue that everyone should find important. The term defines a shift in culture and society, as well as an important difference for different regions around the world. Urbanization is also linked to industrialization — a key concern for those worried about the environment and the effects of people forgoing rural ways, including working on farms, in favor of finding work in cities.

Urbanization is so important that it has even reached the attention of artists and the wider art world. For 2016’s Art Stage Singapore, those artists participating in the show will use their exhibitions to explore just what it means to urbanize for both people and places, as well as society as a whole.

Art Stage Singapore will take on the idea of urbanization with an exhibition of works related to the phenomenon as well as a number of expert speakers exploring all the ramifications of the growing trend of moving into cities. Architects, city planners, and more will be on hand to discuss how cities must prepare for a growing influx of new residents and the theme of how art can help shape urbanization. The exhibition will include artwork by artists who have experienced urbanization — for better or for worse — in their own homes, such as an Indonesian artist who will talk about pollution from a factory negatively affecting the country’s fishing industry. Urbanization can be a double-edged sword, cutting both the positive and the negative, and Art Stage Singapore will examine all facets of the issue — through art.

Art Stage Singapore is the next art event to promote the interests and issues of importance to the Southeast Asia region. The organizer of the event, which will take place in January, acknowledged that there have been a number of recent gallery closings that have taken their toll on the nation’s art scene. However, he is reassured that certain aspects of life, including art, cannot continue to grow bigger without some moments of shrinking. Art Stage Singapore will act as the culminating venue for Singapore’s Art Week.

Art is an excellent way to explore the world around you, no matter what issues you might be interested in. That’s why it’s essential to invest your learning in art whenever you can. SGArtClass.com is an excellent resource for you to pursue topics that make your creative side light up, such as portrait drawing, assemblage art, found sculptures, mural painting, and much more. Find an art class that complements the interests you already have. For example, if you are devoted to activism, think about signing up for a poster class to see how you can spread the word of the causes you’re most passionate about to a wider audience. Our teachers are ready to assist you in your creative pursuits no matter what level of comfort you have with art.

For more information about plans for next year’s art fair, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/next-years-art-stage-singapore-art-fair-to-launch-talks-and-exhibition-on-theme-of.

0 Wide range of art highlighted at Affordable Art Fair Singapore

Sometimes, even the most passionate fans of art might find the ability to collect art out of their reach. The truth is, most quality art is far too expensive for an ordinary person to purchase. Art is instead relegated to galleries, museums, and the private collections of those wealthy enough to buy it. However, the Affordable Art Fair Singapore is a venue where people can appreciate and purchase quality art without breaking their budget — and learn in the process.

The Affordable Art Fair is offering a variety of workshops on how to create art affordably, which is a highly appropriate approach from such an event.

Some people might not consider art to be an affordable pastime, but that’s not true when you forgo traditional mediums and materials to make the art. The workshops at the Affordable Art Fair will instruct participants on how to create masterpieces using coffee and wine instead of paint. Another workshop, sponsored by a different organization, will host tutorials on creating art using chocolate as the paint. These food items are sure to take participants’ expectations of art to the next level.

Beyond the workshops, the Affordable Art Fair aims to keep fine art well within the grasp of ordinary purveyors. All artwork offered up for sale at this event are priced between S$100 and S$10,000, making masterpieces affordable for anyone eager to show their support for the art form.

Other than making art affordable for everyone, the Affordable Art Fair has also been offering a children’s exhibition space, exhibition opportunities for new artists, and a special place for art that is being sold for less than S$1,000. Brand new features of the Affordable Art Fair include lectures based on galleries around Singapore.

In addition to regular exhibits of art, the Affordable Art Fair will also play host to performances and art that functions on the premise of getting audience members to participate in the spectacle. In this way, people who have previously only appreciated art from afar, hanging on a wall or perched on a roped-off pedestal, can now get up close and personal with an art form they may have never even imagined possible.

If your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend the Affordable Art Fair Singapore, don’t despair. You, too, can become a participant of art by signing up for an art class via SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com offers a number of classes ranging in price and availability to cater to students’ budgetary needs and busy schedules. Enjoy an art class from the comfort of your own home, surrounded by friends with similar interests or a desire to learn about new things. As an alternative, meet with one of our talented and professional teachers at a common teaching space — all based on when it would be best for you to learn about art. Art classes available range from painting with coffee, just like one of the tutorials at the Affordable Art Fair, to oil painting, meaning you can embrace your interests no matter how much money is in your wallet.

For more information about the Affordable Art Fair Singapore, go to http://www.themalaymailonline.com/features/article/affordable-art-fair-singapore-2015-of-chocolate-paintings-and-iphone-artist.

0 Singapore artist questions nation’s recent creative growth

While many artists, art critics and journalists in Singapore and around the world have lauded the nation’s recent push to embrace more creative freedom and stimulate the artistic community, some remain critical over whether there has been that much legitimate growth.

Ong Keng Sen, a popular presence on the stage and organizer of a Singapore, says that the very foundations of Singapore’s principles and beliefs may be holding the country back creatively. One example he gives is talking to a teenager who has decided to pursue a degree in math or science because the subjects are more objective than literature, all but guaranteeing a higher grade in Singapore’s current education grading scale. Due to the importance placed at this time on receiving the highest grades possible — as well as the way courses are marked — Ong believes that students wishing to study creative subjects like literature and art might be discouraged to do so.

Another deterrent to the pursuit of art on a full-time basis, Ong said, was Singapore’s high cost of living. Though he himself is a full-time practitioner of the arts, Ong said that if he were graduating today, he would be much more hesitant to embrace being an artist, instead preferring to enter the workforce in a more traditionally acceptable role and career.

Ong is for taking the economy out of Singapore’s artistic expectations; that is, removing the push for grants that artists must seek out to complete their works. He also proposes ensuring that Singaporeans want to pay to view and experience art, which must start at an early age, while still in school. Instead of receiving grades for their work in art and literature, students would be encouraged and pushed to use their imaginations to complete assignments, learning that the thought process is the most important thing, not the grade at the end.

A firm believer that the opportunity for art in Singapore to succeed is there, Ong continues to push the boundaries of expectations for art in his native country. He said that if he didn’t care about the fate of creativity in his country, he would leave to be an artist in another nation. However, he believes that, in time, constraints will loosen and more freedom will help the art scene in Singapore blossom and develop further, with artists unafraid to offend or question things through their art. Ong says he thinks that, through the removal of censorship in art in Singapore, artists and the public will be able to regulate themselves and foster a greater sense of learning and creativity in the process.

Express yourself by enrolling today in an art class. Art can take many forms and reaches through different genres, including dance, theater, music, and visual art. SGArtClass.com takes all the guessing out of signing up for a visual art class, gathering all of the best teachers together for a broad offering of classes. Take a course on portrait painting, or try your hand at assemblage art. There is something for everyone looking to bring a little more creativity into their lives.

Read the interview with Ong Keng Sen by going to http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/ong-keng-sen-embarrassed/2214400.html.

0 Spotlight on Singapore art as a part of respected auction

At the end of this month, dozens of masterpieces of Singaporean art will get a chance to shine on the global stage. “Balinese Dance” by Cheong Soo Pieng and “Medley of Dances” by Sun Yee are among more than forty works of art that will be on the auction block at Christie’s in Hong Kong.

This particular art auction is completely focused on art from the country of Singapore, which is a historic first for Christie’s. Among the artworks up for auction are classic paintings from established names in Singapore’s artistic canon, as well as newer, younger artists. An official from Christie’s says the auction is specifically to celebrate the unique beauty of art from Singapore as well as show it to a broader, worldwide audience.

This auction is the latest in a host of events and shows across Singapore and the world celebrating the nation’s art. Singapore itself has been touting its creative prowess and artistic strides as a part of its 50th birthday celebration. Festivities include the opening of National Gallery Singapore, along with dozens of other smaller art shows and cultural happenings. The auction of the Singaporean masterpieces at Christie’s in Hong Kong will continue to elevate the visibility of Singapore’s artwork, many organizers acknowledge.

Because the dozens of pieces are the first fully Singaporean representation at Christie’s an official for the auction house says it will be a prime opportunity for art aficionados and collectors alike to get a taste of what Singapore artists have to contribute to the broader art world. Collectors have the chance to snap up historic Singaporean art as well as up and coming young artists with fresh, exciting world views to share in their artwork.

Cheong Soo Pieng’s “Balinese Dance” is on the auction block for the first time ever. It had previously been privately owned. Estimates of the overall show put the price tag of all the artworks prices combined at just over S$4 million.

Even though the auction at Christie’s in Hong Kong will bring a bright international spotlight on Singaporean art — as well as possibly hefty price tags — one young artist says whatever successes that happen won’t affect his work ethic. He promises to continue to work hard, focusing on translating his observations on life, Singapore and the whole world into artwork he’s proud of.

Celebrate an increased focus on art in Singapore by creating some art of your own. Take a tour through all of the art classes SGArtClass.com has organized. You’ll be sure to find a class that you’re interested in, whether it’s something you’ve never tried before or a refresher on an art genre you’re already familiar with. Our classes range from beginner’s courses to develop fundamentals for brand new artists, to intensive lessons to help burgeoning artists of all ages break through to the next creative level. Enjoy your newfound skills by creating a painting, drawing, portrait, mural, or many more projects led by expert teachers.

Find out more about the art being auctioned by going to http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/singapore-art-up-for-auction-at-christies-sale-in-hong-kong.

0 Sneak peak of National Gallery Singapore ignites excitement

Many people in Singapore, both artists and citizens alike, have had high hopes for the opening of a museum devoted to showcasing the nation’s fine art. A recent special tour through the Singaporean art on display at National Gallery Singapore ahead of its grand opening didn’t disappoint.

First of all, the museum is very large — comparable to a respectable and classic Paris art museum. This large square footage is put to work displaying countless artistic treasures both modern and classic in the Singapore experience. Each and every artwork displayed in the museum has been carefully curated and positioned for maximum enjoyment. High walls and ceilings help center focus on paintings and other masterpieces. The thought put into the design and arrangement of all of the pieces together is reminiscent of any large, storied art museum throughout the world, making National Gallery Singapore an instant classic.

The artworks on display now, in National Gallery Singapore, look better than ever in their new space. Previous exhibits have taken place in lesser halls and galleries, making viewing the artwork feel somewhat uncomfortable or out of place. But the display space in the new National Gallery Singapore makes all of the artworks feel as if they are right at home — at last.

Set to open to the public at the end of this month, National Gallery Singapore will start off its historic run with a three-room exhibit on the history of art, from early prints made in the 1800s, to modern artwork by some of the nation’s foremost artists. One interesting caveat organizers have added is the inclusion of artworks dating back to a Singapore still ruled by Great Britain. Gallery officials say that colonial Singapore is still an important part of Singapore’s history and art experience, but the biggest draw for most visitors to the new exhibit space will very likely be classic Singaporean artists from the birth of an independent nation onward.

Once National Gallery Singapore opens officially, a number of other artists from the Southeast Asian region will also be represented throughout the museum. Some artists expressed uneasiness about the gallery acting as a representative for art throughout the region, but officials at the museum said that Singapore’s own art is better understood in the context of its nearby neighbors.

Can’t wait for the opening of National Gallery Singapore toward the end of this month? Get your fill of art prior to the grand opening by signing up for an art class through SGArtClass.com. With dozens of expert instructors, each class is guaranteed to be a worthwhile and fun experience. Taking lessons such as contemporary art, video art, graffiti art, and much more will give you a taste of the history and motivation behind some of the modern works that will be on display at National Gallery Singapore. Develop your own art and understanding for the different genres before seeing the latest masterpieces on display, growing your sense of creative freedom in the process, by enrolling in an art class today.

To learn more about the National Gallery Singapore’s opening, go to http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/lifestyle/arts-entertainment/a-new-dawn-for-singapore-art.

0 Singapore exhibit shows art in Malaysia

Singapore’s 50th birthday has been a great way for the country to showcase its blossoming artistic and cultural scene, with a host of art shows, festivals, performances and more. If there was any doubt that this nation is lacking in the arts, government officials and arts organizers have put that misconception to rest. Exhibitions held around the globe have brought new appreciation to the arts in Singapore like never before, and the latest show, Titian Budaya, is no different.

This new show, scheduled to be held at the end of this year and the beginning of next year in Kuala Lumpur, will feature hundreds of artists in a myriad of different genres. Art doesn’t always have to be on a canvas. Any one who creates pieces — whether they are performed in a theater, dancing with a group or partner, from behind a camera, or mastering a musical instrument — are considered artists, making the art world a broad one full of many different formats for everyone interested.

One of the highlights of this event, which spans several weeks and will be hosted in different locations throughout its duration, will include performances from one of Singapore’s foremost jazz musicians, a former “Singapore Idol” winner, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and even a shadow puppetry performance based on a major Singaporean dramatist. Artistic performances of all shapes and sizes will be on display, showcasing the best of what Singapore’s arts and culture has to offer the world.

Further events scheduled for the Titian Budaya include film showings and a film festival. In keeping with the meaning behind the name of the festival, cultural bridge, a host of Malaysian artists will also be participating in the shows. One of the show’s organizers says she was delighted to learn that many of the participants travel between Singapore and Malaysia on an almost daily basis, considering both countries to be their artistic home bases. Titian Budaya can be considered a marriage of the creativity of both places, and a way for artists of both Singapore and Malaysia to come together for one common cause — the importance of art and creation of art in light of the history both nations share.

Artists performing in the Titian Budaya say they’re thrilled to take part in such an important historical event together.

Art comes in all shapes and sizes, all forms and mediums. If you’ve never been very interested in investing in a drawing or painting class, don’t give up. There is almost certainly an art class out there for you, and SGArtClass.com is your number one resource for finding it. SGArtClass.com brings together a plethora of art classes, all led by expert instructors, in a variety of genres to fit all tastes. Take a class on experimental video art, for example, or a class on found art, where your pieces take on whatever shape or style of objects you locate going through your old junk drawer or lying on the side of the road.

To learn more about the Malaysian show, go to http://news.asiaone.com/news/lifestyle/singapore-arts-crosses-causeway.