All Posts by Smiley Admin

0 Thai art highlighted at Singapore show gaining further respect

Right now, there’s something about art from Thailand. A number of Thai artists have been gaining international acclaim, particularly since Thai art was featured during January’s Singapore Art Stage. Since then, the popularity of art from the nation has only grown. International collectors and exhibitions have been clamoring for more art from Thailand, and the nation’s artists have responded. The art scene has exploded in response, adding more galleries, museums, shows, and other background work.

Future shows in Bangkok promise to bring much more excitement to the Thai art world, especially since Bangkok is a cultural center of the region. Artists from all around the world are expected to show their masterpieces at such exhibitions, adding creative ingredients to the melting pot of that art scene. Foreign artists also boost local creativity, offering sounding boards as well as inspiration for both Thai artists and visitors to such shows. Such experiences can function as creative incubators, enriching both the foreign artists themselves and others.

One of the most exhilarating exhibitions will be an upcoming biennale, slated for February of next year. A number of huge names in the art world will be in attendance, meaning that the flagship show will immediately be catapulted to prominence. The announcement of the attendees, made at the recent Art Basel event, promises a host of inspiration. The theme of the show is bliss, which can seem like it’s hard to come by in the current economic and political climate around the world. But by definition, bliss is temporary. Bliss can be obtained by reading a meaningful poem or book, seeing a beautiful sight out in nature, or experiencing something as simple as a song that strikes the right chord in your heart. Visitors to the show should look forward to experiencing artists’ interpretation of what bliss should mean in today’s day and age.

Beyond the flagship biennale for Thailand, other artists and organizations are eyeing iconic locations around the country for space-specific artworks. Masterpieces displayed in certain spaces can take on new meaning, as many of the themes coincide with the context of the gallery or space where they are being displayed. One recent example of this includes a collection of artworks that were displayed in a former Singaporean community bomb shelter. While the shelter was no longer in use, the artwork commented on the need for such shelters and offered additional insights into human nature and history that was determined by the history of the bomb shelter itself.

Participating in art is a wonderful way to gain new understanding of both your own culture and the practices of others. Visit SGArtClass.com today to learn more about different artistic genres, browse affordable art supplies, and sign up for a wide variety of different art classes. From installation art to miniature painting, caricature drawing to pointillism painting, there is sure to be a class that will elevate your creative practice to the next level.

To read more about the growing demand for Thai art, go to http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/art/30342178.

0 Talented actress to take on Julius Caesar in Singapore theater showing

Singapore’s annual Shakespeare in the Park event has an exciting new take on a classic favorite of the scribe’s oeuvre. The play “Julius Caesar” will be staged in modern times, with Rome representing a powerful faction of world leaders. Perhaps the most modern aspect of all of the staging will be the fact that the titular character, Julius Caesar, will be played by a female actress.

But renowned stage actress Jo Kukathas says that she doesn’t want the message the audience takes away from the performance to be that the most impactful part of the performance is seeing women in power. If that is the case, then theater groups should be doing a better job of featuring women in lead roles and usurping the traditional notion of men in power.

Instead, Kukathas hopes to inspire people through the themes that translate no matter what politicians are in power or what the current belief or power system is currently. Because the strongest part of “Julius Caesar” is the very human relationships present throughout the play. Viewers of the play can argue about whether Caesar herself is a dictator or shows signs of that kind of domination, but in the end, it’s the friendships and political relationships with other leaders that really makes things interesting.

Kukathas says that she fields a lot of questions directed around the gender of Julius Caesar and the meaning of that, but she says she’s feeling pressure for another reason. Playing the lead role in any production is stressful, and she wants to do her best while staying true to herself. She described the production as a mixture of the hit Netflix political thriller “House of Cards” and Marvel’s “Avengers” saga, meaning that the production is sure to be packed with action and drama. Anyone familiar with the Shakespeare play can attest to the fact that there are many twists and turns during the story. It will be exciting to see the variations that this particular staging will bring to the table, especially in these modern and interesting times.

Whether you’re interested in drama or music, photography or painting, art is always a wonderful way to add cultural dimension to your life. Learn more about all the different ways you can introduce more art into your daily schedule by visiting SGArtClass.com. Read different articles about unique art genres, browse deeply discounted art supplies for all your creative needs, and scroll through all the various art classes that are available for easy enrollment. Art classes are a wonderful and educational way for you to socialize with friends both old and new, and you’ll walk away from a fun session with new skills you can continue to apply to artwork and life in general for years to come. Expert teachers are waiting to help you discover a brand new hobby today.

To read the full interview with actress Jo Kukathas, visit http://prestigeonline.com/sg/art-culture/-/veni-vidi-vici-thespian-jo-kukathas-returns-stage-julius-caesar/.

0 Singaporean illustrator focuses on brush lettering

Amid the fast-paced life of commuting culture, one media organization has begun interviewing individuals who ride the first and last scheduled commuter trains in Singapore on a weekly basis. One such individual recently interviewed is Julia Liu, a freelance illustrator who says her dream is for her favorite art — brush lettering — to fully sustain her lifestyle.

Embracing the freelance life full time wasn’t easy for Liu. When she first started out, she earned less than half of her previous salary as a florist’s assistant. That meant that she had to make sacrifices in order to ensure her bills were paid. She eschewed expensive hair appointments in favor of budget cuts, and avoided expensive chain coffee beverages in favor of more affordable ways to wake up in the morning, obtained at neighborhood shops. But Liu never regretted deciding to freelance, especially since hand lettering and brush lettering commissions are her greatest passions.

Still, following her dreams has seen more than a few challenges crop up. Liu still works from time to time for the florist, where she helps fill orders. This kind of income helps bridge the gaps in between commissions for her lettering work, which can span as long as four weeks. Liu has also sometimes completed design work for her tattoo artist boyfriend. While they haven’t yet explored a formal collaboration, this kind of work helps Liu continue to practice her art. When she isn’t fulfilling work for friends getting married or any other kinds of commissions, Liu is practicing. She says that even when she sees brush lettering on social media that reflects excellent work, she doesn’t become discouraged. She knows that all she can do is continue to complete work so that she can get better — and more sought after.

Wedding invitations and other work are some of her most lucrative contracts. Liu remembered being asked to write out a quote on a scroll that stretched for eight meters. It served as the runner that the wedding party walked down the aisle on during a marriage. Liu added that the brush lettering world can be quite competitive, saying that those with their fingers on the pulse of the market can enjoy a big success. She’s fighting her way there — quite literally, at times, as she practices martial arts in her spare time. In the end, it’s the flexibility of her schedule and the opportunity to pursue the art she’s most passionate about that continues to drive Liu toward her goal of making it as an illustrator.

Explore all the various possibilities art has to offer you by visiting SGArtClass.com. You can easily enroll in classes in everything from Chinese ink painting to digital art, depending on your interests and creative goals. Who knows? You might discover your true passion during an art class that could transform itself into a lucrative job in your near future.

To read more about Julia Liu’s life and art, go to https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/not-just-pretty-handwriting-brush-lettering-ideal-work-illustrator-wants-do.

0 Singapore boy with disability finds success in painting

For a long time, Jarett Tan had difficulty in school. His stories about the way characters would leap around on the pages of the books and worksheets he was supposed to be studying got him labeled as a dreamer, at best — and lazy, at worst. His teachers and classmates frustrated with him, it took his mother and a barrage of tests to determine that he was actually dyslexic, coupled with a disorder in how he visually perceives images around him.

The diagnosis offered a great deal of relief to both Jarett and his mother, who now had a way to move forward in school and life. Jarett receives extra attention at school, now, and his mother is impressed to find how absorbed he gets into his new favorite hobby: painting. Jarett can sit still and paint for hours, which is inspiring based on the fact that he used to be able to only sit still for about half an hour while reading and focusing on schoolwork.

Even though some subjects are still a struggle, requiring Jarett to stay up late to complete his assignments, he’s found new freedom in expressing himself through art. He says that painting is one of the only ways to relieve the stress that builds during the day due to coursework and homework. One of his paintings of a colorful line of houses is set to go on display at a special art show in Egypt. Jarett is the first Singaporean to be invited to display his work at this particular show, making him an ambassador for the nation — as well as for people with similar diagnoses as his.

This kind of creative success has inspired Jarett to look to his future in the art world. He says that he is inspired by architecture and Vincent van Gogh, adding that he hopes to one day be able to own one of the master’s paintings himself. Jarett says his goal is to attend art school in Singapore following his traditional school career. From there, for the boy, the path is straightforward: get famous, sell paintings, and save up to be able to afford to own “The Starry Night.”

Art can be accessible for anyone who is willing to learn. Visit SGArtClass.com to educate yourself about all the incredible possibilities art has to offer you. From watercolor painting to graffiti art, assemblage art to recycled art, and every artistic genre in between, SGArtClass.com is guaranteed to offer art classes that will inspire you to create. It doesn’t matter if you’re already an accomplished artist looking for feedback on portfolio pieces or a beginning artist still grappling with basics like loading the paintbrush and the color wheel. Our expert teachers are on hand to give you the skills you need to complete the projects you’re most passionate about, leading to a lifelong passion for art.

To read more about Jarett and his dreams of an artistic future, go to http://www.tnp.sg/lifestyle/health/dyslexic-spore-boy-10-paints-bigger-picture-irlen-syndrome.

0 Differently abled Singaporean makes latte art with the best

Nuraqilah Fatin Swat recently came in 13 out of twenty talented latte artists, overcoming challenges with properly steaming the milk for the edible masterpieces and her own nerves. She also competed in spite of an intellectual disability, making her achievement even more inspiring. Although Fatin was disappointed in herself for not placing higher, she admitted that she was proud of herself for making it to the competition in the first place, which featured some of the most popular latte artists around.

Fatin has always been artistically minded, painting projects and making 3-D sculpture art from model clay. But it wasn’t until a teacher in her school showed her class a video on latte art that she became interested in the modern genre. Fatin immersed herself into the craft, studying tips and techniques online and getting the chance to practice her art multiple times a day through an internship at McDonald’s. There, she gained experience making designs with chocolate syrup and a thermometer, extending her time at the fast food restaurant for a year after her initial internship.

It was the same teacher who showed her the latte art who helped her to get a job at another cafe that focused completely on coffee. It was there that she learned more intricate latte designs from professional trainers, practicing and practicing until she was ready to compete at the latte art contest. A special grant also funded her training through the purchase of special equipment and contest entry fees. Part of the challenges of the competition included adhering to a timed deadline for all foam creations, as well as giving a speech about her latte art to competition judges.

Even after the latte art competition, Fatin has no plans to slow her passion for the practice. She derives inspiration from a world-renowned latte artist famous for his foam designs of tigers. Fatin says she hopes to travel around the world to learn more about coffee and latte art from different places and people. She also plans to compete again in the latte art contest next year, and hopes to gain additional skills in baking and pastry design in the interim.

Did you know that some art can be edible? Latte art is just one example of masterpieces you can eat. Others include desserts, pastries, even food plating and cooking. Learn more about art — which can be found even in the most mundane of places — by visiting SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com is an immersive website that offers everything from educational art articles covering all different types of creative genres to highly affordable art supplies on sale to help you complete your best projects. One of the biggest draws of SGArtClass.com is its extensive listing of art classes, including everything from 3-D sculpture to acrylic painting to fashion drawing to comic art.

To read more about Fatin’s latte art and future goals, go to https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/barista-intellectual-disability-puts-her-heart-latte-art.

0 Singapore man uses air plants as medium in art

One Singaporean man has taken his love for all things green and transformed it into an artistic practice.

Daniel Goh first became intrigued by air plants after he received one as a gift. Air plants earned their name by not requiring soil in order to live. Because of that, air plants can be kept in interesting and artistic ways — and avoid the dirt and maintenance that other plants require. Air plants only need to be watered every few days during hot weather and about once a week at other times. Goh even remembers a time when he went out of town for a couple of weeks without securing someone to water his air plant and returning to find it no worse for wear.

Goh started to make artistic arrangements as his air plant collection grew, saying that doing so was a stress relief and a mood booster. What started as a casual hobby grew into a passion. Goh occasionally sells some of his living art to friends and people who express interest in his intricate and beautiful designs. However, he has yet to part with some of his bigger works, preferring to keep them at home. If he keeps making his air plant art at his current rate, though, he says he’ll soon run out of space for new masterpieces.

Goh said that even though his pastime has nearly overgrown his home, his neighbors appreciate his green thumb, saying that the presence of the plant art calms them and beautifies the area. He says he creates the artwork in part to inspire young people to engage more with the natural world around them. Too often, children, teens, and younger adults immerse themselves in technology, including smartphones, and forget to stop and smell the roses, so to speak. By interacting with nature in whatever form it may take for them, everyone can be better stewards of the environment and more active individuals.

Some examples of Goh’s air plant art masterpieces include an air plant that bulges out at the bottom and looks to be its own vase with leaves sprouting out from the top, a grouping of air plants arranged on metal rungs leading to a decorative water spigot, air plants arranged as grass below a branch blooming with bright flowers, a pair of birds perched on the end, and a wire lantern housing pink blossoms, a floating butterfly, and pink-tipped air plants. Goh’s air plants range in all different shapes, sizes, and species, and he often sources materials for his living sculptures using rocks and branches from aquarium supply stores.

Look for art in unexpected places and you will be rewarded with beauty all around you. You can open your eyes to the creativity already present in your life by enrolling in any one of many different art classes via SGArtClass.com.

To learn more about the air plant artist, go to http://www.asiaone.com/singapore/singaporean-air-plant-collector-makes-amazing-art-displays-dont-look-plants-all.

0 Singapore tiny home design a work of architectural art

Art is everywhere in the world, especially if a person opens their eyes to the creativity present in the mundanity of everyday things. Architecture is one example of functional but beautiful art that can be easily overlooked.

However, in one Singapore flat, the couple who lives there is making functional art within their own limited living space. A unique and innovative “wonder box” is changing the way this couple — and others who have taken note of the design — is viewing small spaces. Taking inspiration from displays at art galleries, the sleek, modern, and minimalistic box acts as a sort of artistic pod, letting the couple dictate the size of the spaces they need. By adjusting lighting and screen partitions, the couple can easily determine privacy and innovative use of their living space.

The box houses the TV nook, AC unit, storage space, two bathrooms, the kitchen, and the bomb shelter. Though that sounds like a lot, the extreme organization of the box makes everything simple and easy to find and use. For example, when the TV is not in use, the couple can shut the doors, making the box practically an art piece of its own as well as a way to make their house look sleeker. The box also has lighting just beneath the bottom edge, providing the illusion of weightlessness and visual interest.

This kind of practicality extends throughout the design of the rest of the house. Bookshelves that provide storage and display duties also perform as a headboard for a bed in one sleeping space. And a purposefully stained concrete floor throughout the entire home provides the cohesion needed to unite the space. With a color palette of blacks, whites, grays, and pops of red, the entire home is like visiting a modern art gallery, full of clean lines and appealing minimalism.

Architecture and interior design are just a couple of examples of art tucked away into unexpected corners in life. To open your eyes to even more art in your everyday world, consider enrolling in an art class via SGArtClass.com. From digital art to oil painting, charcoal drawing to nail art, decorative painting to mural painting, there are a number of art classes to pique your creativity. If you think your schedule is too busy to support an art class, think again. SGArtClass.com also features online-only art classes, meaning that you can press pause and play as needed to fit in art classes whenever it’s most convenient for you. Our talented teachers can also be flexible in meeting with you, and will even visit you in your own home for maximum convenience. Inviting art into your life has a number of surprising benefits, including stress relief, creative problem solving skill development, and tactile processing of big life events. Enroll in an art class today to start reaping the benefits art has to offer you.

To learn more about the tiny home architectural feature, go to https://newatlas.com/singapore-wonder-box-small-home/53962/.

0 National Gallery Singapore to host interactive maze

A new art installation at National Gallery Singapore is not to be missed, especially since it requires audience participation to be even more meaningful.

Organizers at National Gallery Singapore have made it possible for a renowned international artist to install a giant maze on the roof of the museum. Made from tall bamboo, the immersive maze is as much an art installation as it is a fun afternoon with friends and family. By tackling the maze, participants will be made part of the art installation themselves, as the walls to the maze are see-through and mesmerizing. Exploring the maze is a wonderful way to get exercise by walking around and meet new people. You might have more fun than you bargained on having during a visit to an art museum by chatting with other participants about their experiences in the maze and offering tips to others who might seem lost.

There’s a treasure to be discovered once you successfully solve the maze. At its center, a traditional Japanese tea house is waiting for thirsty participants. Both beautiful and meaningful, the tea house will feature tea ceremonies by both international experts and local experts alike. By plying the maze, participants will be rewarded by learning about the time, effort, and rituals that go into a traditional tea ceremony. Since tea ceremonies are used to welcome visitors, the idea of hospitality goes even further when participants linger in the maze and interact with one another. By communicating with others and finding your way through the bamboo maze, you will be creating a temporary welcoming into a space.

The artist is no stranger to meaningful artistic installations like this one. In the early 90s, he created a temporary installation in a museum during which he served meals to visitors. This kind of bond was a type of performance art, creating an interaction between artist and visitors. That kind of interaction is often rare, as artists almost never get to see the people who consumer their art.

In addition to walking through the maze and taking part in tea ceremonies at its center, visitors to the art installation at National Gallery Singapore will also get the chance to view a video documentary about the process of making the installation. Other performances will be on hand throughout the period of time the maze will be on display.

Bring more art into your life by visiting SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com is a comprehensive website that functions as a one-stop site for all things art. From educational art articles to deeply discounted art supplies, perhaps the biggest draw to the website is its exhaustive list of different art classes you can enroll in. Whether you’re interested in fashion drawing or art installations, acrylic painting or 3-D sculpture, there is sure to be a class to take you on your own creative journey.

To learn more about the maze that National Gallery Singapore will host, go to http://ca.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/2962491/ng-teng-fong-roof-garden-commission-rirkrit-tiravanija-at.

0 Singapore art show perfect to welcome spring

Diversity is on display at a Singapore art show to welcome the spring season. Meant to inspire conversations across cultures and countries, the works that will be on display during this exhibition vary wildly from genre to genre. One artist is a master at creating paints from natural sources like shells and minerals, using the hues to paint scenes of the nature where the medium originated. Another artist is known for combining digital and traditional art to make scenes never before seen. Still another, who is the progeny of sword makers, shapes metal to her will, creating unforgettable art in an unexpected medium.

In one painting that will be on display during the show, a rocky outcropping and evergreen tree seem to emerge from a white mist. Everything in the painting is rendered in a soft monochrome — grays and blacks — acting as almost a dreamscape. Though it is a painting, the masterpiece might as well be a photo. The rock face is rendered with breathtaking detail and realism, and the tree branches with their needles offers a foil with soft, giving texture. Another painting from the same artist features a triptych of cliff faces. The white mists surrounding them provides an air of mystery, softening the harsh material of the rock and adding interest and depth to the landscape.

In another work of art on metal, minimalism and abstract art unite to showcase a haunting landscape in blues. The metal canvas itself is bisected, the darker blue color at the top suggesting a deepening sky. A horizon is represented in brighter blue, though it fades to gray toward the bottom of the piece. The overall effect is both soothing and engrossing, drawing the viewer in.

Yet another piece that will be on display offers an engaging and textural examination of abstract art. The artist seems to have almost used a dry brush technique, easy to achieve when using oil paint on linen. The effect is almost that of ink blots, or tie dye, rendered in earthy oranges, browns, and navy blues. The viewer attempts to try and make out a pattern or meaning in the stretched lines and blots. Another painting by the same artist appears to be abstract ribbons unfurling in the same technique as the lines in the first painting. However, the title reveals the lines to be indicative of mountains, making the viewer second guess their initial impression.

Deepen your understanding and appreciation of the art around you by enrolling in an art class via SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com has undertaken the mission to unite art students with the best teachers, experienced with leading classes for students of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a beginning artist or one with several shows under your belt, there is an art class and teacher ready to help you take your creativity to the next level.

See a sneak peek of the spring-themed art show by going to http://www.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/2946212/spring-highlights-at-sundaram-tagore-gallery-singapore.

0 Ship artwork shown in Venice sailing back to Singapore

A world-renowned art installation that saw success at the famed Venice Biennale art show is returning to its country of origin: Singapore.

A push to get the art installation, which features the skeleton of a historical ship, along with sealed books, to return to Singapore has been successful. Singaporeans and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the installation throughout the end of April and the beginning of May. Organizers to bring the installation to Singapore said that the artwork has much knowledge and importance to impart.

The artist of the installation made the masterpiece because he was interested in the past of Singapore. He investigated the history and shipbuilding techniques of the first historical group of people to inhabit what was once ancient Singapore. Using that knowledge, he constructed the skeleton of what he imagined to be the ancient king’s ship. The skeleton is suspended from the ceiling, creating a memorable and unmistakable silhouette. Somewhat ghostly, the spindly bones of the ship might move some viewers to recall the gaping maw of a whale. Are viewers supposed to install themselves inside the belly of the beast? That’s up to each individual. The installation also includes hundreds of books sealed with wax, representing the stories that will remain untold, lost to the passage of time.

However, the conversation buzzing around the installation ensures that the ancient seafaring people’s history won’t be lost to time. Simply by visiting and reading the information about the installation, people can keep the story burning bright. The seafaring people’s story persists as long as the skeleton ship in the art installation sails on. The artist himself is committed to uncovering unknown stories in history from groups of all types in the area. He himself was not descended from this ancient race, though he is no less interested in the ways they helped to transmit goods, wisdom, and history throughout Southeast Asia.

Art is simply one way to understand culture and history, but it can be one of the richest and most rewarding ways to enmesh oneself in the world. Visit SGArtClass.com to learn more about art through informative art articles and a host of different art classes you can quickly and simply sign up for. Whether you’re interested in installation art or portrait drawing, caricature art or acrylic painting, there will be an art class designed to take your understanding of art and creativity to the next level. Perfect for children, students in need of creative feedback, professionals looking to bond outside of the office, people in need of a stress-relieving hobby, or groups of friends tired of doing the same old thing to socialize, art classes on SGArtClass.com are for artists of all ages and abilities. This website even features highly affordable art supplies that you can use to create and complete your next art project.

To read more about the journey of the ship installation, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/singapore-artists-ship-for-venice-biennale-drops-anchor-at-home.