Category Archives for "Blog"

0 Singapore has strong showing in Indonesia art festival

One of the most prominent art galleries that will be a part of Art Stage Jakarta is actually from Singapore. The gallery, which will feature works in the largest space available for any of the galleries taking part in the event, is taking advantage of new interest and a booming market to ride the wave of Art Stage Jakarta. There are more art collectors in Indonesia than there is nearly anywhere else in Southeast Asia, meaning the market for collectors is largely untapped. The Singapore gallery looks to serve the area as other galleries in Indonesia continue to grow. A gallery official said events like Art Stage Jakarta were important to piquing collector interest. The Singapore gallery made its first foray into Indonesia before others did, which is a testament to how deeply its officials believed in the market. The gallery has since been helping boost art production and other art-related business in the region.

What will continue to be important for the art world as a whole in Southeast Asia is for creative minds in different countries of the region banding together. Many experts agree that the art world in this area of the globe still has a lot to do to grow. Even as important events like Art Stage Jakarta take root and grow, and as nations like Singapore take steps to promote art with festivals and museums, it’s up to everyone working together to ensure that art in Southeast Asia becomes a global powerhouse. Recent auctions with highly lauded auction houses have proven that there is a market for art from this region. But it’s up to the governments and art organizations in the multiple countries that make up Southeast Asia to make a strong, cohesive showing. Instead of focusing only on local interests and markets, art groups and events could instead look more broadly and try to extend interests to include international artists and collectors. Including not only the local scene but an international audience could help broaden and reshape and strengthen art in not only that country, but in Southeast Asia as a whole.

Another gallery that participated in Art Stage Jakarta used a variety of strategies to be successful in that market, including featuring an artist from Jakarta to pay homage to the home country of the art festival. And though the biggest sale came from an international buyer instead of someone from Indonesia, overall, the showing was a success. While the list of active art collectors in Indonesia is still short, everyone knows what they need to do to grow interest in art in their respective countries — Singapore included.

If you’ve always been interested in art but aren’t sure where to start, visit SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com features informational art articles, discounted art supplies, and an exhaustive listing of different art classes you can easily enroll in today.

To read more about Singapore’s contributions to Art Stage Jakarta, go to http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/lifestyle/arts/several-firsts-for-art-stage-jakarta.

0 Walking tour to highlight Singapore’s ample public art scene

Visitors and residents alike can expect to appreciate public art in Singapore even more thanks to a series of walking tours organized by an art group in the country. These tours cover a variety of routes that take participants by a number of public art around the nation. Three different paths are offered every last Sunday of the month as part of an initiative to limit vehicle usage and tamp down on air pollution.

Taking a walking tour is a perfect way to witness the gems of Singapore’s public art scene. Each of the tours is conducted by an art expert, who can explain and give valuable context and insight on the public artworks. Even people who have walked by a certain sculpture every day on their way to work will be able to learn more information about it thanks to the experts who conduct the walking tours. Participants will learn about sculptures, installations, murals, architecture, and much more.

As many as thirty people can take part in the tours. One participant said she enjoyed learning more about the architecture of a classic police station, as well as checking out waterfront masterpieces. She added that the guides were very enthusiastic, excited about sharing their knowledge about the art in question. The walking tours are a great experience and shouldn’t be missed. Even if you are unable to attend one of the walking tours — they could be high in demand — you might notice more art just by walking around by yourself, in your everyday travels, while keeping your eyes open. You might be surprised at how much you miss if you’re distracted by your cellphone or stressed out about something. There is art everywhere if you just know where to look — and keep yourself open to finding it.

Discover the art in your life by visiting SGArtClass.com. This website offers a plethora of art articles detailing the features of lots of different artistic genres. You can also easily find books on art instruction, as well as affordable art supplies for completing your next work of art. Most importantly, SGArtClass.com features a wealth of art classes you can easily browse and sign up for. Everything from assemblage art to 3-D sculpture to oil painting is on the table. Take a class in watercolor painting if you’ve always wished you could learn, or branch out and try recycled art for a fun, environmentally friendly experience. Even if you already know how to paint and draw, classes can serve as refresher courses, or experienced teachers could happily give you feedback and pointers on your portfolio or works in progress. As a fun alternative to going out, you could even sign up yourself and a group of friends to complete an acrylic painting in the comfort and convenience of your own home.

To read more about the public art walking tour, go to http://www.themalaymailonline.com/travel/article/a-walk-of-art-singapore-offers-a-walking-tour-on-public-art#GZ5W9Dxw5wcjXUR1.97.

0 Cultural ties between Singapore, China celebrated

The relationship between Singapore and China is strong. But that relationship goes far beyond economic and diplomatic ties. In spite of differences between cultures and, at times, political opinions, the two countries share key similarities that only serve to strengthen the ties between them.

Perhaps one of the greatest examples of an exchange of ideas between Singapore and China is the historical fact of a group of Chinese artists falling in love with Southeast Asia and Singapore in particular. These artists returned time and time again to Singapore until they decided to make Singapore their permanent home. The paintings they produced in this time period are distinctive and important in shaping the art history of the region. “Nanyang style,” as they are called, influenced art from then on in Singapore. Paintings from this group of “Nanyang” artists can be viewed at National Gallery Singapore to this day.

The door of cultural exchange swung both ways for Singapore and China. Singapore produced a couple of television dramas thirty years ago that became as popular in China as they were in Singapore. But the history books aren’t the only place for this kind of cultural exchange.

The recent and first-ever Singapore-China Youth Arts Festival was a great example of how Singapore and China are strengthening their cultural tie. Over the course of three weekends, performing groups of Singaporean and Chinese children put on show after show, illustrating to one another important cultural dance, music, and art. When young people understand from an early age how similar they are with other cultures through art, their lives will be forever enriched. The festival was a wonderful way for children of both Singapore and China to connect and broaden their horizons at the same time.

Art can often be seen as universal. Nearly every culture around the world participates in creating some kind of art. Art can be used to bridge gaps, make new understandings, and make commentary on everyday life. Anyone and everyone can make art. They don’t even have to be experienced at it. It’s the intention behind the art that is most important.

Bring art into your life by signing up for an art class via SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com is a comprehensive website that hosts everything from informative art articles to deeply discounted art supplies for your creative projects. You can also browse an extensive list of different art classes you can take. From pastel drawing to mural painting, comic drawing to fashion drawing, decorative painting to pointillism painting, there is a class available for every interest. Expert teachers have experience teaching students of all ages and abilities, and will work with you to meet at a time and location that is best for your busy schedule. Soon, you will be completing creative projects and learning new techniques that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.

To read more about the multi-faceted relationship between Singapore and China, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/china-singapore-ties-will-withstand-the-test-of-time.

0 Large Singaporean companies have many opportunities to support artists

Supportive relationships between the public and artists have always existed throughout history. From patronages to hiring artists to paint portraits, to commissioning artists for work today, there are a lot of ways people can support artists. It’s even as simple as purchasing a work of art from an artist so they can afford to continue to create their art. You could also donate money or art supplies to an artist, as well as volunteer your time and creative energy to help produce large-scale works.

In Singapore, multiple companies are taking supporting artists to the next level through projects, products, contests, initiatives, and much more. The relationship is beneficial in many different ways. In terms of projects, artists get to contribute to complete everything from murals to promotional materials while companies stand to gain art to beautify their premises and good publicity. With products, artists have the opportunity to test new ways to make art as well as develop art to sell, while companies have new products they can also market and sell. With contests, both the artists and the companies gain valuable exposure and visibility. Initiatives are mutually beneficial, with artists participating in meaningful work and companies wielding influence for positive change.

One specific example of Singaporean companies supporting Singaporean artists is Tiger Beer. People working for Tiger Beer created an innovative marker whose ink was developed from the soot found in air pollution. Recycling pollution is a great way to make a commentary on the environment and a wonderful solution to the problem to begin with. However, Tiger Beer went one step further with gifting these markers to Singaporean graffiti artists and tasking them with making murals about tigers and pollution. Proceeds from these efforts, which also included selfie opportunities with specially designed tiger filters, went to benefit conservation efforts for endangered tigers in the wild.

Another example of close ties between companies and artists in Singapore is Canon’s outreach efforts. Canon paired up with Singaporean artists to develop stickers, cards, and sculpture instructions that people could download and print out on Canon products. Canon developed sticker paper, thick card stock, and specially designed models people could punch or cut out, and then assemble for 3-D sculptures out of paper.

Get involved in the art world by enrolling in an art class today. Visit SGArtClass.com to learn more about art. On SGArtClass.com, you can browse a wide selection of informative articles about art, on-sale art supplies for your latest art project, and a vast number of art classes. From classes on mural painting to lessons on 3-D sculpture, you will be sure to find a class to suit your specific interests. Teachers with experience in instructing students of all ages and abilities will work with you to develop a creative curriculum based on your desires.

To read more about how Singaporean companies are doing their part to support Singaporean artists, go to http://thepeakmagazine.com.sg/lifestyle/large-companies-can-meaningfully-support-artists-today/.

0 Singapore artists protest against rent hike at arts center

Rent at the Goodman Arts Centre used to be quite reasonable, including service and security charges for using the facility. Artists rented out units of varying sizes for anywhere from S$500 to S$695. Subsidies from a government art organization helped cover some of the service charges. However, with those subsidies recently expiring, rent at the center has skyrocketed for some of the tenants. Many of them can no longer afford to keep their studios there. Some artists are protesting the price hikes at the center, saying they can find better accommodations for their studios on the open market.

Without the subsidies supplied by the government agency, many artists are faced with price increases of as much as 70 percent. It has caused at least one artist who was applying for space within the center to take back the application. He complained that the service charge was exorbitant and that it should be that high, especially given the lack of perks in the space he was applying for. In that particular unit, there was no wifi, air conditioning, fan, or elevator access.

The price increase didn’t necessarily happen overnight. The arts center was founded on the principle of artists existing and working in the same space, fostering a sort of creative incubator environment. However, they were required to pay monthly fees to be a part of that space. The government agency that initially funded the subsidies to help with the fees gradually decreased their contributions over the years. For another artist who was renting studio space in the arts center, increasing prices he has paid over the years means he will likely be unable to afford to stay there.

Even though the intention of the arts center was good, other artists who chose to rent studio space in different venues cite a number of reasons for their decision. For one, the arts center in question is located in an out of the way spot, away from places the artists would need to be. Also, the arts center offers services that many don’t need, including booking agents and security. Coupling these issues with the high prices of the arts center drove many away. One artist, though, has a possible solution for this issue. Perhaps more dialogue about affordable art spaces should take place.

Pursue your artistic journeys in the comfort of your own home by enrolling in an art class via SGArtClass.com. Whether you sign up for a lesson in oil painting or rock painting, expert teachers will work around your busy schedule to make sure you get the instruction you need. You can even enroll in online-only classes, meaning you can take them any time, anywhere. All you need is access to the internet and a computer, and you’ll be completing creative projects in no time.

To learn more about the situation at the arts center and the artists renting spaces there, go to http://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/artists-slam-rent-service-charge-hikes-goodman.

0 Coffee festival will also be a hit for book and art lovers

This year’s installment of the Singapore Coffee Festival will feature much more than the hot, caffeinated brew. Fans of books and art will definitely want to check out the event thanks to all the special programming that has been scheduled for it.

Visitors can look forward to a literary and artistic partnership between two teams who will work to make illustrations on the spot that interpret a segment of a written work. This special event will also serve as a preview to this year’s Singapore Writers Festival, which is just a handful of months away. Audience members will be able to participate in the show by adding coffee vocabulary to the works, which the artists will have to then illustrate.

An organization for young artists will also be teaming up with a writing group to make recycled art. Visitors to the festival can expect to go home with to-go coffee cups that feature poetry from noted Singaporean writers, as well as designs by different artists and art collectives.

Yet another art feature that will be a strong draw for visitors to the festival is a live demonstration of graffiti art by a group of artists working for a Singaporean newspaper. If they feel so inclined, visitors can even help contribute to the large pieces of art, experiencing firsthand what it takes to make art on such a large scale.

Perhaps one of the most unique features of the festival is a special arts marketplace. Keep the cash at home, though. Visitors are being encouraged to bring items that they can trade for the goods they want in the marketplace. Items can be anything from artwork or writing of their own to something that is less tangible, like a story told orally, a song sung, or a dance performed. The aim of these kinds of bartering interactions is so visitors can have a better idea of the value of art and the work and effort that go into it.

Fans of books will love literary programming at the festival. There will be a number of book and column readings by noted authors and writers, as well as sales and signings. A special segment will be dedicated only to children’s books, meaning the festival is a place for all ages.

Make art a part of your world by signing up for an art class via SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com is a website whose mission is to connect talented art teachers with potential students, building creative relationships whose ramifications will be experienced for years to come. No matter what kind of art you practice, the skills you take away from your projects will last for a lifetime. They even go beyond being able to wield a paintbrush effectively. Manage your stress, express your thoughts, and learn creative problem solving while taking an art class.

To read more about the Singapore Coffee Festival and the events that will take place during it, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/getting-creative-with-coffee.

0 Individuals restore, preserve historically rich Singapore tiles

When the giant crack appeared in a Catholic rectory at a cathedral in Singapore, tile enthusiasts knew they had to work carefully to save the historically rich tiles. They carefully removed each damaged tile with a chisel and hammer, cleaned and repaired what they could, crafted exact replicas of tiles that were too far gone to be saved, and returned the tiles to the floor. The tiles represented a beautiful and important part of Singaporean history, and the restoration project ensures that the flooring of the rectory will be enjoyed for years to come.

Decorative tile came to Singapore at the tail end of the nineteenth century. They primarily came from Great Britain and Japan, and many examples of decorative tile in buildings can be seen around Singapore today. The tile flooring in the rectory was perhaps the most ornate example. Those tiles were stamped by hand, and were made of concrete. Other tiles can be made from metal, and are generally used to decorate ceilings and walls. The concrete tiles in the rectory were representative of the artistic periods of art nouveau and art deco, where abstract designs took inspiration from floral subjects in nature and shapes and design work became bolder, respectively. The tiles are particularly special because it is easy for experts to recognize that the design was in the process of bridging the gap between one artistic period to the other. It was also special for the tile enthusiasts to see the aesthetic tastes of the historical figures who used to own and live in the rectory. It was like opening up a time capsule to another era.

The tile enthusiasts who completed the rectory’s restoration project are such big fans that they even have an art gallery exclusively for tiles. Visitors can stop by and appreciate a rich collection of different types of tiles. Some include colorful mosaics of abstract designs and repeating patterns. Other include 3-D representations of gorgeous types of flowers. Still others feature stylized representations of birds, religious symbols, and decorative motifs deigned to elevate the decor of the home, shop, church, or other building the tiles are installed in.

Embrace your love of art in your life by enrolling in an art class via SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com is a comprehensive and useful website that features everything from informative articles about different artistic genres to highly affordable art supplies for everyone from the budding artist to the seasoned painter looking to replenish their stock of mediums for the next project. What’s even more important about SGArtClass.com are the extensive listings of art classes anyone can enroll in. From 3-D sculpture to mosaic art, found art to watercolor painting, caricature drawing to nail art, you can be sure you’ll find an art class that will pique your own creative interests. Visit SGArtClass.com today to see everything it has to offer.

To read more about the tile preservation project, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/precious-old-tiles-given-a-new-life.

0 Singapore students design transit card ahead of holiday

Autistic students taking part in Singapore’s Pathlight program have designed transit cards ahead of Singapore’s National Day. The ez-link cards will be available for purchase at Pathlight’s art gift shop.

The students were tasked with coming up with designs about what Singapore means to them. Some of them chose to feature iconic cityscapes, neighborhoods, and buildings in their designs. One student even included the classic merlion design. Still another student covered his ez-link card with dinosaurs, and there was an important reason to do so. It was the same student who designed a dinosaur-covered bag that the first lady of Singapore carried during a visit to the White House in Washington, D.C. That same bag sold out completely online in just a day after people discovered where she had gotten it from — the Pathlight program student artist.

There are four student artists behind the ez-link card designs, made specially for the National Day holiday. In all, there are a total of nine designs. The dinosaur cards come in six different colors, while a series on shophouses can be bought as a collection.

A Pathlight official said it was important for these students to enjoy the success of their card design and artistic skills because it went to show that people with autism have a lot to contribute to society. It’s particularly special to see what the students love most about Singapore shining through in their artistic designs.

The release of the card designs was celebrated with an art show at a hotel gallery. Pathlight students had the added benefit of seeing their artwork displayed. An annual event in its third year, the art show highlighted the works of more than thirty students who are a part of an art education program at Pathlight.

Art is everywhere. It can be found in museums and galleries, sure, but it is also in the designs of everyday items we use. Celebrate the role of art in the world by signing up for an art class today. Visit SGArtClass.com to see the wide range of art classes available to take. Whether you’re interested in graphic design or oil painting, graffiti art or assemblage art, recycled art or comic drawing, there is sure to be a class to delight and inspire you. Taking art classes have the added benefit of imparting important skills that can be applied to other areas of your life, including creative thinking and problem solving, as well as increased confidence in self-expression. You can even take art classes on your own time with online courses. Complete them whenever you have spare time in your busy schedule. All you need is a computer and internet access. Expert teachers will lead you in exercises meant to develop the skills you need to complete the projects you’re most interested in.

To read more about the students and the successes of their various projects, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/pathlight-students-design-ez-link-cards-for-national-day.

0 Singapore art gallery to host variety of works from Chinese artists

A Chinese-centric art gallery in Singapore will be the site of a celebration of Chinese artists in an upcoming group exhibition. Works spanning and busting genres will be on display as a part of the show, which focuses on a group of seven artists from China. The work is primarily contemporary, and each of the artists has played an important role of advancing the art world in their own respects. From displays in new media like video and digital art, to explorations in pop art that offer commentary on culture all around the world, visitors stand to gain a new appreciation for global art right in Singapore.

In one oil painting that will be displayed in the group show, an ostrich extends its head down into a well to examine a frog, which sits in a small pound of light blue water at the bottom of the structure. In a palette of neutral sands and browns, blue is the only color — the blue of the water ponding at the bottom of the well, and a small patch of blue sky framing a single cloud above the ostrich. On the right edge of the canvas, a group of carnivores — a lion, tiger, wolf, leopard, and bear — watches, perhaps laying in wait. On the left side of canvases a group of half-hidden faces looks on with amusement. Either way, the ostrich is unaware that it is under perhaps some intense scrutiny. It’s up to the viewer to determine what will happen next.

In an acrylic painting that will also be involved in the show, a viewer can’t help but recall the work of American pop artist Andy Warhol. What appears to be the same woman is reproduced four times on the same canvas. The only things that changes from each image is the color of different aspects of the print. All of the women are treated to neon colors, including orange, yellow, pink, blue, and purple. The images are so stylized it’s difficult to make out details. Where is this woman? Why do we see her four times? White Chinese calligraphy covers the entire composition.

Another work of art was completed entirely with acrylic ink on bark paper. In the background of the piece, an elaborately designed house of worship stands. It could be a cathedral. The eye of the viewer moves naturally along some flora that includes a tree and a grassy knoll before coming to rest on an owl with a piercing gaze, perched on a ball. One must wonder what the owl, a universal symbol of wisdom, might represent, especially with its positioning in the foreground of the work.

You, too, can be part of the contemporary art movement by enrolling in an art class in a genre of your choosing via SGArtClass.com.

To read more about the exhibit and get a taste of what will be on display, go to http://www.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/2422583/from-pop-art-to-new-media-at-shanghart-singapore.

0 Singapore dance troupe examines history of country in performance

Singapore has a 500-year memory gap in its history, starting with its founding by Sang Nila Utama and ending with the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles. Everyone familiar with Singaporean history knows the dates and events of those two points of history of the country, but there are 500 whole years between the two. So what happened in Singapore in those 500 years? The short answer is, no one really knows for sure.

That’s where Singapore’s Era Dance Theatre comes in. The leader of the dance troupe wants to bond dance and performance together to tell the story of what might have taken place in the lost 500 years of Singapore’s history. Not meant to be taken as historical canon, the performance will feature classic and contemporary music, singing, acting, and dancing. The dance troupe leader, who has organized and coordinated this performance, says he is happy to be working on something with so large a scale.

What will be examined and performed as a part of the event is the legendary sighting of a lion that gave Singapore its name and informed important aspects of the culture. Sang Nila Utama’s sighting might have been less than literal, as lions are not typical fauna of Singapore. However, as lions are important to Buddhism and Singapore’s founder was a practicing Buddhist, the lion might have been more of a spiritual sighting than anything else.

The performance won’t be completely made up from out of thin air. Officials from the dance troupe are using an academic paper theorizing what might’ve happened during those missing 500 years. What officials do know is that Singapore was a busy port, and the performance will celebrate that. Officials for the dance troupe hope that viewers of the performance will come away from it excited about the contributions Malays had to the history and development of Singapore, including inspiring young people to learn more about their heritage.

This is just the beginning for the dance troupe, who is also focusing on deeper partnerships with an academic group to offer an academy. Though the academy does not yet have a physical location, officials with both the dancing troupe and the school are working together to develop curriculum for incoming students. Types of programs that will be offered includes instruction on many different forms of art, creative research projects, writing and publishing books, and other endeavors.

Find your own place in history through art. Visit SGArtClass.com to learn about different artistic genres via informative articles, stock up on reasonably priced art supplies, or sign up for an art class. Taught by professional art teachers, all of the art classes featured on SGArtClass.com are sure to inspire potential art students of all ages. Whether you’re interested in oil painting, portrait drawing, fashion design, or another type of art, there is sure to be a class that will ignite your creative passion.

To read more about the dance troupe and its performance, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/imagining-singapores-past.