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0 Art classes organized to combat dementia

Art classes organized to combat dementia

A group of senior Singaporeans are getting a chance at beating back the onset of dementia by participating in special art programs in conjunction with several major Singapore art museums.

The aim of the programs is to study whether such art therapy can delay dementia for those individuals most at risk for the condition. Since elderly people with certain diseases already can be more susceptible to dementia, those individuals were carefully handpicked for participation in this special program. They will be measured throughout the duration of the experience to document any changes or improvements by using analyses such as brain scans.

The program itself is twofold. The first part includes art museum tours with specially trained docents. The docents take the group of seniors to specific art exhibits or paintings within the museum and engage them in discussion and reminiscing. For example, one painting had elderly members of the group chatting about their kampung experiences, harking back to a time they lived life without the modern comforts of electricity or television. Another painting showed street sellers dashing away from authority figures in a wildly engaging scene. The docents are responsible for selecting works of art they think might best inspire conversation and thinking among the elderly, as well as keeping the discussion going.

The second part of the program includes special art therapy classes. Art therapy can come in many different formats. Participants might, for example, draw or paint a piece of art based on a reading that the art therapist gives. Or they might maintain an art journal, making something new every day. They could view another art piece and make something inspired by it. Or they could listen to a certain song and construct a masterpiece based on it.

This particular study isn’t the first of its kind, showing just how important researchers believe art is to health. Other studies in and around Singapore look to combat depression among the elderly with art tours and therapy. An added bonus is that many of the seniors participating in the program had never before been to National Gallery Singapore, one of the museums taking part in this special program. The experience helps engage seniors and get them out and about into the world, adding to the benefits that art is already giving them.

Do you know someone who would benefit from participating in art or taking art lessons? Visit SGArtClass.com today to see all the different classes offered. From watercolor painting to charcoal sketching and many, many more, there is sure to be an art class available to engage that special person in your life. It doesn’t matter if that person is your child, parent, or grandparent. Highly trained teachers will be happy to work with people of all ages and skill levels to help bring the joy of art to their students.

To read more about the art classes for people at risk of developing dementia, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/a-dose-of-art-may-keep-dementia-at-bay.

0 Migrant worker life on display in Singaporean art exhibit

It might be hard for an ordinary person to understand what drives migrant workers to leave their homes and loved ones behind to seek employment in other countries, but a group of artists originally from the Philippines who now live in Singapore are working to bridge that gap. A new art exhibit centered around migrant work is a push to gain more acceptance for those types of workers in Singapore.

Some people might think that migrant workers have it good. They get to travel, see new things, and earn more money than they could have otherwise if they had remained in their home country. However, these would be misconceptions. Many migrant workers are filled with anxiety about leaving their friends and families behind, as well as adapting to a new country and culture they might not be used to. There are many barriers to overcome, such as the possibility of dealing with a new language necessary to communicate their needs and wants, unfamiliar foods and drinks, and the fact that they are sending the majority of money home and must live frugally.

This collection of artworks explores these themes, and the exhibition’s title translates to “baggage” — meaning things people carry both physically and emotionally. One painting that is a part of this group shows a piece of heavy machinery at dawn or dusk. It has been captured lifting a heavy load of materials — or perhaps it has hefted it above the ground for the entire night to ward off anything happening to it. This is a scene that many migrant workers would recognize, and a workplace many of them might be familiar with. The baggage is the payload lifted aloft.

Another painting shows a weary person in rumpled clothing walking away from the viewer. The person has a heavy-looking backpack strapped on, and is toting another piece of luggage. Both the backpack and rolling luggage are plastered with stickers reminiscent of frequent travel, and the background of the painting seems to be fenced and walled in, recalling the numerous borders migrant workers must cross in order to find their livelihoods and help their families. There is a sense of sadness and resignation in this painting, evident through the dominant blue colors.

Art can be a wonderful way to work through issues and explore human experiences. If you have something to say about your life or the life around you but aren’t sure how to get started, visit SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com is one of the easiest ways to sign up for an art class. This website offers and exhaustive listing of different classes available for you to take, including oil painting, acrylic painting, digital art, and so many more. Expert teachers work with students of all creative levels, and will help give you background on your art genre of choice as well as lead you in projects you’re interested in completing.

To learn more about the exhibit and the Singapore-based Filipino artists, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/drawing-attention-to-migration.

0 Singapore, Chinese officials exchange art made in each country

Singapore and China are using art to showcase effective diplomacy and reflect close friendship as a part of regional relations between China and other nations in Southeastern Asia. As Singapore is the nation in charge of these relations among others in the region, it used its growing artistic prowess to spearhead the exchange, which was held in the capital of Laos.

A Chinese artist made a large print of sights and experiences common for any familiar with Singapore. On a visit to the country, the Chinese artist remarked about how impressed he was with the notion and push for sustainability, understanding how important it was to hold that concept dear. This earth is the only planet human beings have a chance to live on so far, so it is essential for more people and places to be motivated to help the environment through recycling, ride sharing, and other sustainable practices. The Chinese artist saw Singapore’s push for these things, along with a much-needed balance to continue developing and growing as a nation. The print contains statues and art works found around Singapore, including historical figures and Singapore’s legendary Merlion, as well as significant architectural feats the world always thinks of when considering the Singaporean skyline. The entire print is rendered with dark brown ink over a manila to sepia colored background, and speaks to the artist’s professional skills with minute details such as foliage.

Singapore went with a somewhat different approach for their artist. Emphasizing the importance of art education and the new push in Singapore for increased creative efforts, officials in Singapore selected a Singaporean art student’s work to gift to the Chinese premier. The 16-year-old student’s work features friendship bracelets that connect nations in the Southeastern Asian region and China. Two hands are clasped together, the wrists bedecked in flag motifs, and a rainbow band curls among all of them. In the background, a number of dark silhouettes reflect numerous cities that benefit from the power of close ties and effective diplomacy, and birds rise in the sky above them. Though the artist is only still a student, she knew exactly what theme she wanted to convey, citing the necessity for two people in order to secure a friendship band. With Singapore at the forefront of relationships between the nations in Southeast Asia and China, they are sure to use art to help maintain a wonderful friendship in the area.

Art can help bridge gaps between both people and countries. You might be surprised what art can do for you in your own personal life if you sign up for art classes via SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com is a wonderful website that compiles many different art classes, connecting potential students with teachers. It doesn’t matter if you’re an accomplished artist looking to try out new genres, a student looking for feedback for your work, or someone who is completely new to art.

To read about the diplomatic exchange of art, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/singapore-china-exchange-art-at-bilateral-meeting.

0 Singapore pushing for artistic transformation

The opening of National Gallery Singapore in time to celebrate the nation’s 50th birthday is perhaps the most visible example of everything Singapore is doing to push ahead with its artistic transformation. National Gallery Singapore is a modern spectacle constructed by two of the country’s most famous historical buildings — the former supreme court and the former city hall. Important historical happenings took place at these sites — namely independence from Japan. Now, the two buildings are bridged together in an architectural marvel of metal and glass, reflective of the trees dotting the cityscape. Inside is one of the biggest collections of Southeastern Asian art in the world, along with pieces and installations meant to educate and inspire citizens and visitors alike.

Even with the opening of National Gallery Singapore, the country itself has many more steps to take to become a fully successful artistic society, and has several challenges to overcome.

When Singapore first gained its independence as a nation, its founding father knew the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math careers. Emphasis was placed in these realms instead of in more creative pursuits. The efforts paid off. Singapore is now one of the richest nations in the entire world, bolstered by its business and commerce connections and the highly skilled populace. However, once Singapore was rich enough to be able to afford arts and creative pursuits, it was difficult to understand how to incorporate that into its society.

Many adults in Singapore have never experience an art museum on the scale of National Gallery Singapore. The curator of the museum described incidents that surprised many of the employees at the museum. Visitors to the museum would touch the paintings — a serious breach and one that could negatively affect the masterpieces. They began to realize that people who have never been to a museum before understandably didn’t know how to act. That shaped how events and programming were organized going forward. Many art events now include symposiums and panels, as well as workshops to educate people on how the art was made. Where it’s feasible, there are interactive art exhibits as well as collaborative pieces that call on the community to lend their help to complete. The populace is shaping art in Singapore, but art continues to shape the populace as it grows and matures. The most inspirational time for Singaporean art and culture is only growing, and in the future, the creative community has much to look forward to.

Make your mark in Singapore’s art scene by signing up for an art class. SGArtClass.com is a highly convenient website to visit, offering a number of different art classes to suit your various interests. Take a class on found art to learn how to create masterpieces out of everyday items. Flex your computer skills in a digital art class, or discover new skills with a brush in a watercolor painting class. Teachers will help you discover interests you never knew you had.

To read more about Singapore’s efforts at creative transformation, go to http://www.travelandleisure.com/culture-design/art-in-singapore.

0 Popular dance performance coming to Singapore

A one-of-a-kind dance performance is coming to Singapore, but any interested parties would do well to get their tickets as early as possible. Other performances of this particular dance troupe have sold out completely, including in Great Britain, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Australia. This speaks to the majesty of the performance, which is special in of itself.

One of the biggest interests in the show is the presence of a male dancer, which usually isn’t done. Historically, dancers in this style have been only female, as they originated as women who worked in temples and learned the history and steps of traditional dance. However, with the addition of a male dancer to the performance, audiences will be treated to leaps and moves that the female dancers don’t typically do.

Many divine figures in Indian mythology are dancers, including the popular Lord of the Dance. This show weaves narratives and vignettes together to attempt to explain why it is important to understand this background of dancing. Each performance within the event is started by a brief explanation so that audience members who are not as familiar with the history and mythology of the figures in the dance performance can better appreciate the context and background. The performance has been lauded across the world as a great primer on understanding this special style of dancing. One art critic went so far as to say that the performance itself breathes new life and vibrancy into an understandably ancient art.

The performers and organizers of the performance talk about how special it is to show the world their roots. Many of them grew up with these same mythologies and stories and dance performances, so sharing that history with people from different cultures is especially meaningful. The dynamic of this performance will likely ensure renewed interest in this art form for years to come, inspiring people to learn more about Indian culture, history, and legends, as well as even the dance form itself.

Art can take on all shapes and sizes, but it’s up to you to decide what shapes and sizes you want your own personal creative explorations to embody. Visit SGArtClass.com today to investigate all the various forms art can take on. For example, art can be everything from choreographed dances to rich fashion design. It can be the way you arrange items on a shelf to the decoration of a table for a dinner get together. Art can be unexpected and found in the ordinary. Taking an art class will open your eyes to just how extraordinary things can be — from the design on the outside of a juice carton to the shape of a skyscraper towering into the clouds. Expert teachers will take you on a journey of discovery in whichever art class you choose — from oil painting to charcoal drawing, comic drawing to portrait painting. You can choose your own artistic path.

To read more about the performance, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/sold-out-dance-show-comes-to-singapore.

0 Seeking a leader to inspire Singapore’s art scene

Not many people can argue against the fact that Singapore is enjoying a cultural and artistic transformation that is forever shaping art in the country. However, as is the case with most new initiatives, there have been challenges with maintaining effective leadership to shape the direction of the art movement.

One such example of this is the director of the The Substation, a popular art space in Singapore. While the art director has big plans for important initiatives focused around the space, there have been inner conflicts among the director, various artists slated to exhibit there, and the broader community as a whole.

Art communities and art directors often clash because of differences in visions and approaches. While a new art director might be focused on putting their mark on the establishment in question, it is possible that members of the community who used to be fans of the art space lose interest and move on. What is particularly troubling at this point is that the community is worried about representation. Will the art director accurately address the needs of the community? Will common interests be reflected or ignored? Will the wishes of the community for the content, message, and direction within the art space be respected? Art directors must walk a fine line to balance their personal desires for leadership with the necessity to work with the community.

The CEO of the Singapore Art Museum recently vacated the position, which remains open in a search for new leadership. Many fear that this vacancy will negatively impact the stability of the facility, which could begin a ripple effect to other art sites. Even if the position is filled, it would take a long time — and sustained leadership — to make the museum successful. There are growing pains at the beginning of every art director’s tenure. Each must learn quickly what the expectations of the surrounding community are. However, with art directors leaving museums after only one or two years, it is difficult to sustain the level of leadership necessary to be truly effective and successful.

The leader of National Gallery Singapore has held the position for three years now. What is interesting is that she doesn’t necessarily have an arts background. However, this could be important going forward in seeking lasting leadership for other art spaces. Leaders could bring their unique knowledge from their past experiences in other industries to the table, successfully reshaping and maintaining the effectiveness of the art spaces.

Are you interested in exploring art but aren’t sure where to start? Visit SGArtClass.com today to see a wide variety of art classes you can take. From textile art to oil painting, collage art to 3-D sculpture, there is sure to be an art class to suit your interests and help you grow creatively.

To read more about Singapore’s art scene and the efforts to try to search for effective leadership for it, go to http://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/arts/what-kind-leader-does-future-arts-here-need.

0 Artist constructs painstakingly detailed art for burning

When it comes to celebrating traditional ceremonies and events, Singapore’s Yeo Hung Teo is one of the better known artists. He spends the majority of his time constructing paper effigies to be burnt during funeral rites and holiday ceremonies around the year.

However, Yeo himself has admitted that his occupation is a dying art form. The majority of younger generations don’t keep with traditional celebrations like that of burning fake paper money, food, and figurines, and he is the last craftsman of his kind. Yeo has been making figures from paper for more than half a century, honing his art into something he is proud of. A single paper head can take him days to perfect, and then his assistants take over to make the rest of the body of the figure. His most popular figures are deities burnt during a special celebration meant to keep wandering spirits from causing people bad luck. Some of these paper figures can end up being meters tall.

Yeo continues to complete his intricate projects even as he understands that these customs are beginning to be dismissed as old and unnecessary. He even admits that it is hard for him, year after year, to see the paper sculptures he crafted so carefully burn up completely in a matter of a few minutes. But continuing to adhere to the old ways is important to him, so he continues making his figures — and will likely do so for the rest of his life. The practice continues to be important to several key groups in Singapore, such as fish merchants, who believe that burning the effigies will bring them luck and safety during the fishing season. Priests accompany the rituals, praying and issuing blessings before the sculptures and paper are burned. Other offerings of food, candy, and toys are also made to appease different types of spirits.

The sculptures themselves are breathtaking. Gods are rendered in painstaking detail, limbs outstretched, ceremonial armor colorfully depicted. Every piece is bright and highly flammable, right down to the artistic facial expression painted on the figure. Other figures, such as ingots, are lovingly decorated as if they were not about to be burned to a crisp, all of the artistry lost to tradition. Yeo both shapes and paints the sculptures himself.

Art can celebrate both the old and the new in life, and all it takes is attending a single art class to start appreciating it. Sign up for an art class in anything from 3-D sculpture to acrylic painting via SGArtClass.com. Expert teachers have experience in working with students of all artistic abilities to help you learn new techniques and develop new interests. Taking an art class with a group of friends or coworkers would also be an excellent and educational pastime. Visit SGArtClass.com today to get started on your creative journey.

To read more about the paper effigies and the practice of burning them, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/a-dying-art-a-labour-of-love.

0 Famous Singapore native returns to judge youth art

Wu Chun, a former resident of Singapore who has made a name for himself in music abroad, returned to the country he used to live in to help judge a youth art competition. The competition, which challenges young people to embrace art in their lives and remain creatively active, asked Wu to attend to help hand out awards to the winners. The competition is currently on tour with the winning works of arts, which showcase soccer feats lovingly rendered by youths from around the Southeastern Asian region, including Singapore.

The sports-themed art was made even more special by a historic Olympic win by a Singaporean swimmer, which coincided with Wu’s trip back to Singapore. Wu said he was excited by the notable win, and that he visits his home country at least once a year to catch up with friends and family who remain here.

Wu himself says he is a big fan of sports, encouraging his two children by signing them up for classes on dance and martial arts, as well as playing with them whenever he gets a chance. He understands how important it is to stay involved in the lives of children, which is why he is an ambassador for the organization behind the art competition. As a father, Wu often finds himself making sacrifices to ensure the happiness and wellbeing of his children.

Wu is perhaps best known as a member of a pop band in Taiwan. He says that one of his dreams would be to reunite with the rest of his band mates and go on a special tour again, reliving the glory days of the past and catching up with his friends in music. However, Wu is currently being kept busy by working on a number of films, some of them in English, which he wasn’t used to. Previous films he appeared in had him speaking in Mandarin.

Art is a great way to inject our lives with creativity and celebrate the things we love the most. Visit SGArtClass.com today to see all of the different art classes you can take to bring more creative focus into your life. Whether you’re signing up as an individual, with a close friend or spouse, with a group of friends, or are looking for a hobby to help your child grow personally, SGArtClass.com has a wide variety of different art classes for all interests. Connect with your inner self more deeply with a class on oil painting. Experiment with your friends with a class on portrait drawing. Learn problem solving skills and have an educational social experience with a group of friends during a class on found art. Let your child delve into the creative world with a class on watercolor painting or much more. Expert teachers will help you learn the skills you need to complete self-directed projects and foster a love for art for years to come.

To read more about Wu Chun and the art competition, go to http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore-news/wu-chun-singapore-present-youth-art-awards.

0 Drone pilot turns vistas of Singapore into art

Singapore is a very art-friendly city. From the numerous galleries and art festivals to brand new and established art museums, the creative boost the country has seen recently has been unparalleled. With government initiatives meant to sponsor and bolster artists to be able to create more work, Singapore is one of the best places to go to see excellent and thoughtful art.

However, a photographer and drone pilot is finding art in Singapore that some people might not think of immediately — aerial art looking down into some of the most beautiful parts of the city. The photographer says he hopes to ignite a renewed love and appreciation for Singapore by taking the photos he has taken of everything from the organic to the geometric, the planned to the wild. The photos are planned before sending the camera aloft with a drone, and then the photos are snapped to preserve the beauty of a city that some might never get the opportunity to see. Even with the planning, however, some of the images he captures are completely accidental, a happy bit of serendipity he stumbles upon while winging aloft.

One image is of people walking on a highly geometric sidewalk. Within the intersections of the gray and white sidewalk are lush green spaces. The image becomes something of a commentary on man versus nature, showing that we can maintain spaces for the organic things in our life even as we continue to develop as a people.

Another gorgeous vista documents a boardwalk extending over a turquoise sea. Just discernible are the little dots of people traversing the stretch, which is dotted with broader platforms for people to step aside and enjoy the view. The colors of the sea are phenomenal, blues and greens contrasting with the tawny sand at shore and at an island just surfacing beyond the edge of the photograph.

Still another thoughtfully planned photograph takes a bird’s eye view of a housing development. Nice houses, many of which have pools, are arranged perfectly to fit on little islands in the middle of darker water — a canal system, perhaps, or a lake. Bridges connect the islands to the mainlands, and in a reflection of the houses, boats also line the shore. It shows just how close to each other we live even if we are self-contained in our own houses.

Other photos capture the gorgeous bend of a monorail crossing over a lush lake, futuristic architecture bordered by highways, some of Singapore’s signature buildings extending into the sea, tangles of traffic, and picturesque roundabouts.

Beauty can be found all around us, and art is one of the best ways to find it, document it, and celebrate it. Consider taking an art class in art photography, landscape painting, and other areas today. Visit SGArtClass.com to see a complete listing of all the different courses you could enroll in.

To read more about the drone prints and see the photos, go to https://uk.news.yahoo.com/amazing-drone-photos-show-beauty-111101374/photo-along-little-seen-views-city-photo-111101433.html.

0 Singapore Night Festival brings dreams to life vividly

Science fiction and fantasy are two of the main themes for the Singapore Night Festival, which promises to bring vivid dreams to life with art installations, light shows, and much more.

Both Singaporean and international artists alike are slated to show their masterpieces at the event, which will also include workshops aimed at teaching visitors about the art and technology that partner to make such displays. An art market will also be on hand, giving other artists a chance to sell their wares. The Night Festival will illuminate Singapore’s arts district once again this year, bringing a whole new world to normally dark building fronts and streets.

Some of last year’s most popular installations will return again. A light projection on the Singapore Art Museum will showcase scenes from a writer from the science fiction genre. On the building facade for the National Museum of Singapore, LED stick figures will put on a show, stacking and climbing endlessly to the amusement of viewers. The stacks of figurines seem to be climbing or working together for a common purpose — one that might need to be deciphered by the viewer. Another lighted sculpture will commemorate a beloved tree that was felled in front of a church in the district, replacing bark with lighted shapes and foliage with deep blue tear drops that look like decorative baubles. Students at the National Design Centre have come up with a deep-thinking installation of lighted 3-D polygons, each of the sides a different colored panel. They said that the project represents to them the moment of a good idea, much like the often-used symbol of the lightbulb going off above someone’s head.

The market at the Singapore Night Festival will also include delicious food treats and drinks for those hungry and thirsty art fans. To further incorporate performances, popular bands will be on hand to add music to the show. Visitors will be sure to be delighted by all the senses during the popular festival. A number of exhibits are interactive, meaning that visitors will get to make their own mark on the celebrations by participating in activities like beating on light-up drums.

Art can come in many different forms — more than you might possibly imagine. Investigate, examine, and enjoy all of these genres by signing up to take art classes via SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com is a website that serves as a one-stop location for all your artistic needs. View listings of art classes available, learn about different forms of art, and purchase art supplies for your projects all in the same place. By signing up for an art class, you will be instantly connected to an expert teacher who will take you through the history, techniques, and project steps necessary for you to effectively explore your chosen class. Visit SGArtClass.com today to learn more.

To read more about the sights at the Singapore Night Festival, go to http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/night-festival-2016-where/3052224.html.