Category Archives for "Blog"

0 Art, museum space all about embracing Singapore’s creative spirit

A facility revamped to house art groups and museum space is pointing out the importance of history — even as Singapore makes great leaps toward the future. The space in question, 222+51, is committed to honoring the past, even if it presents itself in imperfections.

222+51 is a name derived from the street numbers of the addresses of the two buildings the art space now occupies. It is the former Catholic High School, a site that has recently celebrated its 80th birthday. In keeping with the commemoration of history, the directors of the privately managed site — one of the first private partnerships of art and history in the same place — have declined to do anything significant to alter the look of the building. To them, the small imperfections like cracked floors and chipped paint adds to the historical patina of the facility. To completely revamp everything into a state-of-the-art facility might have been aesthetically pleasing, but for the directors, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. It was much more important to the directors to preserve those little touches, keeping the sense of the past intact, than to beautify an already historically beautiful location.

As a part of the celebrations for the 80th birthday of the physical buildings, the art space unveiled murals marking residents’ important memories of the neighborhood and its way of life. For example, one participant included a giant ball of ice that was reminiscent of the way his father shaved ice to sell for flavored treats. The mural was created by both the artists who use the space at 222+51 as well as community members drawing from banks of collective memories to honor the past of both the buildings and the surrounding area.

222+51 is expanding its services to the art community, adding different creative groups to the premises all the time. The newest tenants in the buildings will be a fashion wing, improv troupe, and dancing lessons. The facility is looking to reach out to the younger generations to get them excited and involved in all forms of creative expression. The directors at 222+51 are committed to embracing art in all of the many forms it takes.

One of the best ways to explore the different forms of art is to sign up for an art class yourself. If you’ve always wanted to take an art class but haven’t known what resources are available, SGArtClass.com is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to connect with professional art teachers eager to help you get started on your creative journey. Whether you’re just picking up a paint brush for the first time or if you need help taking your existing creative skills to the next level, art classes through SGArtClass.com are there to help.

To read more about the historical art space 222+51, go to http://www.themalaymailonline.com/features/article/singapores-heritage-space-22251-is-all-about-making-art-history.

0 Printers, paper artists breathe new life in Singapore art scene

People well acquainted with the art of printmaking and paper making are looking to team up with other artists to make fine art prints, an art form that has been virtually untapped in Singapore.

Prints are a method of making art that use scratching or etching on a certain surface — plastic, metal, stone, or others — in an intricate set of steps. After the surface has been treated with chemicals based on the specific type of print it will produce, an image is created or transferred onto the surface using stencils and sharp metal tools, keeping in mind that the surface will serve as a sort of stamp. Therefore, the image that will be etched on the surface will have to be arranged in a mirror image of what will be the final printed product. Once the etching is complete, printmakers will fill the surface with ink. The etched lines and textures of the surface will allow the ink to seep in, and pressing the surface against a piece of paper by using special tools and machines will result in an image on the paper. This end image is a print, and no matter how many times the original surface is used to create a print, each resulting print is considered to be an original artwork in of itself.

Only one thing is holding this art form back in Singapore — a lack of highly trained printmaking and paper making professionals. The paper itself is nearly as important as the print, with considerations needed for just how much of the ink will bleed into the paper and what style the printmaker and artist are hoping to achieve. Practitioners of the art form are hoping that many more artists and community members will see just how creative and imaginative printmaking and paper making can be and learn how to complete these art forms. Art prints are increasingly popular at international art events and can be a great way for artists to produce several pieces of art for sale.

Those artists already trained in printmaking and paper making are eager to collaborate with other artists to make their masterpieces. These art forms are an incredible way to put creative minds together to make truly great work.

Do you have creative ideas but aren’t sure how to execute them? Go to SGArtClass.com today to browse a huge list of art classes that you can sign up to take. Wherever your creative interests may lie, you can work closely with professional teachers to develop the skills you’re most interested in, whether they’re oil painting or charcoal sketching, assemblage art or clay sculpture, or any other artistic genres. Think about gathering a group of friends together to take the same art class, held at either your house or a common meeting place, for the best kind of collaboration among many different minds.

For more information about these types of artists and style of art, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/artists-in-their-own-right.

0 Women’s stories at forefront of art group’s event

A new play is bringing real stories of Singaporean women into the spotlight as a part of the production of “Every Singaporean Daughter,” an ensemble performance centering around the stories of two main characters.

Though the play is a fiction, the organizers behind it asked for women to submit their uniquely female stories as a part of the creation process. The producer of the play was blown away with the submissions, part of which were handwritten on paper, or sent online. They revealed experiences the male producer had never before considered, including the struggles women living in Singapore face every single day. However, he knew that from the feedback the production received from the call for submissions meant that gender equality was a supposed to be a two-gender effort. Some notes detailed trying to balance the expectations of the family with a woman’s goals for herself. Others included discrimination in the workplace and how many women needed to go above and beyond her male counterparts in order to even be seen as their equals. Still another voice in the submissions was a woman who was abandoned by her father and left to be raised by her mother, who was not from Singapore.

While it would be difficult to incorporate all of these different experiences of social constraints and the gender gap into one stage production, the director distilled the stories he received into the play, focusing on two main characters amid a host of other voices. One of the characters is an athlete who loves sports but is facing pressure to settle for a more traditional female existence. The other main character is a woman who hopes to have a fulfilling career being limited by her family expecting her to be nothing more than a homemaker.

The director and producer admit that the play doesn’t contain answers to the difficult questions surrounding the female experience in Singapore, but they both hope those who see the show leave the theater more aware of what goes on. The play is meant to foster an honest discussion about everything Singaporean women experience and hopefully how everyone can do their part for a more equal society. Part of the ticket sales for “Every Singaporean Daughter” will be donated to a charity that focuses on teen pregnancies, still a very taboo subject in the nation.

Art is a wonderful way to explore everything from people’s different life experiences to controversial topics. Sign up for an art class to express your own creative opinions on everything via SGArtClass.com. This website is the best way to browse all of the art classes you could ever be interested in taking, from stage design to fashion drawing to mural painting and much more. Whether you have a specific interest or a broad desire to embrace art, expert teachers will be on hand to help you have the best creative experience possible.

To read more about the production, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/staging-stories-left-unsaid.

0 National Gallery Singapore sees 1 million guests

Even though National Gallery Singapore has only been open since November, the world-renowned art museum recently enjoyed its millionth visitor in the form of a family. As a celebration of this milestone, the museum’s popular open house event will return once again for the public.

The Chia family decided to visit National Gallery Singapore after doing research as to what to do for Father’s Day. They got much more of a treat than they expected when they were greeted with confetti, performances, and prizes as the museum’s millionth guests. They were surprised by the fanfare, and the opportunity to attend National Gallery Singapore with special passes they received as a part of being the millionth visitors to the site. As a part of these passes, they will get to experience a VIP private tour of the premises, as well as attending the opening show for an upcoming exhibit in the near future.

Even with the surprise gifts, the Chia family said they greatly enjoyed their time at National Gallery Singapore. The expected to return often to enjoy the massive collection of Singaporean and Southeastern Asian art pieces — the largest public collection in the world — and the magnificent views of Singapore from the art campus. They even posed for pictures in one of the museum’s interactive art displays, a 3-D rendering of a boat drifting down a river, complete with people, animals, and plants one might see along an actual river cruise.

A National Gallery Singapore official says it should come as no surprise that the museum has already seen its millionth visitor even though it hasn’t even been open for a year. Many people enjoy coming there because of the exhaustive art exhibits, as well as the fact that the museum itself was constructed with two of Singapore’s most historic landmarks: the old city hall and supreme court buildings. The massive project is an architectural sight to behold, and a perfect canvas for all of the art the museum has on display. In addition to its permanent collection, National Gallery Singapore has big plans for upcoming special exhibitions and public outreach and educational programs as a way of continuing to celebrate art in the region and promote a continued curiosity for the creative world.

One of the best ways to celebrate the country’s landmark National Gallery Singapore is to sign up for an art class today. Visit SGArtClass.com to see just what kinds of art classes are offered and be dazzled to see the wide selection. From art photography to digital art, watercolor painting to comic drawing, fashion art to mural painting, there is surely an art class for every single creative interest. Expert teachers will meet with you in the comfort of your own home or at a conveniently located common area to help you learn more about your chosen passion, including working on projects you request or developing a special curriculum to suit your interests.

To read more about National Gallery Singapore’s milestone, visit http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/national-gallery-receives-millionth-visitor.

0 Singapore enjoys community arts festival

The PAssionArts Festival kicked off this past weekend with food, special events, and much fanfare with booths lining an open field near a transit highway. This art fair is special in that it heavily involves community members to help make it a resounding success.

The festival will take place from now through the end of July, setting the stage for a wide variety of different events throughout the weeks it will be open. PassionArts is particularly known for its unique brand of facade art, or installations and murals displayed on portions of buildings. One such artwork was revealed as a part of opening ceremonies for the festival.

Last year, several housing units in Singapore took part in this special celebration, utilizing the skills of both experienced artists and citizens with very little artistic experiences. In the spirit of celebrating Singapore, beautifying their homes, and honoring the arts, volunteers helped influence the different artworks displayed on the facades and even aided in the painting and installation of the works. Themes for these gigantic displays included favorite landmarks around the nation, messages of hope and peace, and memories of neighborhoods and styles of living in the nostalgic past.

This year’s facade masterpieces might feature different themes, but the overall feelings will still remain the same. Singapore’s deputy prime minister, who was an honored guest as a part of the opening ceremonies for PAssionArts, said that he has personally seen many of the ideas for this year’s artworks. While last year might have been Singapore’s 50th birthday, this year is the first year of the country’s next 50 years. Many residents are feeling optimistic about this future, and the artworks reflect that attitude. The deputy prime minister also said that this year will be even more special than the last because many more opportunities for community participation will be made available. Participating in facade art projects brings a sense of pride in neighborhoods and creates camaraderies in between people who might not have ever met otherwise. Not only will people receive a basic education in beginning art skills through the PAssionArts Festival, they might even make friends or discover a hobby that they never knew they would enjoy.

Even if you’ve never had a formal art education or attended any sort of artistic events, art can still be for you. Direct your browser to SGArtClass.com to see the wealth of art classes you can take in the privacy of your own home. Art classes can reveal many things about a person, including a hidden creative streak, an ability to creatively solve problems in ways you might never have considered before, and skills that you might never have known you possess. Expert teachers will take you from the theory of the art genre you choose to take a class in to its actual practice, including specific techniques for completing projects you can help determine.

To learn more about the nationwide event, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/nationwide-community-arts-festival-kicks-off-on-saturday.

0 Singapore airport a surprising site for art

Many people can recognize the singular grind of traveling from airport to airport. Some of the airports you connect in might be seen at a dead run as you sprint from one gate to the other in an attempt to make your flight. Others might be glared at as flights are delayed, construction drains the spirit, and the array of shops and restaurants blur together, no one place distinguishable from the rest.

Singapore’s airport strives to fly above the rest with the idea of embracing the space for travel and including art to help soothe travelers’ souls. A variety of different art installations — 13, to be exact — cover the various terminals within the Changi Airport, delighting both unsuspecting travelers and those seasoned in Singapore’s take on what an airport should be. In fact, Changi Airport in Singapore has consistently garnered awards and other honors as one of the best airports in the world.

Of the 13 art installations on display in the airport, just over one-third of them are by Singaporean artists. The rest have been commissioned by artists from across the world. An airport official said that the criteria for displaying art in the airport is that the art must be universal. Since the Singapore airport sees a diverse number of travelers every single day, it is important to appeal to lots of different backgrounds for people. Even so, the Singaporean artists on display bring that important local flavor to give the airport its Singaporean context. Natives to the region will readily recognize distinctive blue ceramic pots, graceful ink calligraphy, and a giant rendering of a saga seed. While travelers not from Singapore or the surrounding Southeastern Asian region might not immediately grasp the importance of these images, they will surely come back after their visit to Singapore with much more insight on what these artworks mean to the area.

Other artworks take the art of flying quite literally. A Mexican artist has a set of golden, outspread wings on display, seeming to float in space. A short flight of stairs leads travelers up to them for an entertaining and beautiful portrait opportunity while on the go. Another installation mounted on the wall represents birds in migration, winging their way to their breeding grounds. Clusters of large marble sculptures are reminiscent of root bundles, reflecting the importance of gardens to Singapore’s culture. Perhaps one of the best known installations is one that moves. Suspended from the ceiling, a large group of metallic teardrops can be programmed to take the shape of many different images.

Art knows no boundaries and can be found in nearly every culture both past and present. Celebrate art by signing up for an art class through SGArtClass.com. Whether you’re a seasoned creative professional looking to relax with a new class or someone who’s never had formal artistic training, you can easily find the lessons and teacher that will be right for you.

To read more about the art in the Singapore airport, go to http://www.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/1438169/art-on-the-fly-singapore-changi-airport.

0 National Gallery Singapore pleases visitors near and far

National Gallery Singapore, which held its grand opening in November of last year, is catering to many different types of visitors with its location, variety of exhibits, and wide variety of attractions. However, those who plan on stopping by the museum should plan on spending at least a day perusing all the different offerings of the facility.

While Singapore is mostly known as a shopping mecca in the Southeastern Asian region, the recent opening of National Gallery Singapore is clearly ushering in a new artistic and cultural era for the nation. There are countless art events, galleries, and festivals going on at any given time around Singapore with National Gallery Singapore often acting as the flagship museum.

One of the reasons National Gallery Singapore is such a force of nature in the Singaporean art world is that it is a gorgeous combination of modern and classic architecture. Two Singaporean landmarks, the old city hall and supreme court buildings, make up the new art museum. The buildings have been connected with very forward-thinking glass and bridges, making the classic architecture part of the display — just as much art as anything else in the facility. At the rooftop of the building, which also showcases rotating displays, visitors can enjoy seeing a bird’s eye view of other memorable sites from around Singapore.

Another special part about National Gallery Singapore is that it can interest visitors of all ages. A section of the museum is devoted to helping children learn about art and develop their creative imaginations. With engaging exhibits and regularly scheduled special events, this special section is an excellent way to introduce children to how amazing art can really be.

There are several breathtaking venues within National Gallery Singapore itself, allowing for a variety of uses for the space. There are several restaurants housed within the museum campus, but one of the most incredible ones is a Mediterranean eatery that also features event space. The restaurant itself is rentable for all kinds of personal celebrations, including weddings. A recently married bride gushed about how beautiful the venue was and how important it was for her to have a memorable wedding far away from home.

Are you inspired by National Gallery Singapore and the slew of art events around the country? One of the best ways to seize that inspiration and learn from it is to sign up for an art class. SGArtClass.com is a great way to easily browse dozens of different art classes you can take all in one place. It doesn’t matter if you have limited knowledge and skills in art. An expert teacher will lead you on everything from instruction on techniques and history of your chosen art genre as well as projects that you’re interested in completing. Find your passion in art by enrolling in an art class today.

Read more about exhibits about National Gallery Singapore by going to http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/06/16/singapore-s-national-gallery-charms-travelers-art-lovers-lovebirds.html.

0 Singaporean taxi drivers moonlight as actors

The personal stories of Singaporean taxi drivers will take center stage as a part of a special art festival in Singapore. What’s even more special is that actual taxi drivers will be testing out their acting chops and performing their own stories for audiences.

One such story is an account of a driver who cared for a colleague who had suffered from a stroke. A taxi driver participating in this unique arts program admitted that while he has been driving taxis for more than thirty years, he has never put on a show in front of a live audience in a theater. Though he’s comfortable behind the wheel of a taxi, he is not as sure of his abilities on the stage. He says he is suffering from stage fright and hopes to have all the kinks ironed out in time for the show.

The taxi driver stories will be staged at four different performances throughout the festival. The anecdotes have been compiled into a one-hour show and are sure to present a variety of different voices. The taxi driver participating says he thinks it will be a good way for people to understand the personal experiences drivers often have on the job. Audiences will receive greater insight into the lives of the drivers they depend on to get them between point a and point b. Organizers say that this is the point of the festival, and that they hope to pay tribute to such essential workers as taxi drivers.

The taxi driver anecdotes presented as a play with real life taxi drivers as the actors of their own stories is just one of a collection of options organizers are putting forth for the Singaporean public to enjoy art. As art comes in many different forms, it is important for the different types it takes on to be made accessible for people. Visitors might never know they enjoy art if they never stumble upon the genre of art that truly inspires them — be it theater, painting, music, or other art forms. As a part of this push for taxi driver art, there are also Chinese theater traditions that will be on display, offering something for everyone.

Participate in art by visiting SGArtClass.com today to see the wide range of art classes available to tempt your creative interests. Find classes in everything from oil landscape painting to pointillism; assemblage art to nail art; chalk pastel drawings to portrait painting; and much more. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have any art experience whatsoever; expert teachers skilled in instructing students of all levels will help develop your technique and lead you on interesting projects. You can even get a group of friends together for a fun and educational art experience. Teachers will work around your business schedule and can even meet you in the comfort and convenience of your own home.

Read more about the special program by going to http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-s-taxi-drivers/2874600.html.

0 Push for more honors for Singapore ink artists

A former director of an art retreat is saying that Singapore’s classic ink artists require much more recognition than they have been receiving. Ink art is an important stage of Singaporean art history, and while all kinds of art has enjoyed a recent resurgence in the country, ink art might have fallen by the wayside.

As the former director writes, many might argue that ink artists have enjoyed recognition. One of Singapore’s most famous ink artists has enjoyed recent retrospective shows in several different art venues. He even has two pieces involved in National Gallery Singapore’s popular “What’s My Name?” exhibit. His family has also organized and published a book about his life and work.

However, while this artist’s legacy has seen the type of recognition that many artists deserve, other ink artists have been forgotten. This very famous artist inspired a host of first-generation Singaporean ink artists who have done notable works. However, these works have not had as much prominence as others, leading to the former director’s concerns that the contributions of these artists have fallen by the wayside.

Another Singaporean ink artist, calligrapher, and poet has a remarkable body of work, but it could be easy to overlook. One of his most prominent works is a gorgeous and enormous calligraphy piece on display in the Singaporean housing authority offices. However, since the area is highly trafficked and full of busy people looking to complete their business there and move on to the next task they have to complete in the day, the wonderful piece is overshadowed. The poet chose to write a fragment of a poem by a man talking about how important it is to have a roof over his head. A storm blew the roof of the man’s house off, and as he went out in the storm to retrieve it, it was taken from him again. The piece is a beautiful and meaningful way to pay tribute to the importance of housing, but rare is the person who actually looks up to the wall and appreciates the piece of calligraphy. This piece of important ink art should be elsewhere, or perhaps the housing authority office could include a plaque talking about the artist, his work, and the importance of that particular piece in connection to the office.

It’s important not to forget important artists and the periods and genres of art they represent. Pay tribute to their legacies by signing up for an art class today. SGArtClass.com offers your choice of multiple types of classes, including calligraphy, Chinese ink art, and many more. You might be surprised at the different skills you will gain from taking these classes, including relief from stress, relaxation, and a development of creative problem solving. You could even discover a passion for a hobby you might have never known you had otherwise.

Learn more about recognition for Singaporean ink painters by visiting http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/are-singapore-ink-artists-getting-enough-recognition.

0 Singapore art dealer discovers Indonesian talent

A Singapore art dealer is one of the reasons an Indonesian artist has enjoyed recent successes, including art both sold and auctioned at impressive prices and a new show in New York City.

The Singaporean art dealer first met Indonesian artist Nyoman Masriadi in the artist’s studio, marveling at the unique nature of the artist’s work. Though the art dealer was well versed in the creative world, the pieces that Masriadi were producing were like no other paintings he had ever seen before. Seeing that there was clearly something there and perhaps an untapped market to go along with it, the art dealer started showcasing some of Masriadi’s works in a Singaporean art gallery, bringing the artist greater visibility.

But the indications that Masriadi would be a great artist weren’t there from the beginning. In fact, Masriadi ended up dropping out of art school prior to his final assessments, citing the fact that he disagreed with the teachings of some of his instructors. Despite this, he kept on creating, particularly after several upheavals in both the art and economic worlds in the Southeastern Asian region. When one art period ended in the late 1990s, a period that valued realism and classical works, another age was ushered in. This new age sought to promote artworks with a message of social justice or other theme, and it was this period in which Masriadi thrived. His works treated social justice issues on a grand and unique scale, showing images of slavery coupled with thought-provoking titles, challenging viewers to go outside of their own, personal experiences to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.

The artist became prolific, completing a large number of paintings, many of which enjoyed great success at auction. His artwork set auction records, the Singaporean art dealer saying that low estimates for the prices of the work were part of what ended up driving the higher returns. The artist himself stays humble, saying that he doesn’t quite understand what it is about his masterpieces that makes people want to buy them. Many of the artworks feature subjects with dark skin, including dialogues exchanged in speech bubbles. They might look cartoonish in some settings, but it’s the message behind the works that really resonate with collectors.

In addition to Masriadi’s show in New York City, he has also exhibit his body of work at the Singapore Art Museum.

Art is a wonderful way to explore a number of different themes and issues. You might find it difficult to express your thoughts on current events, but you should try taking an art class to see if you can express yourself in different mediums instead. Visit SGArtClass.com today to enroll in a variety of different art classes. From cartoon drawing to oil pastel art, there is sure to be an art class to interest everyone.

For more information about the Indonesian artist, go to http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/06/04/art-plus-masriadi-s-new-york-debut.html.