Category Archives for "Blog"

0 Gallery show explores belief of self

A talented artist is getting a well-deserved solo show at a Singaporean gallery that explores self-perception and belief in new and interesting ways.

The artist has partnered with a studio collective in Indonesia for two years, working on producing works that adhere to her theme. Much of the work was in stained glass, which is most often used in religious art or church decor. However, the artist reinterpreted that use by crushing the glass and utilizing it in new ways, exploring the idea of heresy and non-belief.

In one sculpture that will be on display at the exhibition, a representation of the human heart is seen, cast in bronze, complete with veins and ventricles branching out. Without color and context, it almost seems alien, a creature reaching out to try to make sense of the world around it. The artist has taken the 3-D sculpture to the next level by bedazzling it with crushed glass in pinks and purples, lending and even more realistic take on the organ.

In another sculpture, a winged angel statue with prayerful hands and an uplifted face is seen. What’s interesting, again, about the sculpture is the material. The shape itself is something you might find in any place of worship or cemetery, but the artist has chosen to construct it with bright blue and green crushed stained glass. The effect is almost modern, approaching on kitsch, like a cheap plastic toy for children’s amusement.

Another sculpture similar to the first has two human hearts, the veins enmeshed with each other. It’s an entanglement that neither seem to be able or willing to escape, and the red crushed stained glass takes on a lifelike wet ruby glow.

Still another human heart sculpture is shaped differently and colored a creamy white. The veins that branch out from the organ almost look like a halo, making viewers think twice about just why the heart is nearly white. Is it supposed to be a holy heart? If so, why isn’t it pure white — the color of purity of spirit? It could be seeking to make commentary on the fact that, according to doctrine, all human beings are sinners. Nobody is perfect, even if we are actively striving to be.

The artist’s most faithful take on a traditional stained glass artwork comes in the form of a panel of squares, each rendered in blue and white. Blue and white have, in Catholic tradition, served as the colors of the Virgin Mary’s robes. However, the artist still uses the crushed technique, molding the glass dust into her own view on stained glass windows.

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To read more about the exhibit — and to see a sneak peek of some of the pieces that will be on display — go to http://sea.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/3041437/see-like-a-heretic-on-vision-and-belief-at-gajah-gallery.

0 Singapore exhibit cracks open legend’s notebook

For the first time, the private art notebooks of renowned Indonesian contemporary artist S. Sudjojono are open and on display. Interested fans can view the pages as a part of a special exhibition at National Gallery Singapore celebrating gems of the museum’s Southeast Asian art collection, which is the biggest in the world.

The notebook in question is less of a preparation for paintings, which the artist was known for, and more of a personal diary. On display are a number of intimate drawings of Sudjojono’s life, including drawings of his second wife, a renowned opera singer, singing while doing chores at home. These brief windows into the artist’s life are full of whimsy, insight, and humor. Interestingly, the artist also scribbled written notes to accompany the drawings, offering rare information about his thoughts and artistic process. Not many popular artists preserve their thoughts in this way, which makes the display of the pages from the notebook even more special.

In one drawing, a woman in a flower-covered dress stands as another woman, seated, plays the piano. It’s a portrait of Sudjojono’s wife rehearsing, the sheet music just visible behind her. Though both figures in the drawing are facing away from the viewer, the artist has managed to inject a good deal of personality and detail into the composition — right down to the plaid suit of the piano player.

In another drawing, viewers get an up close and personal look at the artist’s studio — which also happens to serve as his bedroom. In one corner, viewers can make out a rumpled bed — and even the foot of the artist himself, poking out of the bottom of a blanket. It’s clear the artist is drawing the scene from the comfort of his own bed, perhaps making some viewers jealous that they might not also have comfortable beds in the middle of their work spaces. A TV rests on a set of drawers, while an easel is pulling temporary double duty as a closet, a cloth draped over it. A fan is pointed upward, resting on a chest of art supplies, and papers with works in progress dominate another corner. The clutter is homey, drawing viewers into Sudjojono’s personal life. Not many artists would give such unfettered access to their creative spaces.

The drawings serve as a personal account of the day to day actions of the artist’s life. They are also a way for him to practice. In one, he recreates a highly detailed scene of a roadside food seller, detailing commuters on mopeds and in cars in the background, and small children milling around in the foreground. Even the thatched roof is painstakingly rendered.

Let art into your personal life by visiting SGArtClass.com. Browse informative articles, discounted supplies, and a host of art classes you can easily enroll in. Talented teachers are on hand to lead you on your creative journey.

To read more about S. Sudjojono’s legendary notebook, go to http://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2018/05/17/sudjojonos-sketchbook-unveiled-in-singapore.html.

0 National Gallery Singapore a feast for the eyes and mouth

When one thinks of National Gallery Singapore, what first comes to mind is likely the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian art. There might also be the thought of the historic buildings that make up the museum — the nation’s former city hall and supreme court were combined with modern architecture to create the exhibit space. One might also think of the expansive programming curators and other organizers at National Gallery Singapore put on, drawing members of the community and foreign visitors to enjoy world-class art exhibits and special forums and workshops.

One might be excused if food isn’t the first thing that pops into mind when thinking about National Gallery Singapore — though maybe it should be.

Recently, art museums all around the world have become places to host fine dining — or at least options that go beyond boxed pre-made sandwiches in snack bars. In fact, one of the several eateries inside National Gallery Singapore even has two Michelin stars, which are the top accolades restaurants can receive. Now, people can visit the museum to enjoy both visual art and the art of fine dining.

A London-based travel writer went to National Gallery Singapore for the express purpose of trying out the dining options within the museum, but she ended up skipping the Michelin-starred restaurant. That particular restaurant was a four-course minimum, no menu affair, and the food itself was French. The writer wanted something that was a little more typical to Singapore, and that’s how she came to be acquainted with National Kitchen by Violet Oon. Oon herself has been a jill of all trades, enjoying careers as a singer in the opera, a host on television, and an expert on food. It was her children who convinced her to open her first restaurant, and now she has three. The food at the restaurant housed inside of National Gallery Singapore was, according to the writer, revelatory. From modern takes on classic Singaporean cuisine to fun and substantive iterations on colonial and regional fare, this restaurant offers excellent food for those visitors who might not have time for a four-course meal and also want to get a taste of typical food in Singapore while checking out Southeast Asian art.

Art is a wonderful way to get in touch with both yourself and the world around you. Enroll in an art class today via SGArtClass.com. Whether you’re interested in watercolor painting or digital photography, fashion drawing or comic drawing, recycled art or caricature drawing, there is sure to be a class that will pique your creative interest. Through the creation of art, you can relieve stress, develop creative problem solving skills, and discover a hobby that you never knew you were passionate about. Visit SGArtClass.com today to begin your artistic experience.

To read more about fine dining options at National Gallery Singapore, go to https://www.telegraph.co.uk/luxury/travel/national-gallery-singapore-best-restaurants-cafes-museums-galleries/.

0 Singapore designer talks shop

Olivia Lee knows what it’s like to work in the family business, even as she puts her own signature spin on it.

The daughter of two professional designers, Lee recalls playing with material scraps left on the floor while her parents were busy, trying to design their assignments to meet deadline. Her parents worked hard. Back when they were designers, it wasn’t as trendy as it is now. It was this early tactile experience that led Lee into a career in design — though she says neither of her parents pushed her to go into the field. In fact, they encouraged her to pursue something a little more traditional, if only for greater job security and normalcy.

However, Lee was torn. She loved art and design, but she also had a passion for science and engineering. Her father told her that there was a new program at a Singapore university that combined her passions, and that’s how Lee came to have her career in industrial design. She eventually went to further her education in England, and ended up working for a renowned designer in her preferred field.

When she was ready to return to Singapore, Singapore was ready to have her. It was right around the time that such artistic stalwarts as Gillman Barracks and Art Stage Singapore were in their infancy, but Lee recognized it for what it was — art about to explode into a wonderfully creative scene right in her home nation. So she took a position with a government agency before eventually opening a studio named after her. Today, the work she completes is wildly diverse. She designs everything from high fashion house window treatments to air filters. These kinds of design assignments truly do embrace both art and science, meaning that Lee gets to do what she loves.

One of Lee’s greatest accolades to date includes being honored during a furniture fair. She designed several pieces to be shown at the fair and garnered a good deal of attention because of it. Now, she’s investigating how to mass produce her collection, which she says is inspired by the idea of rediscovering humanity amid technological advances.

Overall, Lee says she hopes her own personal story inspires people who might be caught going back and forth between art and science. It is possible to not have to choose between the two disciplines, and that goes for women, as well. Lee says she hopes to see more female industrial designers take on challenges in her industry, and works toward that goal by mentoring promising women.

If you’ve always been interested in art but haven’t been sure how to further explore that interest, consider visiting SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com is a comprehensive website full of educational articles, affordable art supplies, and many different classes you can easily enroll in. You can even take online classes from the comfort of your own home — and on your own schedule.

To read more about Olivia Lee’s work and design philosophies, go to https://sg.asiatatler.com/generation-t/the-way-finder-olivia-lee.

0 Singapore-based businessman embraces short stories

An Indian economist living in Singapore is branching out, bringing more art into his business-minded life.

Sanjeev Sanyal has now written five books, the latest of which is a collection of short stories. There are varying opinions about short stories at the moment, including how effective they are at conveying plots and character arcs, as well as debate about how much longer they might last in the sphere of literature. However, Sanyal has dismissed those concerns, leaning in to short stories at a time when other writers an artists are looking at alternative approaches.

This latest collection of short stories takes inspiration from Sanyal’s life. The settings span everywhere from India, where Sanyal is originally from, to London, where he studied, and Singapore, where he currently works. The bulk of the stories are satirical, offering sharp commentary on a number of cultural references. Indian literature itself has a rich history in satire, which is primarily where Sanyal derived his inspiration.

Many of his stories also are shaped with the philosophy that life is completely random. Instead of operating on a pre-determined path, like some people believe life to be, Sanyal approaches his stories with the idea that life isn’t predictable. All of these unpredictable events play off of one another, inspiring a domino-like effect of situations.

Like many writers, Sanyal also derives inspiration from his own life. Though he says there is no one character truly based off of himself, there are a couple of references to economists or people living in Singapore that Sanyal says function as reflections of his existence. Also, Sanyal relishes the challenge of constructing a short story. There’s a true art to it, since the story is limited by its length. There aren’t thousands of words available for character development and world building. Sanyal says he must pack a complete story — along with the traditional mechanics that usually accompany it — into a brief period. That challenge has inspired him to continue to embrace short stories and literature in general.

Art comes in many different forms. From the written word to visual art in paintings and sculptures, art is all around us. There is even art in the mundane, such as traffic signs, maps, and product packaging. To open your eyes up to the art present in the world around you, visit SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com is a comprehensive website full of informative articles, discounted art supplies, and a wealth of art classes that you can easily enroll in. Whether you already have a creative background or you’re just shopping around for a new hobby, there is sure to be an art class perfect for you. Choose from oil painting, charcoal drawing, mural painting, 3-D sculpture, and many, many more classes. Start your artistic journey today.

To read more about Sanjeev Sanyal’s approach to the art of short stories, go to http://www.indiawest.com/news/india/economist-as-short-story-writer-sanjeev-sanyal-aims-to-revive/article_8e12cef8-5567-11e8-b912-b397e0ea2a71.html.

0 Singaporean artist persists in her take on public art

The third time just might be the charm for Singaporean artist Priyageetha Dia.

The first two times Dia installed her artwork, which wasn’t approved by the proper officials or organizations, they were taken down again. But it’s a testament to Dia’s persistence that this third project has even more personal meaning to her artwork.

The first project that got Dia recognition — and perhaps a little infamy — was a set of stairs at her place of residence. Last year, the artist covered a flight of stairs using gold foil. Though the work was deemed as public art rather than graffiti, it was removed soon thereafter because it wasn’t properly authorized. The installment and its quick demise gained some recognition online and in some art circles, which decried the art piece’s removal.

Dia’s second piece, a collection of gold mylar flags, was hung from the top floor of the same building. Residents and passers-by complained, taking photos of the installation and posting them online in outrage. In a roundabout way, however, that negative attention gave Dia a web boost. More people knew her name and what she did, meaning that her art was spread further than she could’ve achieved by herself. Though her gold flags were taken down and confiscated by a local organization, she embraced the organization’s actions and the conversation taking place around her public art installations.

In an ironic turn of events, the organization that took possession of Dia’s flags lost them. They paid to replace the mylar material, and in turn, Dia created a third artwork, titled Upgraded. In this installation, which is on display at a Singapore art gallery, Dia combined the mylar material into ten large flags, reminiscent of her second installation, and emblazoned red words in contemporary fonts on the front of the flags. The combination of red and gold is visually arresting, adding to the feel of importance to the work. For Dia, it’s essential to continue the conversation about what really constitutes art, including what can and cannot be considered to be art. The artist says she feels that many art is undervalued and overlooked, making this show particularly poignant. It’s the first time that the art will come down when the artist is ready for it to move on, and represents a new beginning for Dia’s work.

Find space for art in your own life by signing up for an art class via SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com is the perfect website to start your artistic journey. Learn about different kinds of artistic genres through a host of informative articles, browse highly affordable art supplies discounted so you can complete your latest creative projects, and learn which art classes will be best suited to your particular interests. From installation art to mural painting and everything in between, there is sure to be an expert teacher and instructor on hand to inspire you to create.

Read more about Priyageetha Dia’s personal art history at https://www.timeout.com/singapore/news/meet-singapores-golden-girl-priyageetha-dia-042718.

0 Changing scope of art education in Singapore welcome

For a long time, art education in primary schools hasn’t looked like much more than arts and crafts, scissors and colored construction paper. Any arts instruction was the completion of simple projects, or consisted of nothing more intellectually stimulating than coloring and drawing.

Now, however, primary schools in Singapore are aiming to change that perception, offering a meatier and more challenging artistic experience for its young students.

Operating off of the premise that it is never too early to start learning important concepts, the new curriculum will delve deeper into the art world. Primary school students will now investigate questions about why art is created, including investigating possible reasons behind one of more than thirty paintings that will be a part of the lessons. The paintings are from both international artists as well as local artists, painting a broader picture of what art looks like both in Singapore and around the world.

The new push for better art education in primary school will ensure that students will be more well rounded in their studies. More meaningful study of the art world could even pique the interest for further studies for students who might not have otherwise pursued more information on the art world. Though not every student will become a professional artist in their adult lives, having a background understanding of art benefits people in myriad ways. People in non-artistic careers might find that they have more developed creative problem solving skills than their peers who lack artistic education. Past art students might even find that art is an enjoyable hobby, letting them pass the time in healthy and creative ways. For others, art might be a great emotional outlet, allowing them to express and process their thoughts and feelings on everything from happy happenings to potentially traumatic experiences.

Parents of primary students can expect to see these positive changes in art education immediately, as they have already been implemented this year. One example of enhanced lessons that students will be taking part in is discussion time about the thinking behind the masterpieces, or why the artists created what they did. This kind of discussion develops essential skills of analysis for students that will go on to benefit them beyond their art studies. Other lessons include acting out skits and scenarios based on student interpretations of the works in question, as well as a trip to the museum designed to give students opportunities for hands-on learning that they might not have experienced without the curriculum.

Visit SGArtClass.com today to browse the extensive lists of art classes that are available for enrollment. Teachers in charge of classes on SGArtClass.com have experience with teaching students of all ages and abilities, making art classes a perfect learning opportunity for young students on break from school, or older individuals looking to fill their schedules with enjoyable and enriching experiences.

To read more about the ways that art education is changing in Singapore, go to https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/finding-a-new-meaning-in-art.

0 For more artistically inclined Singaporean children, parents need to step up

Recent changes to primary school curriculum that emphasize and boost art education are a welcome change to regular art instruction on campuses across Singapore. However, to develop truly well rounded and excellently prepared young people, parents must take more of an active role in art education and beyond.

For many people, a greater importance is placed on academic success and achievement in science and math subjects. Any flair or talent for the arts is held secondary — if acknowledged at all. While it might be counterintuitive to place art above scientific academic pursuits, doing so from time to time will help young students become richer individuals. Understanding art, as well as having an aptitude for it, has a number of unexpected perks. Students with at least a rudimentary knowledge and experience in the creative world might be better able to express themselves in literature and language arts assignments. They might also be able to more creatively approach science and math topics in ways that might not have been previously accessible.

So where do parents come in to this arts education boost? When students come home excited about an art project, parents should be enthusiastic with the results. They should ask questions and react positively when students talk about the artistic information they gleaned from their studies. And parents should also decrease the emphasis on purely scientific and mathematical achievements. While aptitude in science and math is important, art imparts sets of additional skills, resulting in students becoming better rounded.

Parents can also encourage extracurricular learning geared more toward art. Art lessons are available from a number of sources, and parents can even roll their own sleeves up and get artistic right alongside their youngsters. Completing simple art projects together in the home can be a wonderful way for parents and children to bond, express their thoughts, and beautify their living spaces all at the same time.

Another possible art outlet that parents can pursue with their children is visiting an art museum. Singapore has a number of wonderful museums filled with inspiration for art appreciation. A family visit to National Gallery Singapore or any other galleries or venues would be an exceptional — and educational — way to spend a lazy weekend together.

If you’re struggling on ideas for bringing more art into your life, visit SGArtClass.com today. SGArtClass.com is a comprehensive website full of art information, educational articles, discounted art supplies, and an extensive listing of art classes you can easily browse and enroll in. Whether you’re interested in oil painting or charcoal drawing, recycled art or 3-D sculpture, miniature painting or mural painting, there is surely an art class on SGArtClass.com that will unleash your creativity. Our expert teachers are skilled at leading instruction for students of all ages and abilities, meaning that you can get started on your creative journey today.

To read more about parents taking charge of their children’s art appreciation in Singapore, go to https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/parents-must-change-mindset-towards-the-arts.

0 New Singapore Art Museum leader announced

The Singapore Art Museum is getting more than just a physical upgrade in the form of extensive renovations that has part of the art campus currently closed. A new chair of the museum’s board of directors has been announced.

Edmund Cheng will now helm the board, being named to the position at the beginning of April. Cheng comes to the spot with plenty of art-related experience under his belt, having served as chair on a number of art-minded organizations. These include government art agencies, galleries, councils, and even the nation’s tourism group. In addition to chair of the Singapore Art Museum, Cheng is also currently in a leadership role of a Singapore lifestyle company.

Cheng said he is excited to work with the board of directors to continue to advance the role of art in Singapore through the Singapore Art Museum. He hopes that through his leadership, the museum will continue to be a popular and meaningful destination for both Singapore residents and tourists who come to visit the country and end up discovering just how rich the art and culture in the region is. Cheng added that his work will simply build on that of the previous chair, Jane Ittogi.

Ittogi held the position for five years, seeing the Singapore Art Museum through a number of important changes to its business plan. She was behind important programming that saw a higher level of public engagement with the museum, including immersive and interactive events, exhibits, pop-up shows, educational workshops, and speeches by many different individuals involved in the art community. Ittogi also encouraged collaboration between the museum and other Singaporean entities, the end goal always being bringing more art to more people. One such example of this kind of outreach is a partnership between the museum and a prison, which is responsible for showing art from inmates involved in a special program to help them find a creative outlet through art classes.

Ittogi said that she looked forward to seeing what Cheng did with the position, adding that she hopes he continues the level of community engagement the museum has been enjoying. She is excited about contemporary art in Singapore, especially within the scope of the kind of programs both at the Singapore Art Museum and other museums in the nation. One government official lauded Ittogi’s hard work as chair of the board of directors at the museum, saying that the kind of growth the facility saw in those five years wouldn’t have been possible without Ittogi.

Make room for art in your life by enrolling in an art class via SGArtClass.com. Learn about different art periods and genres, browse affordable art products, and scroll through a wide range of different art classes all while on SGArtClass.com, a fully comprehensive art website. You are sure to find art information, products, or classes that will pique your creativity.

To read more about Edmund Cheng’s leadership at the Singapore Art Museum, go to https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2018/04/05/mr-edmund-cheng-assumes-position-as-new-chairman-of-singapore-art-museum/.

0 Multiple Singaporean neighborhoods to feature heritage fest attractions

This year’s Singapore Heritage Festival is jam packed with a variety of attractions sure to pique the interest of a wide range of people. Even better is the fact that nearly every single one of Singapore’s various historical neighborhoods can get in on the action with programs and tours scheduled. The festival is a wonderful opportunity to learn things about the history of the neighborhood you’ve been living in for years without the context necessary to appreciate historical buildings and meaningful stories about the streets you see every day.

The Jurong neighborhood will resurrect the experience of a drive-in movie theater. From the early 1970s to the mid-1980s, a popular drive-in movie theater attracted hundreds of cars and hundreds more spectators in its gallery area. The theater showed English-language classics and was a wonderful way to socialize. Now, with the advent of streaming movies, less people are going to the theater. However, the reincarnation of Jurong’s drive-in theater is a great way to go retro — along with a car full of friends.

The Jalan Besar neighborhood used to be the place to go to see cabarets, boxing matches, and much, much more. The New World Park was known to be packed with entertainment opportunities. While the new New World Park experience, organized in conjunction with the heritage fest, won’t be as titillating as the classic one, people can still enjoy live music, an art market, and movie screenings.

The Chinatown neighborhood will feature what it does best: delicious food. But if you’re already a regular to the eateries and hawker stalls in the neighborhood, there are two walking events designed to introduce foodies to new favorite fare. Take note of the new best food in the area with one event, and learn the stories and history behind other offerings in the other tour. There will also be storytelling, tea competitions, and operatic performances in the neighborhood.

The Bras Basah and Bugis neighborhood is featuring loads of events in conjunction with the heritage festival, but one of the most meaningful and entertaining might be a theater production that examines and presents the history of the neighborhood. The production dramatizes real stories that took place in the neighborhood throughout history, including tales of convicts at a prison, a mutiny, Japanese WWII occupation, and a bus hijacking. Even more special is the fact that the stage isn’t located inside a traditional theater. Instead, the streets within the neighborhood provide the true backdrop to the stories.

There are multiple events in other neighborhoods, as well, including a playground tour, walking tours of historically significant spots, and art shows and entertainment opportunities.

Find the art in your own personal history by enrolling in an art class via SGArtClass.com. Art has a number of proven benefits, including stress relief and processing of difficult emotions and experiences.

To learn about the interesting items on display during Singapore Heritage Festival 2018, go to https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/lifestyle/what-to-do-weekend-singapore-heritage-festival-2018-10099066.