Southeast Asian art is going global thanks to National Gallery Singapore.
The gallery is sponsoring a Malaysian artist’s work at a special exhibition in Paris. The show covers a period of history, but does it in a unique and comprehensive way by featuring art representative of that time from around the world. So while Western audiences might be accustomed to associating a modernist period with paintings by fixtures like Pablo Picasso, this show aims to broaden that understanding of modernism with paintings by Eastern artists active in that period, as well.
A number of works of art from the Malaysian artist will be on display in the Paris collection, including a number of important works that highlight his unique place in art history. The artist’s unique creative voice and artistic process adds a rich dimension to Western art expectations.
In one of the paintings that will be on display as a part of the collection, a trio of figures dominate the canvas. It is difficult for the viewer to pinpoint what they should be looking at, as each of the figures is constructed by a number of abstract shapes, lines, textures, and colors. The overall effect is a group of abstract, vaguely monstrous statues. The central figure is yellow, gold, and orange. Curved crescent shapes at the top move the viewer to recall claws or horn, while circular bulges protruding from just below could be eyes. The possible mouth is full of jagged, sharp teeth, while a single paw grabs the figure to the left. This figure has a rounded top, complete with two eyes. Its limbs look more like tentacles and thick, sweeping blades. This figure also appears to be more menacing, as its colors are darker and cooler than the central figure. The third figure, which occupies the rightmost third of the canvas, features the darkest colors of all. One appendage looks like a clawed hand, extended upward toward the sky in a pose of desire or supplication — it’s up to the viewer to decide.
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To read more about the international art partnership, go to https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/national-gallery-singapore-brings-major-show-of-works-by-latiff-mohidin-to-europe-with-70-strong-survey-at-paris-s-centre-pompidou.