The upcoming Singapore Art Week is set to feature an incredible amount of artists and art exhibitions, and “The Alchemists” is one of them. This show will feature a number of talented designers redesigning objects based on the principles of alchemy, a pseudoscience from medieval times that was focused on transforming one substance into another. The end goal of most alchemists was a way to transform ordinary elements into valuable gold — something that never occurred.
However, the magic and imagination involved in alchemy persisted almost into an art form of appreciation, meaning that the collection of designers involved in “The Alchemists” show are transmuting ordinary things into extraordinary design.
This show is also an homage to an Italian group from the 1970s also entranced by the idea of alchemy, designing many avant-garde items inspired by the old practice. This modern group of Singaporean designers are examining the same principles — how to use different materials and methods to transform the design and substance of an item.
A variety of artistic methods were used to complete some of the works in this show. Resin pouring, 3-D printing, ceramics, and many more techniques and mediums were employed to explore how to rethink contemporary items while still paying tribute to the strangeness of 1970s culture. One of the end goals, the show’s curator shared, was to push for a more contemporary approach to modern design.
One example of a product reimagined in “The Alchemists” show is a table created without using a mold. Instead, designers used the principles of gravity, as well as surface tension, and poured resin to form a colorful table. Other ordinary products, like a basket, vase and bowl, are constructed using 3-D printers, a brand new technology that has been emerging in the past few years. Designing more things using 3-D printers is another way to embrace contemporary technologies as a way to help us design new, beautiful and useful additions to our lives. Yet another product designed as a part of the exhibition is a bag that stands up by itself, then collapses flat for maximum storage capabilities.
The curator of the show said that by including designers of all ages and experiences, she hopes to showcase the depth and breadth of design in Singapore.
Interested in redesigning some things in your life? Think about taking an art class to explore all the ways you can do so. Decorative painting is one way to start. You can redesign a table of your own simply by painting designs on it. Visit SGArtClass.com to see all of the different art classes you can enroll in today. Our expert teachers will help you explore the subjects you’re most interested in, from painting to sculpture to animation. Instructors will work with your schedule and availability to ensure you maximize your educational experience.
For more on the upcoming exhibition as a part of Singapore Art Week, go to http://sea.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/1299728/singapore-art-week-2016-to-highlight-designers-inspired-by.