An upcoming art show in Singapore is the perfect way for visitors to get a crash course in pop art. Dozens of pop art masterpieces will be on display during the exhibit by both Singaporean and international artists. In general, pop art can be defined as art that borrows imagery or themes from modern society, popular culture, entertainment trends, and more. Usually, artworks that fall under the pop art umbrella can be viewed as satire, offering commentary on the very society and culture the images and styles are borrowed from.
In one piece from a Dutch pop artist who curated and organized the show, the soup can that was a visible and memorable part of American artist Andy Warhol’s famous art makes an appearance. But instead of Campbell’s emblazoned on the label, it’s a portrait of Warhol himself. Text instructs the viewer on how to successfully make the substance inside the can, which is advertised as instant fame. Other instructions include mixing the innards with ambition and advises that the recipe only takes fifteen minutes — just like the fifteen minutes of fame Warhol predicted everyone would receive.
Another pop artist from Singapore incorporates cartoon characters in his work, which often tends toward traditional patterns. In one painting, the viewer must look hard to locate Mickey Mouse, Bambi, Hello Kitty, Tin Tin, Pikachu, and others in the center of what, at first glance, appears to be a porcelain dish. In another, Hello Kitty is front and center, the bottom half of the character’s face concealed with a bandana. Colorful patterns instantly recognizable to fashionistas around the world act as a bright collage in the background — there are logos for Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana, Versace, and others.
Another Singaporean artist painted an irreverent but cheerful tribute to Buddha — if the Buddha in question were a DJ. The religious figure is seated atop a lotus, arms raised in the air, presiding over a deck. Around him, speakers don’t so much as blare as they emanate red waves of sound, which lift a trio of nude women to the top of the canvas. The women look peaceful, swaddled in red cloth, the joy from the Buddha below buoying them.
Invest your free time in taking an art class. Visit SGArtClass.com today to browse an extensive listing of all the different art classes you can enroll in. From digital art to acrylic painting, 3-D sculpture to jewelry art, comic drawing to mural painting, there is sure to be an art class to pique your interest. Art is a wonderful way to engage in the world around you, and can even help you understand and participate in popular culture. Make your mark on the art world with the help of a professional art teacher.
To read more about the pop art exhibit, as well as to see a sneak peek of some of the works that will be on display, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/pop-art-for-the-selfie-generation.