For many special needs and disadvantaged children, one of the most pressing concerns is their equal access to the same kinds of resources and opportunities as other children. With that in mind, a unique partnership between Singaporean artists and a vulnerable group of children was launched, culminating in a special art show that celebrated the achievements of the collaborations.
For one boy whose work is on display in the exhibition, learning photography from a Singaporean photojournalist unlocked a completely new world for him. The boy came from a broken home after his Chinese mother and Singaporean father divorced, and switching between homes in China and Singapore meant that the boy struggled in English at his school. With his mother working long hours to support the family, it meant that the boy didn’t have a lot of support or help from adults in his life. That was where the photojournalist came in. At first, when the boy would take photos of his surroundings, he wouldn’t be impressed. The home he lives in is humble, situated near a road and other urban fixings, but the photojournalist encouraged him to look again. By teaching the boy artistic techniques for photography, the boy was able to see art in the everyday, including “painting” with light and long exposures, as well as fisheye lenses morphing a regular living room into something more interesting and surreal. The boy’s photographs are included in a special installation that mimics the inside of his family’s home in Singapore, complete with window panes framing the photographs, another testament to how art has changed the boy’s perspective on life.
Another young girl and budding artist has a special installation set up as a part of the exhibition. Just five years old, she has created a character whom she draws pictures of every day — sometimes more than ten pictures a day, all with different scenarios for the character to explore. The character itself is as unique as the girl — it has a large head and tiny body, and gets into all kinds of adventures. Because of the prolific nature of the young artist, there are more than one hundred pieces of art, all featuring the character. The installation includes the theme of a slumber party, where drawing such fantasies might very well take place. The dozens of works of art frame a bunk bed and slide.
It’s never too early to start exploring all the unexpected ways art might benefit someone’s life. Go to SGArtClass.com today to browse the extensive listing of classes available for artists of all ages and abilities. Expert teachers experienced with leading students in a variety of artistic genres and projects are on hand to meet with you on your schedule and even in the convenience of your home. From acrylic painting to figure drawing, classes can be designed around the student’s interests and skills.
To read more about the special art exhibition and the young artists who are a part of it, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/empowering-kids-in-need-through-art.