|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IMPORTANT SECOND-GENERATION
ARTISTS SERIES (3)
|
|
|
5 August 2006 - 20 August 2006
(12pm -- 8pm)
|
|
|
|
|
The 28 artists featured in this series of 5 exhibitions titled Important Second-Generation Artists are from the cream of talents we have. They are committed artists and have been painting for over 40 years. They are our long distance runners and rank among the best artists in the region.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Call from the leaders
In 1933, the Roosevelt Government created jobs for the millions of American made unemployed by the Great Depression through the establishment of the Works Progress Administration (W.P.A). One branch of the W.P.A. was the Federal Art Project, which employed thousands of artists as salaried workers. The artists were thus able to carry on working as artists and they were brought closer to one another. Today, the world’s top arts city has shifted from Paris to London to New York. America can justly be proud of such big names as Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Ben Shahn and many others who have shaped today’s art world.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Art Power
I remember reading an article in the London Observer that President Roosevelt was so inspired by Pollock’s painting that he commended that he wished America was as free as Pollock’s painting. A painting by Pollock called Blue Poles was purchased by an Australian Art Museum for a hefty sum suddenly sparked a dream for Australia to be among the Arts nations. The world heard the Blue Poles in Australia and artists from all over the world flocked to Australia. Museums and Art Galleries sprouted up and soon Australia was boasting of a vibrant arts scene hosting exhibitions, festivals, workshops, symposia, auctions and all kind of art activities. It was a phenomenon for Australia then because the country was only known for her aboriginal art and one Sidney Nolan, a relatively well known artist. With Asian cities like Shanghai, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Bangkok and Singapore taking greater interest in the arts, we can look forward to ranking among the top art cities.
This interest in the arts may initially be for economic reasons. Correctly nurtured, the arts can be a powerful humanizing factor. President John F. Kennedy said in 1963, “I look forward to an America which will not be afraid of grace and beauty …. an America which will reward achievement in business and statecraft …. I look forward to an America which commands respect throughout the world, not only for its strength, but for its civilization as well.”1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our Minister Mentor, Lee Kuan Yew (former Prime Minister) said in 1974, “As a government, we must raise the standards of our society, not only improving the material part of our life but more important, giving our people an appreciation of things beautiful and artistic.”2 The setting up of a Cultural Foundation was a positive step taken by the Singapore Government to finance cultural progress in Singapore. The significance of this Foundation is that all sections of the Singapore community are invited to contribute to the Foundation – the business houses, the artists and members of the public.
In 1991, the National Arts Council was set up. It has been disbursing arts grants and scholarships and organizing blockbuster art fairs and exhibitions with the Singapore Art Museum and business houses. It has also been supporting and sending artist to study and participate in major biennials overseas. Artists have been commissioned to enhance our MRT stations, public places, atrium and halls with artworks. We now need an appreciative audience and this must start from the schools and homes. We also need serious art collectors and this can be from the perspective of owning a fine collection for posterity or for investment or both.
The Exhibition
The 28 artists featured in this series of 5 exhibitions titled Important Second Generation Artists are from the cream of talents we have. They are committed artists and have been painting for over 40 years.They are our long distance runners and rank among the best artists in the region. Artists featured in this exhibition which is the third in the series include painters Lim Yew Kuan, Ho Ho Ying, Tan Teo-Kwang and Thang Kiang How and sculptors Han Sai Por and Sim Lian Huat.
This series of exhibitions recognizes artists who have been instrumental in shaping the development of Art in Singapore. The objectives of the series are to bring attention to artists of distinction; to encourage excellence in art; and to encourage support and patronage for art and artists. This exhibition is organized with the support of the National Arts Council Singapore.
Welcome to the show and happy viewing!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Writeup by:
Teo Eng Seng
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
