The inaugural Singapore Contemporary Art Show (SCAS) was held at Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre from 21 to 24 January 2016. More than 3,000 works of art from 65 artists from various countries including Singapore, Indonesia, Italy, France and the United Kingdom were brought to Singapore. Here are the highlights from the exhibition:
Larger than life
Leading Korean sculptor Jang Seunghyo (otherwise known as Sho Jang) showcased specially commissioned works which included a colorful and vibrant six-part installation that comprised hand-made tiles. The ‘Art Blossom’ is a metamorphasis of fragments of plastic and photographs that represented Jang’s memories and dreams from his earlier life. These ‘Art Blossom’ chess pieces were also accompanied by two large chandeliers that hung above the installation.
‘Art Blossom’ chest pieces with the mosaic-tiled chandeliers hang above the installation.
Korean-pop lovers would definitely enjoy this booth that was inspired by the faces of EXO’s youngest members, Sehun and Kai, as well as members of Girls’ Generation.
‘Singapore Sling’, the non-alcoholic version
British ink-pen artist Jeff Murray presented ‘Singapore Sling’ which fused Singapore’s beautiful and natural greenery with the city’s state-of-art architecture. Murray also held two ‘live’ drawing sessions in addition to his two artist Q&A sessions.
The ‘Singapore Sling’ by British pen-artist Jeff Murray.
Jeff Murray pens his drawings easily on a sanded-down canvas during a Q&A session.
When Art comes alive
Australian artist Emma Hack, mostly known for her work in Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” music video, showcased her portrait, ‘Our Lady Phoenix’, commissioned by Singapore-born Adelaide City Lady Mayoress Genevieve Theseira-Haese at the exhibition. Proceeds from this sale will be donated to the Eurasian Association of Singapore. VIPS also caught her conducting an eight-hour body-painting session of her muse with a wall-paper inspired design on 21 January.
Emma Hank paints her muse with a wallpaper-inspired design.
Dance and music meets art
Awiki conducted a demonstration of his unique hand-painting style with acrylic on canvas during the exhibition whilst watching a traditional Indonesian dance. Hailing from Surabaya, Awiki begun his art career by battling Indonesia’s sweltering heat when selling his paintings. His works are largely inspired by his love for horses as well as his family.
Awikik draws during a live demonstration.
A taste of homegrown talents
Other works by home-grown artists such as Simon Wee, a highly acclaimed veteran of Singapore’s art scene, were also exhibited in SCAS. Wee’s works are completed in single strokes to reflect energy and strength within the simplicity of the monochromatic style. Simple, yet so profound.
A simple yet powerful work produced from a single brush stroke by Simon Wee.
‘The Dream Lady Series’ by local artist Yeo Chee Kiong who uses fleeting stainless steel bubbles to form a female figure.
Children were also welcomed at SCAS. Complimentary programs were set up by a qualified team of art teachers from the Little Artists Art Studio. They were coached and supervised in painting, drawing and other art projects, allowing them to create unique artworks to display at the Show or to bring home. Fun and educational art tours were also conducted for children aged five to 11.
Art for the little hands at SCAS.
The art show ended on a high note on 24 January, with more than 16,000 visitors to the exhibition.
