Week 3: National Art Gallery

Art that shaped the development of Singapore

When we see the word ‘development’, we think of the dynamism that our modern Singapore has grown into. Our cityscape, infrastructure and economy has sprung into life at incomprehensible speeds.

Life now is comfortable, peaceful and safe. However, many a time, our generation has taken this luxury for granted, even relinquishing thoughts for the trials and tribulations that our forefathers  had experienced.

The art pieces in the following posts aim to expose the difficulties and turbulences, to raise awareness and appreciation for the men and women that pioneered Singapore and all our neighbouring countries into existence.

The first photo shown below shows despair. Using oil based paint, it gives the grunge effect; that society had an underlying suffering the World didn’t see. The combination of the dark browns and blacks contrasting with the skin produces a sense of heat, which represents the anger and repression they faced.

On the other hand, the soft water painting in this piece evokes the sense of serenity, with the smooth curves and light strokes. The earthy tones compliment the feeling of calm. However the silhouettes of the subjects, allows us to infer that everyone was devoid of emotion that they were obliged to a life of work.

In conjunction with the previous two paintings, we see another form of art through Lino Cuts. Primarily, a significant difference would be the textures that a Lino piece can create. The lines and jagged edges create a rough and rustic atmosphere, which coincides with the lifestyles that our predecessors lived through.

Traversing onwards to the next three paintings, brings about a different perspective to life in the past. The compositions of the next few paintings differ as they portray more subjective emotions that leave room for personal interpretation.

A word to describe this piece below, would be confused. The tangling branches and vines of the trees in comparison to the concrete and structured background shows perplexity. As the viewer, we are drawn to the organic environment, yet our attention dances back towards the city. This is due to the balancing shapes and framing that the trees develop, allowing the subtle colours of the houses with red roofs to peak out. The proportions and scales also reference that we are distant from the background, in essence, lost, wandered and confused. Do we go back to a life in the city or choose our own path?

The picture below can be perceived differently, however personally I would justify that it is a painting of the ephemeral nature of life. Using inconsistent dashes and splattering strokes, the artist is able to depict the transiency between life and death. Remanences of red and green spots scattered around the painting, convey the hopelessness that humanity faces prior to an eminent death.

There are also shapes with sharp and bold, black outlines that contour it’s unfilled centres, that aid in showing a diminishing World.  As a body without blood is predominantly an empty vessel, we can see that these patterns highlight the ephemerality of life.

Last but not least, the painting below.

After being away from home for a long time, we feel the longing to return. This piece evokes an appreciation for the comfort and security that we have in our homes. It is a place where you can escape reality and be yourself.

The simple pastel water colours with the neutral earth browns, produce an accommodative message. The artist wants the viewer to desire to seek refuge in his safe haven that he has created.

On the other hand, the clean white washed walls also takes the viewer to another dimension. For me, it takes me back to the travels I had in Spain, walking around the courtyards and embracing the cool breezes.