Online Brochure - Singapore Art Museum

Credit Suisse: Innovation In Art Series
Realism in Asian Art
Runs through 4 July 2010
Jointly organised by The National Art Gallery, Singapore and the National Museum of
Contemporary Art, Korea, Realism in Asian Art explores the impact of Realism in the development
of 20thcentury Asian art.
Unlike the way the Realist movement evolved in 19th century Europe, Realism in Asia applied the
same concepts to a different context - expressing Asia’s grapple with modernity, independence
and nationhood. The powerful images produced during this period often inspired and incited
action, and were even at times, suppressed and banned. Through the display of a select group of
paintings from eight Asian countries, Realism in Asian Art examines how this important art
movement touched Asia, weaving together a fascinating tale of heroism, valour and hope, in a time
of turmoil that plagued Asia during the 20thcentury.
Presenting Sponsor
Jointly Organised With
Seeing the Kites Again
又 见 风 筝 : 吴 冠 中 捐 赠 作 品 展
Runs through 14 December 2010
In 2008, Chinese artist Wu Guanzhong donated 113 of his most important works to the National
Heritage Board, Singapore. This is the highest-value donation ever given to a public museum
institution in Singapore. An internationally eminent artist, Wu is best known for marrying the distinct
art form of traditional Chinese ink with modern concepts in Western art. Wu’s writings, recently
published as a seven-volume anthology, provide deep insights into his aesthetics and art practice.
Showcasing 22 paintings from the donation, Seeing the Kites Again is an exhibition inspired by
Wu’s metaphor of the kite. Since the 1960s, Wu Guanzhong has produced a great number of
works, based on his personal recollections. These works are centred around his home in the
South of China, his childhood, as well as the villages and towns he has been to. His interest in life
and his attention to ordinary scenes infuse his art with an aesthetic quality that demonstrates a
return to simplicity.
The Story of Yeh Chi Wei
Runs through 12 September 2010
The Story of Yeh Chi Wei is about the life and works of an important artist, Yeh Chi Wei. Yeh drew
inspiration from a wide range of cultural sources, such as ancient Chinese rubbings, carvings and
Javanese batik. He created highly distinctive oil paintings, works that bear witness to a powerful
interweaving of his responses to Asian and Western art histories, cultural sources and travels
around Southeast Asia.
Inspired by the tonal variations of the ink medium, Yeh worked within a limited colour palette for
subtle effects. His signature robust outlines delineate form while being suggestive of abstract
calligraphic strokes.
Yeh was a Singaporean artist, a well-respected art educator and leader in Singapore’s 20th
century art scene. He led the Ten Men Group on painting exhibitions to Southeast Asian countries
and was a great source of inspiration and encouragement to many other artists. Many consider
him to be a true Nanyang artist. This exhibition showcases Yeh’s artistic achievements,
contributions to Singapore, and celebration of Southeast Asia through art.
Earth and Water:
Mapping Art in Southeast Asia
Runs through 1 January 2011
Southeast Asia comprises two broad geographical regions – the Mainland and the Archipelago.
The former refers to Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Peninsular Malaysia. The
latter is made up of the island arcs and archipelagos of the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei,
Singapore and West Malaysia.
The diverse region of Southeast Asia is home to about 500 million people. The history and society
of Southeast Asia have been shaped by a confluence of geographical, historical and cultural
forces. With exhibits drawn from the National Heritage Board’s permanent collection, the theme
Earth and Water conjoins two of life’s basic elements with the Mainland and the Archipelago.
These works by the region’s best-known artists further offer multiple manifestations of life, society
and traditions of Southeast Asia.
These shows are special research exhibitions organised by the National Art Gallery, Singapore,
held on the premises of SAM.
These shows are special research exhibitions organised by the National Art Gallery, Singapore,
held on the premises of SAM.
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