Written by: Steven Shannon

Already established as a global hub for trade and tourism, the Little Red Dot is swiftly transitioning into a prominent center for visual arts. Singapore consistently attracts international attention, hosting art festivals and events that draw visitors from all corners of the globe. However, the significance of these regular events was notably surpassed by the grand opening of Art SG in January 2023. Featuring artworks from over 160 exhibitors, this art fair solidified Singapore's potential as a global arts hub. It also showcased an impressive array of artistic talent.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that this remarkable achievement stems from a robust local art scene. Singapore, with its constant influx of tourists and visitors, acts as a dynamic portal to new international trends and ideas, creating a vibrant and ever-evolving artistic environment. Local artists, exposed to these foreign influences, find themselves in a unique position to broaden their horizons. As they experiment with new styles and techniques, they also immerse themselves in diverse cultures and identities. Consequently, this enriches and expands Singapore’s art scene, contributing significantly to its growth and development.

Art in Singapore: Key Artists and Works

Acknowledging the pivotal role of local talent is essential. The artists of Singapore have not only developed and pioneered innovative art styles but have also played a crucial role in raising awareness and enriching the cultural tapestry of the region. Their significant contributions have left an indelible mark on the art history of Singapore. Let’s take a moment to appreciate a few of these remarkable artists:

Lim Tze Peng

Lim Tze Peng sitting in front of his Bali-inspired paintings.

Revered as a living legend among local artists, Lim Tze Peng is one of Singapore’s most significant artists. While practicing Chinese calligraphy, he developed a signature style of muddled writing, calling it “hutuzi”. His Chinese ink drawings and paintings of Old Singapore scenes are renowned for being invaluable contributions to Singapore’s arts and cultural heritage. As a result, these works have won him the Cultural Medallion in 2003. You can find some of his Bali-inspired paintings in Nanyang Academy of Fine Art. 

Liu Kang and Cheong Soo Pieng

Liu Kang (Singapore) - Life by the River,1975, oil on canvas

Liu Kang is largely credited for the development of the Nanyang style of painting. He studied art in Shanghai and Paris. However, his mix of Western painting and Chinese ink traditions helped to spread the Nanyang movement. His most famous works were made during his travel in Bali with his simple strokes and vibrant colours.

Cheong Soo Pieng, “Tropical Life” (1959), Chinese ink and gouache on Chinese rice paper, 43.6 x 92cm

Cheong Soo Pieng is one of the pioneers of the Nanyang style of painting. He trained in Shanghai academies and moved to Singapore after WWII. His art practice integrated Western and East Asian traditions. In addition, his constant experimentation with different styles and mediums resulted in new styles of abstract and figurative art. His famous works also include a series of Balinese paintings of women.

Chua Mia Tee

Chua Mia Tee, Workers in a Canteen (1974)

Chua Mia Tee, widely recognized for his realistic oil paintings, co-founded the Equator Art Society in 1965. He aimed to capture Singapore's realities and struggles. His oil paintings vividly portray the country's social and political conditions. In recognition of his numerous celebrated works, he received the Cultural Medallion in 2015. Among his famous pieces is a portrait of his wife, displayed at the National Gallery Singapore.

Amanda Heng

Amanda Heng, We Are the World –These Are Our Stories, 2016

Amanda Heng is a multidisciplinary, contemporary artist. The themes across her paintings are of national identity, collective memory, and social connections.  She is also one of the first in Singapore to explore feminist issues in her work. With her performance art, she expresses social awareness to get people to reflect on contemporary issues. It led to awarding her the Cultural Medallion for Visual Arts in 2010. One of her famous works is the performance Let’s Walk commenting on women being the first to lose their jobs when companies tightened operations in 1997. 

Public participatory performance of Let’s Walk by Amanda Heng.

Source: https://teaching.ellenmueller.com/walking/2022/02/06/amanda-heng-lets-walk-1999/.

Art Institutions and Galleries in Singapore

In addition to the vibrant community of artists, local galleries and institutions have played a pivotal role in nurturing the burgeoning art scene in Singapore. By gathering and displaying art in a centralized location, these establishments not only enhance the collective meaning among the pieces but also render artwork more accessible to the general public.

Furthermore, these institutions consistently organize a variety of programmes and events, aiming to increase participant engagement and immersion. They provide invaluable support to local artists' careers and contribute significantly to the fortification of Singapore’s art culture.

National Gallery Singapore:

Prominently standing as one of the largest art institutions in Singapore, the National Gallery Singapore strives to be a progressive museum, fostering creativity and inclusivity within society. It facilitates dialogue between Singaporean, Southeast Asian, and global art. It also boasts an extensive public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian modern art that mirrors Singapore’s unique heritage. Noteworthy pieces in the collection include "Drying Salted Fish" (1978) by Cheong Soo Pieng and "National Language Class" (1959) by Chua Mia Tee, the former illustrating the daily life of processing and drying fish, and the latter highlighting conflicts of identity.

Cheong Soo Pieng, Drying Salted Fish, 1978 

(The iconic Drying Salted Fish painting can also be found on the Singapore fifty-dollar note)

Chua Mia Tee, National Language Class, 1950, Oil on canvas

Moreover, the National Gallery Singapore is renowned for its impactful programmes and events, with The Gallery Children’s Biennale standing out as a key initiative. This programme successfully attracts over 1 million visitors annually, aiming to create opportunities for children to learn and play while fostering a deeper engagement with the world through immersive and interactive artworks.

Source: https://thesmartlocal.com/read/gallery-childrens-biennale-2023/.

• Address: 1 St Andrew's Road, Singapore 178957
• Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday 10am-7pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-7pm, Friday 10am-9pm. Public Holidays and Eve of Public Holidays will follow the operating hours of the day it falls on.
• Website: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/
  

Singapore Art Museum:

Equally integral to the local art scene is the Singapore Art Museum. Ith is steadfast in its commitment to presenting contemporary art from a Southeast Asian perspective. The museum endeavors to inspire a future rooted in humanity and sustainability, curating thought-provoking artworks that captivate and challenge its audience. With a focus on modern art, the museum provides a vital platform for artistic expression and dialogue, enriching the cultural landscape of Singapore.

• Address: 39 Keppel Rd, #01-02 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Singapore 089065
• Operating Hours: Daily 10am – 7pm
• Website: https://www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/
  

STPI Creative Workshop and Gallery:

STPI Creative Workshop and Gallery is a unique space dedicated to contemporary art in print and paper. The gallery collaborates with leading artists from around the world, offering residency programs that encourage experimentation and innovation. Visitors can explore exhibitions showcasing diverse and thought-provoking artworks, often accompanied by educational programs and workshops.

• Address: 41 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238236
• Operating Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
• Website: https://www.stpi.com.sg/
  

Asian Civilisations Museum:

The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) focuses on the rich artistic heritage of Asia, particularly the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans. The museum features a wide range of collections, from textiles and ceramics to sculptures and paintings, offering deep insights into the diverse cultures and histories of Asia.

• Address: 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
• Operating Hours: Daily 10am-7pm, Friday 10am-9pm
• Website: https://www.acm.org.sg/

ArtScience Museum:

Located at Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum explores the intersection of art, science, technology, and culture. The museum hosts a range of exhibitions that blend innovative design with creative expression, providing an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

• Address: 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974
• Operating Hours: Daily 10am-7pm
• Website: https://www.marinabaysands.com/museum.html

National Museum of Singapore:

The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest museum in the country, dedicated to presenting the rich history and culture of Singapore. Through its innovative exhibitions and immersive storytelling, the museum offers a comprehensive view of Singapore’s development from a colonial port city to a modern metropolis.

• Address: 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
• Operating Hours: Daily 10am-7pm
• Website: https://www.nationalmuseum.sg/

The Cathay Gallery:

The Cathay Gallery, located in the historic Cathay Building, showcases the heritage and legacy of Cathay’s involvement in the entertainment industry. The gallery features a collection of vintage posters, photographs, and artifacts, providing a nostalgic look at Singapore’s cinematic history.

• Address: 2 Handy Road, Singapore 229233
• Operating Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-7pm, Closed on Weekends and Public Holidays
• Website: https://www.thecathaygallery.sg/

Independent Galleries:

In conjunction with these major institutions, Singapore boasts a plethora of private, independent galleries. These spaces are indispensable for the promotion of modern art within the city, offering local and emerging artists a platform to display their work. In doing so, they contribute to the diversity and dynamism of Singapore’s art scene. In line with this, it ensures that a broad spectrum of artistic voices find their audience.

Collectively, these institutions and galleries play a crucial role in supporting local artists. They nurture a robust art culture, and democratizes access to art for the public. Through their collections, exhibitions, and programmes, they deepen the collective understanding of art in Singapore. Consequently, it fosters the continued growth and development of the local art scene.

The Future of Art in Singapore

With the art scene in Singapore experiencing continuous growth and development, and receiving robust support from both the government and private sectors, the future of art in the country appears exceptionally promising. In an effort to spearhead this development, Singapore has proactively established the National Arts Council, which plays a pivotal role in shaping the arts scene through comprehensive plans such as the Our SG Arts Plan. With unwavering government backing, the council is on a mission to fortify the community, fostering shared arts experiences, creating new spaces dedicated to art, and facilitating the growth of artistic talents, among other initiatives.

Furthermore, Singapore’s esteemed position as a global financial hub plays an instrumental role in shaping the future of art in the country. The city-state’s robust financial infrastructure, coupled with strong regional and global partnerships, and a favorable income tax rate, collectively act as magnets, attracting wealth into Singapore and subsequently stimulating art sales. This economic prosperity serves as a catalyst, motivating and inspiring emerging art talents and painting a picture of a career in the arts as both viable and stable. As a result, the burgeoning pool of artists in Singapore is set to diversify the art culture and styles within the country, contributing to the ongoing development and enrichment of the art scene.

At #MeetArts, we help promote emerging artists in selling their artworks as they have a role in the futute development of the art ecosystem in Singapore. Join us in our mission to help these artists grow by being part of the community and registering with us today at www.meetarts.org!

#MeetArt’s feature on emerging artists. Source: https://www.meetarts.org/.