By: Jackie Guo
29 Feb 2024

In the tapestry of our communities, local artists are the vibrant threads that weave culture, identity, and color into our daily lives. They play an essential role in preserving our heritage and experiences. Behind every stroke and canvas lies a journey of passion, tenacity and dedication. Every story deserves to be told, and today we cast the spotlight on two local artists who have defied the odds in their creative endeavors to achieve success. 

Spotlight on Local Success Stories

Mr Benedict Yu

https://mirl.club/creatives/benedict-yu

Benedict Yu is a multidisciplinary artist based in Singapore, expressing Eastern philosophy, psychology and human behavior through various disciplines like film, painting, and technology. He adopts surrealist automatism practices, which allow the subconscious mind to take shine through in the process of artmaking. Through his artworks, he also conveys political and social sentiments, a commentary about the current world around him. 

Yu received his diploma in Fine Arts from LASALLE College of the Arts in 2017. At the same time, he received a research award which brought him to Lhasa, Tibet. Now, he is an internationally acclaimed artist, exhibiting in prestigious galleries of London, Tokyo, Barcelona, Taiwan, and Singapore. 

The Enlightened Path
https://somos-arts.org/benedict-yu-enraptured/

Such success can be attributed to his talent and hardwork, and also astuteness in discovering opportunities. Yu chose an unconventional route, choosing to work with architect firms to display his works, instead of the traditional galleries. He leveraged on the high demand, ample space, and right target audience provided by architect firms, when the market of museums and galleries were oversaturated. This brought him valuable exposure and set his works apart from the rest. 

He also started exhibiting works from a young age, making a debut in his high school. To Yu, the people around him are important pillars of support and growth. Through his professors and peers, he receives valuable mentorship and feedback that is sometimes pivotal in determining the trajectory of his work. He also advocates for being “thick-skinned”, as it will uncover hidden opportunities. Yu was referred by his father to an architecture firm for his first exhibition, thus setting him on the road to success henceforth. 

Mr Justin Lee

https://artsitoya.com/2018/11/27/justin-lee-ck-singapore-residence-november-2018/

Justin Lee is one of Singapore’s forefront pop artists, with a background in graphic design. His inspirations come from traditional paper cutting and woodblock, along with modern issues such as consumerism. This results in an amalgamation of the East and West, a blend of dichotomies in his works.

In the early stages of his career, he was hand picked as one of 6 of Singapore Tyler Print Institute (STPI)’s first interns to work with world-renowned artists such as Frank Stella and Donald Sultan. Lee has participated in numerous artist residency programmes and exhibitions in Singapore and Japan. In 2016, he received the Master of Fine Arts degree from LASALLE College of the Arts, after being inspired to mix with the young and novel students during his teaching career there. 

He is highly sought after for his unique style and iconic motif, being commissioned to showcase his works in public spaces, including the Facebook Singapore office, Singapore Indoor Stadium and Marina Bay.

Facebook Singapore office mural
https://www.greenartasia.com/justin-lee/

Celebration of Life by Justin Lee for i Light Marina Bay 2014 
https://www.lasalle.edu.sg/features/advancing-artistic-practice-justin-lee

In contrast to the splendor and awe of his public showcases, Lee also contributes to social causes with art. He has worked with children and elderly to spread the joy of art and encourage creativity. 

He is a firm believer of art being just like any other occupation, in which one needs to work hard for. In fact, more dedication and diligence is needed to achieve success in the field of art, compared to others. The starting step of artists should be grasping basic techniques and skills, before developing their own interpretation and style.

Mr Victor Tan Wee Tar

https://saltandlight.sg/faith/blind-artist-creates-wire-sculptures-so-that-we-can-see-the-symbols-of-god-victor-tan-wee-har-singapore-art/

Art is an inherently visual experience. But Victor Tan defied all odds, creating realistic and amazingly inspirational sculptures despite being visually impaired. His unusual and persistent choice of medium, wire, coupled with his unique techniques, has received global acclimation and are instantly recognisable. Through his sculptures, Tan explores themes of humanity, emotions, spirituality, and the journey of life.

Tan did not start off as an artist. He was a full-time drafter and insurance agent on the side, while studying architecture technology in Singapore Polytechnic part-time. However, all these changed when he was diagnosed with optic neuritis when he was 23. Despite the devastating news that caused him to leave his jobs and drop out of school, Tan was not defeated. He approached the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH), which was the starting point for his successful artistic career.

Up till now, Tan has showcased his works across the world, including the US, Netherlands, Copenhagen, Japan, Mexico. His sculptures are also displayed publicly around Singapore, making it well-recognised and beloved by locals as well. 

Photo by Choo Yut Shing: The Stair, The Clouds and The Sky by Victor Tan at the Orchard Central roof gardens

https://www.flickr.com/photos/25802865@N08/4406927163

Reverie - Musical Journey by Victor Tan along the Sentosa boardwalk
https://www.pinterest.nz/pin/307300374555941655

Tan’s journey tells a story of tenacity, creativity and strength. In closing, he shares a poignant statement: “I hope I can touch the hearts and influence the minds of fellow passengers. And if I can in some way alleviate human sufferings through my art; that would make my journey a worthy one.”

Fostering a Supportive Community

Over the years, the government and organizations have played a big role in fostering a thriving community of local artists. There has been an increase in funding for the arts from organizations like the National Arts Council (NAC), in the form of scholarships and grants. We also see an increase in art festivals and events that boosted popularity of art amongst youths, hyping it up as a trend instead of as something old and dusty. Art societies, like the Urban Sketchers, Singapore Art Society also bring together artists to create, and converse. 

https://www.instagram.com/usk.sg

Conclusion 

Achieving a successful and fulfilling artistic journey is not a fictitious tale, something out of reach. From the stories of the three local artists, this is once again reaffirmed, that anything can be attained with dedication, tenacity and passion. With a supportive community and society to back them up, local artists will thrive, and spearhead our creative renaissance.

References:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-5oGRrG2cY
• https://tls.lasalle.edu.sg/2023/school-of-creative-industries/bahons-arts-management/benedict-yu
• https://benedictyu.com/
• https://somos-arts.org/benedict-yu-enraptured/
• https://mirl.club/creatives/benedict-yu
• http://www.ipreciation.com/justin-lee/?doing_wp_cron=1709308549.6245379447937011718750
• https://artworlddatabase.com/portfolio/justin-lee/
• https://www.lasalle.edu.sg/features/advancing-artistic-practice-justin-lee
• https://silkwalk.com/products/justin-lee-painting
• https://saltandlight.sg/faith/blind-artist-creates-wire-sculptures-so-that-we-can-see-the-symbols-of-god-victor-tan-wee-har-singapore-art/
• http://victortanweetar.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/usk.sg/?hl=en