Written by : Ooi Jian Hui

As I descended the escalator to the basement of the National Gallery, the Ngee Ann Auditorium Foyer unfolded before me, revealing a breathtaking collection of award-winning masterpieces. 

‘Chumphon Estuary’ by Pratchaya Charernsook. Photo taken during the exhibition

One standout creation that seized my attention was the recipient of the 2023 UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year Award, Ms. Pratchaya Charernsook’s "Chumphon Estuary." A poignant portrayal of environmental devastation wrought by microplastics, this masterpiece not only captivated with its artistic brilliance but also conveyed a powerful message. Crafted over two months, the artwork utilized actual microplastics fragments collected by the artist from the beaches of her hometown, adding a visceral layer to the impactful narrative. 'Chumphon Estuary' serves as a haunting reminder of the consequences of unchecked microplastics use and urges viewers to take action.

'Just Here and Counting' by Nurul Afiqah Binte Mohamad Suhaimi. Photo taken during the exhibition

Another gem that held me spellbound was 'Just Here and Counting' by Nurul Afiqah Binte Mohamad Suhaimi, a gold award-winning piece in the emerging artist category. With a blue pen in hand, Nurul beautifully reminisced about her upbringing, creating a visual tapestry that explored the subtleties of time and memory. The linear forms painted a vivid picture of nature through the lens of personal history, making it a captivating and introspective piece.

'Balancing Act' by Choo Weilin. Photo taken during the exhibition

'Balancing Act' by Choo Weilin also left an indelible mark on my artistic journey. The artwork unravelled into a portrayal of mounds of stones stacked by hikers along a trail. Executed with meticulous detail, the pencil strokes conveyed both the physical act of stacking stones and the underlying unease and tension experienced in our relationship with the environment.

‘Joy’ by Santiphap Phengsuay. Photo taken during the exhibition. 

A vibrant masterpiece, 'Joy,' by the talented Thai artist Santiphap Phengsuay is a combination of acrylic, oil pastel, and whiteboard markers. The seemingly ordinary school art supplies were transformed into a spectacle of extraordinary creativity. As I delved into the details, I discovered that Santiphap, a primary school teacher, utilised materials easily accessible from his school. The artwork beautifully captured his journey as a trainee teacher, radiating childlike innocence and boundless happiness through the infectious smiles and playful poses of the three characters. The lively colours and whimsical illustrations further immersed me in the sheer joy experienced by the children.

Every step through the gallery felt like a journey through the collective soul of Southeast Asia, a potluck of diverse cultures intricately woven onto each canvas. Each stroke and colour seemed to whisper tales of the artist's past, experiences, and life, creating a symphony of narratives that resonated with the rich tapestry of Southeast Asian culture. The exhibition wasn't just an art display; it was a communal storytelling session, where artists generously shared fragments of their lives. 

As I marvelled at the incredible diversity of techniques and media, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this immersive experience, a visual feast that transcended the boundaries of language and spoke directly to the heart. The 2023 UOB Painting of the Year exhibition was not just an exhibition; it was a celebration of shared stories and a testament to the unifying power of art in our diverse and vibrant region.

We hereby present to you a virtual tour of the 2023 UOB Painting of the Year exhibition. Come by to the exhibition which runs from Dec 2023 to 30 Jan 2024 to enjoy the experience!