Friday, December 5, 2008
S’pore Renowned Chinese Artists
1) Chua Mia Tee (1931 - )
One of Singapore’s foremost realist painters, Chua Mia Tee was best known for his oil paintings that depict Singapore’s vanishing traditional urban landscape. He was also a master in portrait painting.
Born in 25 Nov 1931, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China, he was only 6 when he and his family migrated to Singapore in 1937 because of the Sino-Japanese war in China.
Graduated in Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Chua staged his first successful solo art exhibition at the Rising Art Gallery at the age of 43 and has made tremendous contributions to the arts community in Singapore.
For more information, you may visit: http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_1010_2008-07-30.html
National Language Class by Chua Mia Tee.Year: 1950.
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Size: 112 x 153 cm.
National Language Class has an anti-colonial nationalistic content and is a fine example of Social Realist work to Chua, who came to Singapore in 1937 and attended NAFA from 1952 to 1957, whereby art must reflect real life. It need not necessarily be fully naturalistic but it must be firmly grounded in reality, so that the work is in no way ambiguous but rather offers an easily accessible point of reference for the viewer.
Reference: http://www.usp.nus.edu.sg/post/singapore/arts/painters/chuamiatee/1.html
2) Lim Cheng Hoe (1912 - 1979)
One of Singapore's key pioneer artists, Lim Cheng Hoe was also the first generation watercolour artists and credited for the incorporation of interest in watercolour art in the local art scene.
Lim was a contrast from other pioneer artists schooled in mainstream Chinese art aesthetic culture, by being a product of Western art education and a primarily self-taught artist.
Lim also has a strong foundation in drawing, paints landscapes and everyday subjects.
Since winning the Lim Boon Keng Gold Medal for Art in 1927, Lim continued to win numerous art awards. He lost to stomach cancer and died in Changi General Hospital on September 3, 1979.
Some of his art pieces can be found in the Singapore Art Museum.
For more information, you may visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lim_Cheng_Hoe#Major_exhibitions
Samsui Woman by Lim Cheng Hoe.Year: 1955.
Medium: Pencil on paper.
Size: 34 x 27 cm.
Samsui Woman is a sensitively-rendered portrait. Lim's acute observation is apparent in the care with which each feature of his subject is articulated. His pencil lines are free and expressive. Lim displays remarkable control over the medium, with an impressive repertoire of marks from light and barely visible filaments to heavy and dark strokes.
Reference:http://www.usp.nus.edu.sg/post/singapore/arts/painters/limchenghoe/1.html
2:06 AM
Thursday, December 4, 2008
As i have mentioned the previous post that I would walk you all through the Singapore Philatelic museum. So here it is!
Both stamp and non-stamp collectors will delight in the non-exhaustive collection of local and international stamps, and first day covers housed in this quaint building dated back to 1907. Stamps provide a re-telling of traditions and cultures. This is most evident at the Singapore Philatelic Museum where multi-racial Singapore is captured through the history of stamps and postcards.
One can discover the delicateprocess leading to stamp issue - from artwork through printing plates and progressive sheets to the final product - through vividly illustrated exhibits, interactive games and hands-on activities. Visitors may request for pre-arranged tours by phone.
Opening Hours
1.00 pm to 7.00 pm (Mon), 9.00 am - 7.00 pm (Tue - Sun)
Admission
SGD 5 adults, SGD 4 children 3 - 12 years
Approximate Touring Time
1 hour
Location
23B Coleman Street Singapore 179807
Tel
(65) 6337 3888
Fax
(65) 6337 8958
Next Stop, The Changi Chapel And Museum.
During the World War 2, when Singapore was invaded by Japan the Changi Chapel was a beacon of hope for the hopeless. The Changi Chapel, housed within the open-air courtyard of the Museum, is a symbolic replica of the many chapels built during the Japanese Occupation. Built by Changi Prison inmates, it stands as a monument to those who maintained their faith and dignity during those dark years. During these dark years, these people found their comfort in drawings, photographs and even poems, some of them even written on the walls of the chapel. One of the museum's main highlights is the replica of The Changi Murals, a series of magnificent wall paintings recreated from the originals painted by bombardier Stanley Warren.
Tel: (65) 6214 2451
Fax: (65) 6214 1179
Email:changi_museum@pacific.net
References: http://www.changimuseum.com/
11:35 PM
Although Singapore is a smallest nation in Southeast but you will be quite surprised by the number of museums in Singapore.
8Q sam
It was established on 15 August 2008 which is an exciting new wing of Singapore Art Museum, located at Queen Street near City Hall. Its location is described as approximately 88 steps away from mother Singapore Art Museum. It is a contemporary art museum in Singapore where you can interact and engage with new form of arts.
The current exhibition having at here is the 8Q-Rate: School from 16/8-9/1. It is an inaugural exhibition focuses on the concept of ‘school’ by 8 curators and 8 artists: Donna Ong, Grace Tan, Jahan Loh, Jason Wee and others.
Address: 8 Queen Street, Singapore 188535
Tel: (65) 6332 3200
Fax: (65) 6334 7919
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 10am to 7pm
Monday to Friday: 10am to 9pm
Admission Charges:
Adult : $3.00
Student: $1.50
Senior Citizem: $1.50
Reference: http://www.singart.com/8qsam/
Baba House
It was officially opened by President of Singapore, Mr S. R. Nathan on 4 September 2008 located at 157 Neil Road. It is perhaps one of Singapore’s last surviving Peranakan-style houses that have been reserved in its original state for more than 40 years.
It is cited and celebrated today as being a significantly outstanding feature of Singapore’s rich architectural heritage. One of the main features of this heritage home will be the Peranakan bridal chamber revealing the traditional customs, preparations for and rites of a Peranakan wedding.
1969
1986
2005
Baba House ornate pintu pagar
The Baba House plays a vital role in conserving the unique Peranakan heritage, as well as preserving the memory of a highly respected Peranakan community leader, Tun Tan Cheng Lock (1883-1960). He was the founder and first president of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) which played an important role in negotiating independence from the British.
Tun Tan Cheng Lock
Address: 157 Neil Road, Singapore 088883
Tel: (65) 62275731
Fax: (65) 62278743
Opening Hours: By appointment only
Reference: http://www.nus.edu.sg/museum/baba/index.html
Peranakan Wedding
Reference: http://www.nus.edu.sg/museum/baba/index.html
10:39 PM
Today, I will be blogging about the Singapore Repertory Theatre(SRT).
The SRT is founded in 1993 and became one of the leading English-language theatre in Asia. The SRT group consists of 3 main branches, Singapore Repertory Theatre, The Little Company and The Young Co. and is located at the DBS Art Centre, which is at 20 Merbau Road, which houses all 3 branches of the SRT group.
The Little Company and The Young Co. is 2 branches that focuses on the children and the youths in Singapore, allowing the SRT group to be able to target people from different age group.
The SRT group aims to provide a platform for Asian artists both on and off stage and to give Singaporeans and visitors the opportunity to experience Broadway, the West End and the richness of Singaporean culture.
The SRT introduces plays such as the Tooth Fairy for the children and the politically incorrect Avenue Q to adults looking for an enjoyable and funny play. It is also possible to allow SRT to send you newsletter, which allows you to gain updates on the upcoming plays that is going to be staged.
Online booking is also now available, allowing customers to be able to book tickets at ease and it will be convenient for many since most of us are working or studying and do not have time to go all the way down to DBS Art Centre to book the tickets. This also prevents disappointment that the play may be full, with the online booking system, they are able to find a time slot where they are free and also able to check the availability of seats.
For more information, you may visit: http://www.srt.com.sg/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=60
Below are some pictures of the DBS Art Centre where the SRT group is homed:
6:08 PM
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Esplanade Theatres is indeed one of Singapore's more well-known infrastructures that many had heard from.
The Esplanade officially opened on October 12, 2002 at the Marina Bay, costing a whooping S$ 600 million.
The exterior designs is made by many glass windows on the exterior, which will cost a sum to maintain and to clean the whole Esplanade's exterior up.
The design of the Esplanade also represent one of the tropical fruit which most Singaporean like, the Durian. The exterior windows act as the thorns of the fruit, the shape of the Esplanade is also oval in shape, which makes the Esplanade look like an over-sized durian.
The main highlights of the Esplanade is the Concert Hall and the theatre. The concert hall can sit up to 1,600 viewers and the concert hall also have 4 private boxes that can provide a close experience with the performers.
The theatre is able to sit up to 2,000 people and is shaped in a horseshoe shape, spreading across four levels. It is the largest performing stage in Singapore. The theatre consists of 1 main stage and 2 ancillary stages of similar size to help facilitate technical set-ups and quick scene changes.
On the third floor of the Esplanade, there is also a library, library@esplanade. The library is the first public library in Singapore that is devoted to Arts.
Below are some pictures of the Esplanade:
Esplanade
Don't they look alike?
Esplanade's Concert Hall
Esplanade's Theatre
And lastly, the main web page for Esplanade, events will be updated on the web.
More info: www.esplanade.com/index.jsp
3:39 PM
Sunday, November 30, 2008
After eating so much good food, its time to do some exercise right ! Lets take a walk around Singapore to discover its rich heritage and culture. I would bring you through the famous cultural sites in Singapore.
First stop: Geylang Serai
Geylang Serai is the cultural heart of the Malay community in Singapore.
There is a cultural museum which features a fascinating collection of artifacts like weaving tools, musical instruments and an extensive display of a traditional Malay wedding complete with hand-sewn garments, accessories, and a Bridal Chamber.
The Malays are the native inhabitants of Singapore. After the British dispersed the Malay floating village at the mouth of the Singapore River in the 1840s, the Malays, together with the large influx of Malaysians and Indonesians, congregated in Geylang.
Feeling hungry again? Geylang Serai has one the the best food in Singapore, with over 20 different stalls and variety to choose from, one is spoilt for choice!
References: http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/what_to_see/ethnic_quarters/geyland_serai.htm
Second Stop : Asian Civilisations Museum
Where Asian Cultures Come Alive!
It also has many artefacts from the 1980s such as trishaws , old newspapers and even the telephones which my grandma uses when she was young. This is indeed a very eyeopening place .
One of the current exhibitions is Neither East Nor West: Asians in Monochrome and the upcoming one are Fantastic Creatures! and The Kangxi Emperor. Check for more info on http://www.acm.org.sg/exhibitions/exhibitions.asp?
Reference: http://www.acm.org.sg/home/home.asp
3:36 AM
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Little India is the focal point of Singapore's Indian community. Its spice-scented streets beckon you to a cornucopia of ethnic jewellery, jasmine garlands and silk saris. From the large Tekka Centre and Little India Arcade to the small provision shops, Little India is packed with interesting things to discover!!
Getting There:Take the north east line to NE7, Little India station or take SBS Transit bus number 65 from Orchard Road, alight at Tekka Market along Serangoon Road.
What not to miss:
1) Traditional par
rot fortune tellers stationed by the five-foot way2) Henna tatto
Henna has been used for many centuries as part of the adornment of the body. Traditional henna are drawn in geometrical shape on hands, feet and face. But the modern patterning are more complex and beautiful on any parts of body. It is still used by the bride today.
Must try Indian delights:
• **“Teh Tarik”(hand pulled cup of tea) - an Indian specialty
• **Fish head Curry
• Dosa (fermented rice pancakes)
• Tandoori Chicken - semi-fried chicken delicacy marinated in yogurt and seasoned with tandoori masala
• **Nasi Briyani - Rice cooked in spices and meat
Where to find :
Name: Famous Briyani Hut
Address 1:50, Circular Road
Tel:5360293
Name: Bangles Tandoor
Address 1:5, Jalan Kledek Zip Code:199260
If you are interested in discovering more about Little India, there are a selection of walking trails to choose from, they are
Dhobis, Saris & a Spot of Curry
This walking tour is conducted by Journeys Pte Ltd
Every Wednesday, 9.30am- 12noon
Meeting place: Little India MRT Outside Exit E (Buffalo Road)
SGD 25 Adults, SGD 15 Children 12 years & below
For more details, visit http://www.singaporewalks.com or
call (65) 6224 0136.
Desire Paths
Little India audio tour
Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10.00 am - 4.30 pm
No. 65 Kerbau Road, Singapore 219188
SGD 15.00
For details, please call: (65) 6392 1772
After visitng Little India, you may wonder why some of the female Indians have a red spot (called pottu) on their forehead? The pottu signify that the woman was married and hence this help the single men to indicate which women were ELIGIBLE for marriage!!! This is similar to the western wedding ring!
Reference: http://www.visitsingapore.com/mysingapore/#Little%20India
10:52 PM