On 13 January 2011 at 6.30 PM, the Singapore Youth Contemporary Artists (SCYA) launched its Family Pictures arts exhibition- a multi-medium arts showcase featuring works of Photography, painting, video, Installation Art and Literature from 9 different artists. Each of the 9 artworks differs greatly in styles but reflect clearly on each of the artist’s take on family.

Across the spectrum of artworks, some were more thought-provoking and serious about discussing family while others were simply more light-hearted. Nevertheless, as one completes the walk around the gallery, the diversity of opinions about the significance of family seemingly converges. The works were in essence, about togetherness and simple appreciation for familial love.

What captured my attention first was the wide-array of different sized photographs from Rachel Chan’s Timespotting 1984. It involved using a magnifying glass to peer through the close details of her family photographs. The photographs depict events like weddings, graduation and celebrating the birth of a new family member. I did not have a chance to interact with the artist but I can still feel how much she treasures the littlest memories of her family. Through viewing with the magnifying glass, visitors can see through the artist eyes’ how she remember her family-to the smallest and simplest details.

‘The Things I Never Knew’ by SCYA chairperson Jacquelyn Soo is a quirky video installation about the behaviours and characteristics of her family at home. Jacquelyn was all smiles when she said it was a hidden camera that was used to record such behaviours like her mother eating while chatting. Perhaps if one saw the way the artist talks, there is an uncanny resemblance in her laid-back style similar to her mother. I saw how this video artwork explained that family members might pick up natures and habits from one another. The title itself explains how it may not be realized but living together makes people emotionally connected in a way.

Another artwork that is worth mentioning is Untuk Popo (For Grandma) by Kelvin Atmadibrata. Being part of the audience, I was captivated by the haunting image of the young Li Cassidy-Peet projected on screen while she was going around giving ‘Hongbaos’ to selected audiences. The memory of the artist about his grandmother in her youth speaks of the beauty of remembering her itself. The installation is interactive and bound to impact audiences deeply. As we take away the ‘hongbaos’ containing elements of her in words and drawings or objects, again we get the sense that the best way to remember our families is through the smallest things.

Other artworks were just as poignant and some even edgy like Malvina Tan’s A (vO.1); a mixed installation of video juxtaposed with jars containing pictures of scars. She quipped that to her, the human body when put together functions like a family. Hence, she ironically places bruised body parts in jars. It was not a normal sight to see unpleasant memories being preserved but at the same time reminding us that it was essential because they are a part of life too.

In this exhibition, I see simple and difficult ways of how families are presented. Some through simple photographs, video or physical installations. Each of the artworks hold great personal value to the artists that lies more than what we interpret. It is simply amazing to see how loved ones can influence and affect us more than we can imagine.

FAMILY PICTURES IS STILL ON TILL THIS FRIDAY, 27th JAN. WE ARE TEARING DOWN EXHIBITION ON SAT 28th JAN.
DO DROP BY TO SCYA GALLERY at 90, GOODMAN RD, BLK B, #03-08 S(439053) on Tues – Sat, 12pm – 6pm.

For enquiries, please email to siimynn@contemporaryart.sg

For enquiries: peilin@contemporaryart.sg

http://www.contemporaryart.sg/weya-2012/submission

Happy Chinese New Yr!

https://www.facebook.com/events/127971273982886/

Latest Submission Updates for Visual Artists:
Up to 5 artworks as individual pieces or a series per artist/ collective/ group, and up to 5 images (72dpi, 800 x 600 pixels) per visual artwork. i.e. you may submit a maximum of 25 images for 5 different artworks, regardless of previous/ current works or works that you would like to propose for the Open Call. We were previously only accepting previous or current works. Due to a number of enquiries on new work proposals, however, we have decided to open up to new work proposals.

Latest Submission Updates for Film Makers :
Up to 5 different films with 5 video still images (72dpi, 800 x 600 pixels) per film. Links to your film or the actual video files (HD please) in .mkv, .mov, .avi or .mp4 formats are accepted.

Latest Submission Updates for Spoken Word Poets:
Up to 5 spoken word poetry links to your performance videos. You may also submit written copies in .pdf format.

Door Handle
Mix Media on Canvas
2011

SCYA’s newest member, Chen Cheng is our Artist of the Month. Currently serving his enlistment in National Service, Claude is highly inspired by nature and aims to capture its magnificence through his art. He discusses in an email interview with Siim Ynn:

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I basically like anything that is beautiful. But really, I am still trying to figure out myself.

How did art get into your life? What kind of artist are you?
I started drawing at the tender age of 5, and hence feel that art is naturally a part of me. However, I do not like to shape myself or characterize things in my art works.

Who or what is your inspiration?
Nature and everything else that is beautiful instinctively inspires me. In my works, I want to catch the moment that I was touched; by something.

How do you see your place in the arts and what are your main aims and hopes for yourself as an artist in the arts scene?
I hope more and more people will be able to see my works and be engaged with them by maybe to start to think, reflect or even change, hopefully in a better way.

I hear you are currently in National Service. How has that been for you? Has NS changed inspired you?
NS is tough physically and sometimes I feel that it is more relaxed in the ‘real’ society mentally. Then I start to question myself, ‘is our society developing in a right way? Did something go wrong without anyone noticing it? Or is it really under our control rationally?’

Recent Works:

Tibet
Mix Media on Canvas
2011

Lamas
Mix Media on Canvas
2011

Iran
Mix Media on Canvas
2011

Red
Mix Media on Canvas
2011

Old Times
Mix Media on Canvas
2011

Carnation
Mix Media on Canvas
2011

In this new year, SCYA is offering creative in-studio art workshops for children to young adults. The workshops comprise of both theory and practical components, conducted by art practitioners and/or artists.

These workshops ranges from an exciting mix of Paper Clay, Photography, Illustration/Design, Plaster cast, Recyclable art, Painting, Puppet Making, Printmaking, Book-making, Collage art, Art therapy, Live drawing, Fun with Pop Art, “Splash, Dip, Drip and Wash!”

Students/Applicants enrolled will get the opportunity to have their completed works exhibited in SCYA Gallery upon completion of the workshops.

Registration starts on 4 Jan 2012 and lessons will commence on 4 Feb 2012.

For more detail about our workshops and , please visit our website.

For Art Educators’ biographies, please click here.

Lastly, for enquiries, please contact peilin@contemporaryart.sg

Sign up today!

Preparations for CNY is taking place soon and what not grab yourself an artwork to decorate the house for this month’s house visiting.

SCYA gallery is open today till the 21st Jan, 8pm.

We will have an opening on 13th Jan, Friday for Family Pictures
so all CNY sale artworks will be taken down from the walls but kept in our studio for your viewing still.

Please feel free to contact us at scya@contemporaryart.sg if you have any questions!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Happy 2012!

SCYA is really looking forward to your submissions!

In the spirit of celebration and festivity, SCYA is having a special discount sale for selected artworks by Andy Yang, Eman Clogtwo, Tan Seow Wei, Sharmila Roseli, Benjamin Ong, Arnewaty & Khairullah!

This special sale runs from 29th December 2011 – 21st January 2012 only!!

All artworks can be viewed at our Studio in Goodman Art Centre, 90, Goodman Road, BLK B, #03-08 from Tuesday – Saturdays, 12pm – 8pm or you can take a look at the details of all artworks in here: CNYSALEARTWORKS!

Grab as fast and many as you can before the works runs out!

For enquiries, please contact:
Jacquelyn at scya@contemporaryart.sg or Billy at billy@contemporaryart.sg

Sales of artwork will be given to Artist & to support SCYA in our non-profitable organisation and its activities.

To know more about SCYA, please visit our website: www.contemporaryart.sg now!

Gong Xi Gong Xi!