EXHIBITION CATALOGUE
3 – 6 SEP 13
CREATION AN ART EXHIBITION BY SJI OLD BOYS
VENUE PARTNER
2
ABOUT SJI ART The Talent Art Programme in St Joseph’s Institution (SJI) started in 2002. The programme was available to 30 students per year during the initial years and it was called the Creative Art Programme. It was introduced as a differentiated art programme to challenge the artistically talented students, with the focus on developing and instilling higher order creative and critical thinking skills. The framework of the Art programme was modelled after the Ministry of Education’s Art Elective Programme (AEP) which is currently offered in seven secondary schools in Singapore. The aim of the SJI Art programme has always been to nurture the creative minds of our students so that they can become men who can make a difference in society. The SJI Art Show 2013 is an initiative by our interested and passionate art alumni. It desires to showcase the best of our graduates who have been continuing their artistic pursuits. It aims to be a continuum for our old boys to come together, collaborate and present their artistic and cultural expressions in a public domain. Through this initiative, we hope to extend the definition of a Josephian’s mission of “Faith, Service and Community” into the arts and cultural sphere of our society.
SJI Art teachers: Pennie Ong & Vivian Tan
CONTENTS 4
FOREWORD
6
LAYOUT OF CREATION
8
MICHAEL EE
10
GLEN HENG
12
LEE CHUAN
14
NICHOLAS LEONG
16
LIM JUN HONG
18
ESMOND LOH
20
ALVIN ONG
22
RUBEN PANG
24
BONAVENTURA KEVIN SATRIA
26
BRYAN TAN
28
ERNEST W.
30
FLO YEOW
32
ARTISTS
38
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
4
god our father,
FOR
open our eyes to see your handiwork in the splendours of creation; in the beauty of human life. touched by your hand, our world is holy. help us to share your blessings with our family and friends and to experience the joy of living in your presence. amen.
“LET US REMEMBER THAT WE ARE IN THE HOLY PRESENCE OF GOD.” Angel Stoup (Early 20th C) 45 x 55 x 85 cm Plaster
OREWORD To create is to be an artist. This exhibition, Creation, is a collection of works by Josephians who have continued to produce artwork after their graduation from SJI. With works from a variety of fine art and design mediums, their artistic creations are bound by a love for art that was built upon and developed since their time in SJI. One of the hallmarks of the school culture is the Lasallian invitation to prayer that begins each school day. The call to remembering the holy presence of a spiritual Creator is followed by a prayer from the school diary. Creation was picked from Morning Prayer No. 1 to recall God’s blessings on the labour for bringing work into existence.
Altar Crucifix (Late 19th C) 105 x 40 cm Gold Monstrance (Late 19th C) 74 x 44 cm Gold Soul Counsellor II (1987), Brother Joseph McNally 52 x 29 x 90 cm Stone sculpture
6
LAYOUT OF CREATION The works in the show are divided into three sections – Creation, Journey and Freedom. On show in the “Creation” are artefacts and artworks that establish a time and place that most Josephians will be able to relate to. The works offer the audience a glimpse into the life and soul of a Josephian. The next section, “Journey” explores life and art as a process. The works here show a struggle and a search for answers, meanings and new beginnings. Audiences are invited to reconsider creation as a journey of finding something within and beyond oneself. Finally, “Freedom” gathers work that outwardly looks at society. The artworks capture a spirit of expression that is not bound by fear. Here, the act of creating a work becomes an expression of liberation.
7
CLASS OF 8
2006
MICHAEL EE
“
Creating art is very much a process of searching, struggling and fighting. You believe in something that no one else can or wants to see and you toil over it endlessly. What you perceive in your mind is rarely even what finally rests, momentarily, on a page. Creation is also an ongoing process of observing the world around you. I would have abandoned making art if not for the people in my life who told me, at different stages of my life, that I am doing something worthwhile.
�
Experimental Drawings I and II (2012) 60.9 x 45.7 cm Mixed medium on paper
Candide (2012) 43.18 x 86.36 cm Digital print
CLASS OF 10
GLEN HENG
“
2009
The act of painting opens up the meditative side of human creation, during which a personal transcendence into a state of spirituality occurs. It has been a way of discovering new insights about myself, my surroundings and understanding what God is saying to me.
�
The Turbulent Calm (2013) 120 x 70 cm Oil on canvas
11
The Valor of Human Endeavour (2011) 250 x 90 cm (top, bottom) 250 x 100 cm (centre) Oil on canvas
CLASS OF 12
2008
LEE CHUAN
“
Recently, I began to question whether my creations were adding value to people’s lives. How significant are they? Though these issues remain on my mind, they have become guiding forces when creating my work. The purpose of creating is so important to me that these issues haunt every single piece I work on. I make it a point to clarify them before making my art.
”
#1, The Romance of Exploration (2013) 40.3 x 57.6 cm Water-soluble oil and gesso primer on wood
CLASS OF 14
2008
NICHOLAS LEONG
#1
#2
Skateboard Series #1, 2, 3 (2013) 20 x 80 cm each Mixed Medium
“
15
Nicholas’ work ranges from the experimental to highly resolved graphic imagery. Youthful and playful, his artistic expressions are not bound by medium or surf ace, thus he creates site-specific works that are large as well as 2-dimensional.
#3
”
CLASS OF 16
2008
LIM JUN HONG
“
Recent happenings, such as the alleged corruption of the church, has led me to question whether some of us have lost our focus on what is eternal or temporal in our lives. The crosses that have become a fashion icon in mainstream culture — do they cast our eyes away from what we should hold dearly? I see my artworks as an area where questions are created. They are an avenue for discussion rather than a solution to a problem.I desire people to ask and reflect when they see things; life is not a straightforward path but a journey that is ever changing.
”
17
Today, the Perseverance of Faith (2013) 120 x 90 cm Oil on canvas
CLASS OF 18
2011
ESMOND LOH
“
I still remember the comments made by family and relatives of my little masterpieces; people often found my drawings ridiculous, unrealistic and visually unappealing. A famous quote by Picasso: “Every child is born an artist, but the challenge is remaining one when they grow up”. Through my art, I attempt to push boundaries and explore new perspectives and possibilities. Making a concept a reality - this, to me, is what creation is about.
”
You’re Dead (2012) 100 x 180 cm Oil on canvas
The Golden Age (2012) 122 x 152 cm Oil on canvas
CLASS OF 20
ALVIN ONG
2004
Twins (2012) 80 x 140 cm Acrylic on canvas Rites of Passage I & II (2006) 120 x 160 cm Acrylic on canvas
Philamae (2012) 80 x 140 cm Acrylic on canvas
CLASS OF 22
RUBEN PANG
“
It doesn’t start from inspiration, its agitation — the feeling of so much discomfort that it doesn’t burn, it just rots, just like you describe it, and it will stink from inside you, you will smell it and the people around you will too, and they will hold it against you (god knows why?). There’s no demon to exorcise, no catharsis, no pent up feelings… the only way through this is circulation, I’m guessing you do this, you funnel your worst and your best and absolutely nothing in between into this ,‘hive’ when you’re coming up with scripts or practicing your improvisations, and you’ll know what’s fantastic and what’s not, and that’s what separates you from everyone else, the fact that you’re unafraid to confront your own inabilities and find ways to work with them. Your unsuccessful endeavors, failed compositions and dodgy scripts go back in the hive with your wildest dreams and your worst memories — nothing like the bitter past to spur the lethargic present into evolution. You then hack open the hive: sometimes you get bees, sometimes you get honey.”
2006
23
Relentless (2012) 119 x 170 cm Oil and Alkyd on Aluminium
CLASS OF 24
BONAVENTURA KEVIN SATRIA
2012
New Growth (2012) 66 x 94cm, 130 x 94 cm Mix Media Outburst (2012) 39 x 51 cm Mixed media
25
“ Tree of Life (2012) 51 x 39 cm Mixed media
Creation is the process of making our imaginations come alive. It is also about surfacing thoughts and ideas, putting our souls into our artwork. I first discovered my passion for art and the eagerness to create something new at a very young age. As a child, I had the habit of scribbling and drawing almost everywhere. I still remember myself drawing funny figures on walls at home despite the fact that my parents had provided stacks of blank papers for me to pour out my imagination on. Fortunately, I grew up in a family that was supportive of my interest, helping me to develop my creativity.
�
CLASS OF BRYAN TAN
“
2008
Just as scientists and inventors create devices to inquire deeper into the infrastructure of the universe, I create art pieces as a way of introspection. I see myself as a person masked with layers of characteristics and mindsets that define who I am. I create to test and experiment with myself; to understand my strengths and weaknesses; and to give me an accurate picture of the world around me and to see my place in it. It strengthens me both artistically and emotionally as art conditions me to be a more reflective, patient and responsible person.
�
w
My creations create the creator from within.
w
w
w
w
w
26
Quartet (2011) 21 x 21 cm Digital print
High (2011) 45.5 x 60 cm Oil on canvas
CLASS OF 28
ERNEST W.
2007
Suck (2012) 200 x 200 cm Oil on canvas Jean (2012) 61.5 x 76.3 cm Oil on canvas
Underneath It All (2012) 120 x 160 cm Oil on canvas
CLASS OF 30
FLO YEOW
“
2006
Creation is: A mixture of love, creativity, and patience A question of “God or Science” Being calm when everything else is racing Thinking loud and clear Your identity Eventual success after numerous failures Truth in depiction An experience A mental game Human interaction A powerful weapon of mass destruction That very girl you hold close to your heart Brotherhood in the family The end of the tunnel The Morning Prayer School and education Cheekiness of a 3 year-old boy Overcoming obstacles as the strongest A word Everything that you cannot see or hear Adobe Photoshop Love at first sight Helping the needy Fishing with a straight hook What just happened Me. My story. My Art. Scarcity (2012) 25 x 42 cm Photographic print
31
Playtime (2012) 56.15 x 84.1 cm Photographic print Faith (2012) 84.1 x 65.15 cm Photographic print
32
ARTISTS Michael Ee is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design at the Rhode Island School of Design, USA. He has been awarded an MOE Overseas Teaching Scholarship and will return to Singapore in 2015. His work has been exhibited in departmental showcases at RISD. He graduated from SJI in 2006.
Glen Heng is serving his last year of National Service. He has been accepted into The Barlett School of Architecture, University College London, UK, and will be departing for his studies abroad in 2014. Glen won the Environmental Award in the Children of the Earth International Poster Design Competition in 2008. He was also awarded Gold for the SYF Art Competition in 2012. He graduated from SJI in 2009.
Graduating Works: Seven Sins (2009), Glen Heng 153 x 72 cm Coloured pencil on paper Schmuck (2006), Michael Ee 1 of 8 Digital prints
33
Lee Chuan is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fine Art at Lasalle College of the Arts. He trained with the Young Artists’ Club for 8 years and is currently fond of working with paint. Lee Chuan is part of the organising committee for Creation. He graduated from SJI in 2008.
Perspectives of Water (2008), Lee Chuan 120 x 180 cm Oil on canvas Untitled (2008), Nicholas Leong 120 x 200 cm Mixed media
Nicholas Leong is currently serving his National Service. His work ranges from experimental to highly resolved graphic imagery. Youthful and playful, his artistic expressions are not bound by medium or surface, creating site-specific works that are large as well as 2-dimensional. He graduated from SJI in 2008.
34
Lim Jun Hong is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Goldsmiths, University of London, UK. He has been awarded an MOE Overseas Teaching Scholarship and will return to Singapore in 2017. Jun Hong is part of the organising committee of Creation. He graduated from SJI in 2008.
Esmond Loh is studying at Hwa Chong Institution and plans to pursue a degree in Fine Art. He won the UOB Painting of the Year Award in 2012. Esmond graduated from SJI in 2011.
Stresses of Life (2008), Lim Jun Hong 1 of 6 Colour pencil on paper Control (2011), Esmond Loh 180 x 120 cm Acrylic on canvas
35
Alvin Ong is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Art at Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art, University of Oxford, UK. He was previously studying Architecture at National University of Singapore. Alvin’s paintings won the UOB Painting of the Year Award in 2005 and 2012. He was awarded Gold for the SYF Art Competition in 2004. His works have also been featured in several exhibition venues such as The Esplanade, ACM, NAFA and Suntec City. He graduated from SJI in 2004.
Memory (2004), Alvin Ong 120 x 180 cm Oil on canvas Fenicing_002 (2006), Ruben Pang 1 of 4 Mixed media
Ruben Pang is a recognised local visual artist working primarily with paints. He is represented by Chan Hampe Gallery in Singapore and Primo Marella Gallery in Italy. Ruben completed his higher education at Lasalle College of the Arts. He graduated from SJI in 2006.
36
Bonaventura Kevin Satria is studying at Saint Andrew’s Junior College. He plans to pursue a degree in Architecture. He graduated from SJI in 2012.
Bryan Tan is studying at the Art, Design and Media faculty at Nanyang Technological University. He graduated from SJI in 2008.
New Growth (2012), Bonaventura 66 x 94 cm, 130 x 94 cm Mixed media Contours (2008), Bryan Tan Mixed media wall isntallation
37
Ernest W. is pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture at The Barlett School of Architecture, University College London, UK. He graduated from SJI in 2007.
The Human Psyche (2007), Ernest W. 1 of 4 Colour pencil on paper Faith, Service & Community (2006), Flo Yeow 1 of 2 Oil on canvas
Flo Yeow is pursuing a Bachelor in Business Management at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business – Singapore Management University. His 2010 photography start-up, Flotography, specialises in wedding and portrait photography and has won recognition in a number of competitions organised by Pixoto, NUS, DBS, UOB and HDB. His works are also found in print publications by Yale-NUS and SMU. He graduated from SJI in 2006.
38
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank the following people and organisations who have helped us along the way, without which this exhibition would not have been possible: Singapore Art Museum for being our venue partner SJI Archives Flotography De La Salle Brothers Staff at St. Joseph’s Institution for their administrative and logistical support Miss Eliza Lim, Mrs Pennie Ong and Mrs Vivian Tan for being advisors to the Organising Committee Mr Alvin Ong (Class of 2004) for curating Creation Mr Michael Ee (Class of 2006) for designing the catalogue and publicity collateral for Creation Mr Lee Chuan and Mr Lim Jun Hong (Class of 2008) for all logistical support Mr Bobby Koh Cheng Chye (Class of 1976) All Josephian artists for answering your alma mater’s call
39
Old boys in the current art studio spaces of SJI (Lee Chuan, Ruben Pang and Ernest W. not pictured)
St. Joseph’s Institution w w w.sji.edu.sg