Director’s Cut: Singapore 2024

Art can be comforting and nostalgic, like a refreshing bowl of Ice Kachang on a sweltering hot day. Here are some artworks for the foodies among us.

“‘I absolutely love painting lemons and how they capture the light. To me they are so vibrant they seem to almost be lit from inside.” – Lucy Mckie  

Food is our love language in Singapore, and “Triple Scoop” by Lori Larusso sits at the intersection of Alan’s love for a delightful bite and a captivating artwork. The painting is part of a collection of food and culinary paintings that bring people together in a nostalgic way, showcasing how food for the eyes and the soul can bring people together. 

Lori Larusso is an American visual artist who works primarily with themes of domesticity and food. Her artistic practice is influenced by her fascination with the human tendency to project, communicate, and exploit the currency of things.  

One of Alan’s picks is “Japanese Bowl with Lemons” by Lucy McKie. Lucy’s work focuses on capturing intricate detail, beauty, natural light and form. Her work is a masterclass in capturing atmosphere as she balances the interplay of light and shadows in her painting. The vibrant hues of the lemon fruit are juxtaposed against the grounded black of the bowl, creating a striking contrast that draws the viewer’s eye. Lucy’s keen eye for details, from the subtle variations in texture to the delicate nuances of colour, is truly remarkable and creates a serene and uplifting feeling within her compositions.

Longing and Landscapes 

Landscapes can speak volumes about the culture and story of a place. They capture moments from different regions that allow us to gain a deeper understanding of various cultures and significant historical events. Here are some landscapes that Alan recommends. 

“Lorong Buangkok near National Day” by Ho Sou Ping is a piece that is especially charming to the Singaporean soul as it captures the authentic essence of old Singapore through the artist’s eyes. The painting depicts a humble moment within Singapore’s last remaining kampong during his visit to the area around National Day in 2017.  There is a beautiful blend of textures and colours that sweep across the landscape at this culturally significant yet understated part of Singapore and Sou Ping captures the reverence towards Singaporean culture and history with this beautiful watercolour piece. 

Over the past decade, Sou Ping has expanded into oil and watercolour painting and made painting trips to other countries like Malaysia, Bali, Greece, Germany, and Tibet to explore new landscapes and colours in his expression. He often looks out for opportunities to learn from the best of the best in any discipline, believing that this is the fastest way to improve as an artist. 

Alan also feels drawn to Heo Hyeon Sook’s “Dream Garden II”, a meticulously detailed scene of the redevelopment of the artist’s hometown amid Korea’s economic development and urban planning.  

Heo Hyeon Sook’s practice focuses on “houses” as documentation of history’. Inspired by the vanishing landscapes of her childhood, her “houses” series serves as a poignant reminder of the rapid pace of industrialization and the disappearances of cultural spaces as a result. These evocative pieces resonate with our own experiences of witnessing familiar spaces disappear, leaving behind conflicting feelings of anticipation and sorrow; anticipation for the newly forming architecture and village spaces, and a sense of sorrow for the loss of the old and familiar. 

Capturing Cityscapes 

Behind the scene of Yi-ting Su creating Sketch City 12

Another piece that has piqued Alan’s interest is the “Sketch City” series by Yi-ting Su. The series captures the experience of travelling on public transportation in the city; interwoven layers of fabrics and wires represent virtual and solid spaces in the urban landscape. By stacking these images, she reproduces the clear and blurred views that she observes while travelling, mimicking the blur we experience with gradually forgotten memories, and visually representing the speed and vibrations felt while navigating our urban landscape.  

The “Sketch City” series is perfect for lovers of the ephemeral, an affordable piece that perfectly represents the fleeting nature of our memories and experiences, especially as we navigate the hustle and bustle of the city. 

For Piet’s Sake 

Behind the scenes of Phill Shaw creating For Piet’s Sake II

Any art enthusiast would be able to spot Dr Phil Shaw’s admiration for Piet Mondrian’s work in this artwork aptly named “For Piet’s Sake II”. Dr Phil Shaw is a renowned British digital-printmaker who creates hyper-realistic images. His ‘bookshelf’ prints are a captivating exploration of the printed word’s evolving status in our digital age, exploring the intricate concept of intertextuality through the elegant portrayal of neatly arranged books. 

Dr Shaw was awarded his Doctorate in ink technology; he uses a specialized eight-colour printing process on fine-grade Hahnemühle paper, allowing his works to achieve the vibrant yet rich colours as seen in this print.  

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to dip your toes into a whole new world of affordable art. Enjoy the array of activities lined up for our 15^th Anniversary Fair and celebrate with us at the F1 Pit Building.  

Get your ticket to the November fair now.