Celebrating National Day 2022 - From the Voices of Our Artists
Let’s hear from them!
Pauline Phoon
"The most visible indicator of our growth is possibly our landscape. Sketching buildings is my way of preserving memories of the landscape as our nation progresses."
Image Source: https://www.roots.gov.sg/Collection-Landing/listing/1194003
"Central Fire Station" by Pauline Phoon, 40 x 50cm
Singapore’s phenomenal growth into an urbanised city is a blessing that I deeply appreciate. The most visible indicator of our growth is possibly our landscape. Sketching buildings is my way of preserving memories of the landscape as our nation progresses.
Aesthetically, I love the texture and colour of red bricks and they are hardly found in new buildings. I searched out red brick buildings in Singapore for my sketches and learnt so much more about their historical significance. I am glad that the Central Fire Station is still fully functional and its hose tower was the tallest tower in the 1920s. What a contrast to the high-rise landscape of modern Singapore!
"National Theatre" by Pauline Phoon, 40 x 50cm
The National Theatre, which was torn down in 1986, is fondly called the People’s Theatre, because each brick that makes up the facade represents a person’s donation to the building.
All these beautiful buildings are a poignant reminder of Singapore's past. Through my sketches, I also hope to help crystallise the many fond memories and moments experienced in these iconic places, and the shared community history they represent that many of us hold dear to our hearts.
Pauline as a child, before the beloved "People's Theatre"
Here’s wishing Singapore a happy 57th birthday and better years ahead!
Wong Shih Yaw, Abraham
"I maintain an inquisitive perspective around me, and keep an open mind, so that my new ideas can flow, combining with inspirations from my past."
Through my many years as a Singaporean artist, I have been sharing my life stories through various styles of art. I maintain an inquisitive perspective around me, and keep an open mind, so that my new ideas can flow, combining with inspirations from my past and my faith.
I loved reading comics when I was young, which influenced me to do a series in the iconic black-outline style of comic books. The works in the series captured my childhood memories: visiting the fish aquarium shop, watching the movie “Jaws”, playing rugby with my neighbours, and so on.
"Story 17" by Wong Shih Yaw, Abraham, 102 x 76cm
"Story 20" by Wong Shih Yaw, Abraham, 92 x 92cm
"Story 7" by Wong Shih Yaw, Abraham, 102 x 122cm
This ever-renewing perception towards life and creation can be seen in my triptych titled “Wedding at Cana” – reliving the first taste of good wine, again and again. The idea of constant renewal is also one that Singapore well embodies.
"Wedding at Cana (Set of 3)" by Wong Shih Yaw, Abraham, 61 x 61cm each
We see in Singapore this state of ever-renewal, with ceaseless growth which finds a strong foundation in the shared stories of our past.
Swasti Wonowidjojo
"I see the positive values that Singapore embodies reflected in many of my works...Singapore has shaped me into who I am today and I’m grateful that my children can experience the same."
My family and I moved to Singapore in 1990 and I grew up here ever since. I was blessed to be able to be exposed to the values and culture that make Singapore so unique and irreplaceable in my heart. The values being taught in our schools and nation are evident in the solidarity shown whenever the nation goes through difficult times, always emerging stronger from each obstacle.
Swasti as a child with her younger brother
Swasti as a young student with her schoolmates
Eye of the Tiger" by Swasti Wonowidjojo, 76 x 102cm
I see the positive values that Singapore embodies reflected in many of my works - including “Many Sparrows” and “Eye of the Tiger”. The term “eye of the tiger” is used to describe someone with focus and determination and a spirit of not giving up in the midst of difficulty. After World War II and the separation of Singapore from Malaysia, Singapore was faced with many uncertainties. Our leaders, however, had “the eye of the tiger” and managed to steward the small country into the giant it is today in terms of economy and influence.
Meanwhile, sparrows are one of the most common birds in the world and they love to nest and thrive in urban cities. Similarly, because of the low crime rate and world class education here, many people, like “Many Sparrows”, have come to build their nest and start a family in Singapore. I am one of them, having started my own family here as well.
"Many Sparrows" by Swasti Wonowidjojo, 60 x 30cm
Singapore has shaped me into who I am today and I’m grateful that my children can experience the same.
Johnrey Quiban
"I truly appreciate all the experiences that I have gained through the years of living on this little red dot, and I hope that my art will be a tangible representation of my special times and memories."
Johnrey Quiban with his family before they moved to different parts of the world.
I am an architect and a self-taught artist, and have been living in Singapore for the past 10 years. My artworks are inspired by the stillness of nature, imperfections of life, and the sense of longing, which comes from my personal experience of being away from home.
I decided to leave my family in 2012 to pursue a career in Singapore. It was indeed a struggle and a rough start being away from loved ones. Life is different in Singapore but this has taught me to be independent, pushing me to be more dedicated to pursue my dreams for my family.
There are peaks and valleys along the road, as well as disappointments and failures. Painting is an outlet for my emotions. Through it, I deep dive into my silent feelings, distant recollection, and my faith.
"Almost There" by Johnrey Quiban, 41 x 61cm
The painting "Almost There" was inspired by the view of a landing airplane, bringing with it the joy and anticipation of being reunited with those who matter.
"Togetherness" by Johnrey Quiban, 61 x 91cm
The painting "Togetherness" is dedicated to the artist’s family in the Philippines, whom he had not seen for a long time due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Still, over time, Singapore has become a second home, and I have found a safe place here. Singapore cultivates appreciation for the arts, so it has been the perfect place to showcase my work. I truly appreciate all the experiences that I have gained through the years living on this “little red dot”, and I hope that my work will be a tangible representation of my special times and memories.
Erica Wee
"...I am excited to return to Singapore and to Katong, and create more art inspired by the rich cultures we see around us."
"Old Katong Red House Bakery" by Erica Wee, 40 x 50cm
Having lived in Katong since I was born, I have many fond childhood memories of growing up in this place. Living directly across the street from the “Old Katong Red House Bakery”, I can vividly remember the aroma from the freshly baked baguettes wafting through the air. Whenever my family cooked curry chicken, I would walk over to the bakery to buy some of these baguettes to go along with it. Living in Katong also instilled a deep appreciation for the Peranakan culture that has inspired my art. Although I had relocated to Kuala Lumpur for the past 15 years due to my husband’s work, I have always reminded my family that Singapore is our true home and where our identity comes from.
This year, I am excited to return to Singapore and to Katong, and create more art inspired by the rich cultures we see around us.
Glacy Soh
Glacy Soh with her Peranakan-themed artworks "The Little Nonyas"
I profile myself as a Singaporean artist. My paternal grandma was a true Bibik (an honorific term for Peranakan women). I remember the family home as the headquarters, where the extended family met everyday. My childhood memories were noisy ones where there was a lot of play, food and pretty kebayas sewn by my mum.
Traditions in a Peranakan Wedding" by Glacy Soh, 61 x 76cm
The Straits-born Chinese created a culture that is so much a part of our Singapore history. “Lest we forget” is a recurring theme in many of my local works such as “Traditions in a Peranakan Wedding”.
Traditions are our heritage, and I try to capture on canvas the very colourful and vibrancy of a very unique culture that was created by our Chinese immigrant forefathers and their adoption of the way of life of the local indigenous people of Singapore.
