It’s the time of the year when many make plans to return home and be reunited with their families and friends. When one thinks of ‘homecoming’, it is usually happy and reviving. This is no different from our artists based in Singapore. The act and experience of going home evokes a range of emotional responses and feelings from them. For some, the joy of reunion, and others, loneliness of missing home. And for many whose forefathers are migrants to Singapore, the season serves as a time of reflection on the meaning of their ancestral roots.
This exhibition features two primary artists and a sculptural artist expressing their thoughts, feelings and lineage of the homecoming season through contemporary abstract works.
“When I think of home, I think of a safe haven. I gain comfort in the thoughts of home.”
says Kevin Tan, Singapore artist. In response to the theme, Kevin paints abstract Expressionism scenes that bring a sense of serenity, calm and relaxation to the viewer.
As for Tomoko Tsuruta, a Japanese artist based in Singapore who will be looking forward to returning home, these thoughts bring happiness and peace. For the exhibition, she creates a new series of abstract works that take inspiration from life underwater, as she delights in water that gives stillness and bliss, reminding her of home in Japan.
As opposed to the fluidity of Tomoko’s paintings, Eugene Koh – a young sculptural artist who graduated from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts – will be producing for this exhibition an abstract centerpiece made of wood and stainless steel. The work revolves around the human body and the origins of Eugene’s ancestry. As he ponders on the theme of homecoming, he is reminded of his Chinese roots and the close link with the construction of objects – furniture and structures, akin to Chinese carpentry, which resulted in this work.
The event is organised by Art Channel Gallery. Admission is free.
Venue: Ngee Art Space Level 2
(directly opposite Sri Mariamman Temple, 8min walk from Chinatown train station exit Pagoda Street)
Address: No. 247 South Bridge Road, Level 2, Singapore 058796
Opening Hours:
Mon to Thurs: 12noon to 6:30pm
Fri to Sun: 11am to 9
When: 15 - 24 Jan 2016,
