Yeo Workshop presents the launch of Points of Articulation, the first monograph dedicated to capturing the extensive oeuvre of the late artist and educator Solamalay Namasivayam. Underappreciated in his time, this book and exhibition serve to pay overdue homage to a visionary artist and educator who profoundly shaped Singapore’s art landscape.
S. Namasivayam, or ‘Nama’ as he was affectionately called (1926-2013), was a pioneer generation artist and educator central to the development of figure study and life drawing in Singapore. A key founding member of local art collective Group 90—alongside prominent artists such as Brother Joseph McNally, Mr. Chia Wai Hon, and Mr. Sim Thong Khern—Nama played a crucial role in organizing life drawing sessions and recruiting models, often backpacking tourists, for these sessions.
Against the backdrop of conservative post-independence Singapore, nude figure drawing was widely regarded as indecent and taboo. The group’s activities faced heavy scrutiny, yet Nama remained steadfast in his advocacy. Recognizing life drawing as a fundamental artistic discipline dating back to the Renaissance, he foresaw its importance in shaping Singapore’s burgeoning arts scene.
His perseverance, alongside the efforts of Group 90, led to the introduction of life drawing into the syllabus of LASALLE College of the Arts in 1987, solidifying its place in arts education and aligning Singapore with international artistic standards.
Accompanying the book launch is Points of Articulation: Repose, an exhibition showcasing a curated selection of the artist’s dynamic works and personal sketchbooks. The exhibition highlights Nama’s profound exploration of the human form through life drawing, featuring pieces from his prolific practice in pastel, charcoal, ink, and mixed media. With bold, instinctive strokes, Nama captures the figure with striking energy and a profound sense of presence.
Book Launch: Saturday 5 April 2025, 4 – 9 pm (Life Drawing Session 3 – 5pm)
Exhibition Dates: 5 April – 7 May 2025
Venue: Yeo Workshop, Gillman Barracks, 47 Malan Road #01-25, Singapore 109444
When: 5 Apr - 7 May 2025,
By: Yeo Workshop
