I've visited NGS twice since their opening, and I have enjoyed myself thoroughly both times. This post is mainly a short reflection of my trip there, nothing compares to seeing the art-pieces up close, trying to decipher what the artist is trying to say. It's kinda like a trip to an enchanted maze.
I remember the last time I said "impressionism" was during Secondary school art class where we had to research on a master (mine was Claude Monet), and share our findings with our friends. I regret not paying more attention then. But it's never too late to learn.
Most people I know are bored by the thought of visiting a museum, and I used to be one of them. Thinking that such places are for the rich and cultured and I'm neither of those. But as I grew older, I stopped feeling that way. I grew to appreciate the tenacity of the artists, their passion and dedication during troubled times. Which in turn made me want to understand the artist and the motive behind each piece. In my opinion, a piece of work is not just 'a painting', but the embodiment of the thought, emotion, and motive of the artist.
Someone explained to me once regarding an artwork, "When you asked about the story behind it, there's no story behind this piece. The artist is a self-taught artist, and he was trying to explore a more minimalistic form of painting, basically playing with geometrics and colours."
What I should have asked then was, "Why did he decide to explore and break out of his usual medium? Was there a significant event?"
That answer, would have been the 'story' even though there was no scripted one.
I remember the last time I said "impressionism" was during Secondary school art class where we had to research on a master (mine was Claude Monet), and share our findings with our friends. I regret not paying more attention then. But it's never too late to learn.
Most people I know are bored by the thought of visiting a museum, and I used to be one of them. Thinking that such places are for the rich and cultured and I'm neither of those. But as I grew older, I stopped feeling that way. I grew to appreciate the tenacity of the artists, their passion and dedication during troubled times. Which in turn made me want to understand the artist and the motive behind each piece. In my opinion, a piece of work is not just 'a painting', but the embodiment of the thought, emotion, and motive of the artist.
Someone explained to me once regarding an artwork, "When you asked about the story behind it, there's no story behind this piece. The artist is a self-taught artist, and he was trying to explore a more minimalistic form of painting, basically playing with geometrics and colours."
What I should have asked then was, "Why did he decide to explore and break out of his usual medium? Was there a significant event?"
That answer, would have been the 'story' even though there was no scripted one.
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| "Self Portrait" by Lee Man Fong. Level 2, DBS Singapore Gallery. |
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| "Balinese Life" by Lee Man Fong. Level 2, DBS Singapore Gallery, Siapa . |
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| Level 2, DBS Singapore Gallery. |
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| Father explaining "Boschbrand (Forest Fire)" by Raden Saleh to his daughter. Beautiful. |
For more photos I took during my trip, it's on thepancakecat's facebook album here.
If you visit NGS, do wear comfortable shoes (very important) and approach the gallery staff if you need help.
National Gallery Singapore
1 St. Andrew’s Road Singapore 178957
Nearest train station: Cityhall MRT (next to Adelphi building)
www.nationalgallery.sg
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