Singapore's Identity in the Arts Scene
Kevin Tan Ngee Chye, Clarke Quay , oil on canvas, 50 x 50cm. We often say, Singapore is a melting pot of cultures with our diverse races, religions, and cultures. As such, this pot gives Singapore a vibrant and diverse potential in the development of arts. Art reflects culture and in turn refines it, creating a virtuous and healthy cycle within the arts scene. Some would say that Singapore has no national identity in art. To understand Singapore's identity in art, we must first look at its history. The local art scene dates to immigrants bringing in calligraphy, porcelain, and sculptures from China. The early fine art in Singapore then was heavily influenced by Chinese culture, and soon the Nanyang Style in fine art was founded by these settlers. The art style made its major debut in Singapore's art history during the 1950s where four of the six pioneer local artists, Chen Chong Swee, Liu Kang, Chen Wen Hsi, and Cheong Soon Pieng, returned to homeland with...
