The Mile Hi! Club – Book Cover Design
November 4, 2009This book became a best seller in Singapore instantaneously and is already in the 3rd print if I’m not mistaken. I’d like to think its because of the cover rather than the juicy real-life account of an air stewardess. I was approached by the author as I am considered an expert at batik. She wanted me to recreate a certain batik pattern into the design of her book so that it appears credible. Her concern is understandable as I have on many occasions seen failed attempt by designers to mimic batik motif. One must understand and appreciate the process of batik to be able to recreate it convincingly with a computer. So here it is, my rendition of a batik Persisiran done with a computer. The book was designed by our colleagues at Bob Associates Design Consultants.
Student Resource for Singapore Street Art Culture
November 3, 2009Students often approach me for guidance. I am happy to oblige if they are polite and does not ask questions that has already been addressed in this blog. As a rule, I will publish my answers or their essay for the benefit of future scholars.
Richard Kua, a 4th year student at the Singapore Management University Lee Kong Chian School of Business sent me an email.
Hi Kamal,I’m Richard, 4th year student from SMU, currently working a project regarding on the Street Artist, Banksy. Recently, I’ve found an article regarding on an interview about the street art in Singapore with you which I found truly insightful. Hence, I hope that you can guide me with the following questions we have for our project.
1) Do you think we have “Singapore Banksy” over here? If not, why?
Why do we need to imitate? To expect a Singapore “anything” is rather regressive. As an artist one should strive to be original rather than become a copy and walk behind that shadow. However, I do understand what you are trying to ask. Someone as original, enterprising and internationally successful like Banksy, I doubt there is an artist in Singapore that even come close. Probably because Singapore is a small place. We have a small population that is very diverse thus we lack critical mass in our domestic audience. There are many other reasons that I could blame for our lack of original talent but I shall not elaborate on that here, it would be lengthier than a PhD dissertation.
2) As an Artist in this area, do you face any difficulties in Singapore? Compared to any peers you know, will it be alot easier in the foreign countries?
There are difficulties everywhere. Do not assume that graffiti is legal elsewhere. Off course in some places you may get away lightly if caught while in Singapore the punishment is severe. Graffiti as a crime is vandalism and that by the Singapore penal code is not simply an act of mischief but a serious offense punishable with caning. It is because the law was written at a time when communist propaganda is a national threat. In addition to that, Singapore as a city is very efficient and is well maintained. So its really nothing you could do here without being caught or buffed instantly. But then again, there are positive aspects to it as graffiti artists are viewed as artists and not pests as the public here are not victims of graffiti. Graffiti visual is seen as youthful and hip hence artists get commissions for painting at events, murals and some of i for government agencies.
3) There’s Singapore Street Festival organised every year since 2006. Do you think this portal is enough for our Artists in Singapore?
I’ve never been involved in it. I suppose they are good for youths as one of the activity during the school holiday and is decent enough for the artists that got involved in such events. Besides, there are other events where artists get to do their thing. I suppose all the happenings are good enough for the small community of street artists. There is not many who are seriously into this genre of art.
4) What’s the difference between Graffiti and Aerosol Art? Do most of the graffiti art we see in Singapore carry any stories or meanings behind? Or is it purely for a form aesthetic?
Graffiti is the art of writing that has foundation and a system defined by technical jargons such as tagging, throw-ups, wild-style, pieces, etc. Legal or illegal is another story. Aerosol art is a term for anything that uses spray paint. In Singapore like elsewhere in the world if you are into graffiti, you quickly pick-up the terms try to be ‘real’. Though it appears aesthetic, its always about pushing their name (tag) or brand (character).
5) Last but not least, do you think the government/Singaporeans have given enough support on Street Art? Explain.
Yes and recently no. We used to have a skate park at Somerset MRT that anyone could spray freely. Recently, someone tried to organise an event without the proper permits and the authorities got worried and started closing the place. Till today, you can only spray if you make a formal application with *scape who runs the place. Its not the same anymore. So this is a really is a lame place for urban/street/graffiti artists but the few of us are able to find our avenue without having a brush with the law.
Big Draw 2009
October 8, 2009
Organised by the Play Museum (http://www.playeum.com), This event is in conjunction with THE BIG DRAW, CAMPAIGN FOR DRAWING
The annual global event, to be held in Singapore for the first time in October and November 2009, stretches the boundaries of drawing and demonstrates its potential as a collaborative social and cultural activity. The campaign underscores the value of drawing to help people see, think, invent and take action. The Campaign for Drawing was launched in the UK ten years ago and is held at over 1200 venues across the world annually. It was started as a charity, and counts Quentin Blake, David Hockney, Lord Foster and Sir Roger Penrose OM as some of their Patrons.
http://www.campaignfordrawing.org/
More report at http://playeum.wordpress.com/2009/10/10/launch-of-the-big-draw-in-singapore-by-playeum-a-big-success/
You can view more pics at http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2552409&id=550282643
Blangah Rise Primary Cartoon Workshop
September 16, 2009We conducted a 10-weekly session of cartoon drawing for Primary 1 students at Blangah Rise Primary. We started with teaching cartoon basics followed by thematic drawing sessions during subsequent lessons. It was a fun class as we allowed the students to decide on the subject to draw and we showed them how its done in cartoon style.
