Definition of Modern Art in Singapore

The emergence of modern art in Singapore is really interesting. The term ‘modern’ in the sense of the contemporary refers to works of some art. These are mainly regarded as the departure from the past. This recognition involves both the concepts of the past and the present. These notions or ideas vary from person to person and the ultimate result is really good.

While discussing about modern art three common definitions of ‘modern’ should be stated. Firstly, if we want to recapitulate, ‘modern’ means the sense of the emersion of art as an independent and individualist practice. It is a departure from the earlier monumental religious and public statue or sculptures, architecture, and also craft traditions.

The second point comes as an exclusive high point in the time being of the entire twentieth century development. The mid-point of the century i.e. the 1950s saw the height for Singapore. Here, ‘modern art’ takes on the meaning of a point of maturity in the half-century. At that time, the innovative efforts and environment stimulations came into a right mix to bring forth a distinct flourishing of artistic innovation in Singapore. After the Second World War, an earlier tension between Chinese nationalism and Nanyang regionalism had been resolved. And this eventually made the way for new impetus for innovation. Many seminal works by important Singapore pioneer artists such as Cheong Soo Pieng and Chen Wen Hsi were created during this period.

Thirdly, ‘modern’ term was used by the Modern Art Society in the 1960s. This was with the reference to a departure from the mainstream Chinese migrant art. By then, this had developed into a convention known by the term ‘Nanyang School’. In 1970’s a related meaning of ‘modern’ became popular and this was to indicate the formalistic aspects of art or ‘abstract art’. This topic was being discussed in relation to multiculturalism and internationalism.