Filipino artists Cecilia Avancena, Gerardo Tan, Katya Guerrero, Sid Hildawa Show Sculpture in Singapore
Bayani News
July 2002
The sculpture show in Singapore runs from July 26 through August 25, 2002. The gallery is open from 11am to 6pm on weekdays and 12pm to 6pm on weekends.
If you think bringing in a sculpture exhibition to Singapore means importing huge and heavy blobs of bronze or marble - think again. A group of contemporary Filipino artists, including Cecilia Avancena, Gerardo Tan, Katya Guerrero, Sid Hildawa and After Liwayway Recapping Co., prove that sculpture can be conceived and practiced otherwise - creating art works that are small and light, but capable of expanding once installed in the designated space. When the exhibition is over, these works can then be packed and shipped again in a small container 110cm x 110cm x 92cm to the next destination.
According to curators Judy Freya Sibayan and Matt Price, the idea and title for the exhibition came out of a very practical concern - how to transport works of art from on country to another at low cost. General Manager of Sculpture Square, Tay Swee Lin, set one basic restriction for the artists: that they should find their own funding to ship the works from Manila to Singapore and then back again. "Working within these logistical and financial constraints, artists are challenged to come up with creative solutions without contradicting or compromising their practice," Tay notes.
The result? Art that though visually small, embodies complex ideas. Sibayan elaborates: "Each of these pieces questions the system of production, circulation, distribution and reception of art, and ultimately, expands the boundaries of art and the imagination."
Price remarks: "This project is a great opportunity to continue to develop links and strengthen the friendship between the Philippines and Singapore." Closely following this exhibition is Manila's first Children's Sculpture Carnival, co-organized by ArtPostAsia (Philippines) and Sculpture Square. Later, Sculpture Square and University of Philippines will respectively host a Filipino and Singaporean artist as part of their Artist Residency Programme.
Expanding Art also marks the launch of Sculpture Square's global touring initiative. After its run in August, the exhibition will continue to tour various international venues. Sculpture Square is in negotiation with various arts venues on the tour itinerary for the exhibition.
Ms Minda C. Cruz, Minister and Consul General of the Philippines, will inaugurate Expanding Art on Friday, 26th July 2002.
For curator/artist profiles and more information, contact Michelle Low at (65) 6333 1055 or michelle@sculpturesq.com.sg
ABOUT SCULPTURE SQUARE
Sculpture Square - a non-profit, independent arts organization - is Singapore's first and only art space dedicated to the promotion, development and regional exchange of contemporary 3-dimensional art. Since 1999, Sculpture Square has been a key player in recognizing and nurturing artistic talent through its exhibition of works by local and international artists, its regional artist exchanges and artist residencies, its symposiums and events, as well as its publications. To make art and enjoyable and engaging experience for the public, lively community programmes are also run throughout the year at Sculpture Square. These include talks, informal meet-the-artist-sessions called Square Fridays, a popular annual children's Sculpture Carnival and a children's sculpture exhibition, and frequent sculpture workshops for students. Sculpture Square also provides comprehensive art consultancy services which are backed by curatorial expertise and a rapidly-growing resource centre.
Sculpture Square, 155 Middle Road, Singapore 188977
Tel: (65) 6333 1055
Fax: (65) 6333 1655
E-mail: arts@sculpturesq.com.sg
Web: http://www.sculpturesq.com.sg
