Through All Vicissitudes
12.11 // 27.11. 2022
ART:DIS (Singapore) Ltd and artcommune proudly present Through All Vicissitudes: Prints & Sculptures by Chng Seok Tin, which is on view at artcommune gallery from 12 to 27 November 2022. Featuring over 30 prints and sculptures that span the period of 1976-2010s, the exhibition traces the motivations that shaped Chng’s four decade-long creative journey and celebrates a life lived large in spite of obstacles and misfortunes.
Chng Seok Tin (b. 1946, Singapore - d. 2019, Singapore), Cultural Medallion recipient, was a renowned printmaker, sculptor and multi-media artist whose devoted practice to printmaking became synonymous with the Singapore printmaking development between the 1980s and 1990s. Chng’s printmaking oeuvre encompasses a variety of techniques and experiments (lithography, etching, engraving, silkscreen, woodcut, monotype and ink transfer), and reflects her mediations on Zhuang Zi (庄子) and various philosophical texts. Themes of existentialism resonate strongly in her prints and sculptures, which often dramatise man’s pursuits of dream, love and freedom, and the struggles towards enlightenment. At times, wry social commentary or humorous banter permeate her imagery.
Construction, 1977, Lithograph, 69 x 57 cm
What a Headache!, 2011, Mixed media, 21 x 47 x 16 cm
An accident in 1988 left Chng visually impaired. This forced her to rely on mainly dry point or mixed media method, and the help of an assistant to continue her printmaking into the 2000s. Having earlier adopted mixed media installation and sculpture into her practice during her studies abroad in the 1980s, she decided to focus more on these mediums beginning in the mid-90s as they afforded her a more tactile and flexible exploration of forms and materials. As a passionate advocate and educator, Chng worked closely with ART:DIS (then formerly known as Very Special Arts Singapore) to enable and empower young persons with disabilities though the arts.
Confronted by seemingly insurmountable challenges, Chng was an artist who faced them squarely and endeavoured on with an indomitable spirit. Through All Vicissitudes: Prints & Sculptures by Chng Seok Tin brings to fore the adventure and vitalism that define Chng’s enduring legacy.
Education Fund set up to support the professional development of young artists with disabilities in an Industry Mentorship Programme
A firm believer in inspiring and building the capabilities of the younger generation, this exhibition will also raise funds towards the CST Education Fund to support young artists with disabilities to participate in a new Industry Mentorship Programme organized by ARTDIS. In its first year, it aims to support 6 – 8 young visual artists to be matched with industry mentors, so as to deepen their artistic & technical skillsets, expose them to contemporary art practice, build his/her personal portfolio and provide them an opportunity to work with a professional curator to showcase their artworks in a final exhibition. An Open Call will be held in November in conjunction with the exhibition, with the selected artists and more details of the Industry Mentorship Programme announced in March 2022.
About ART:DIS
ART:DIS (Singapore) Ltd, formerly known as Very Special Arts Singapore, is a leading non- profit organisation dedicated to creating learning and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities in the arts.
Started in 1993 by Ambassador-at-Large Professor Tommy Koh, ART:DIS organises art programmes, projects, collaborations, exhibitions and performances for persons with disabilities to reach for excellence and be relevant in the future. ART:DIS further establishes pathways in the arts for persons with disabilities to express themselves, gain confidence and be part of a community.
In FY21/22, ART:DIS supported over 450 students/artists across 19 programmes, conducted over 100 classes and 48 exhibitions, performances and projects, generated upwards of $87,000 of income for our students/artists and reached over 196,740 individuals. Together with our partners and allies, join us in realising an inclusive Singapore – one where persons with disabilities are enabled to pursue their aspirations, empowered to achieve their fullest potential and are engaged as integral members of society.
Exhibition Period
Date: 12 - 27 November 2022
Time: 12 – 7pm daily
Venue: artcommune gallery (address below)
Contact Information
artcommune gallery
76 Bras Basah Road
#01-01 Singapore 189558
Tel: +65 63364240 M: +65 97479046
www.artcommune.com.sg
For media enquiries or high-resolution image requests, please contact:
Ms. Valerie Anne Lim
Tel: +65 63364240 M: +65 98205731
Email: valerie@artcommune.com.sg
Ms Sabrina Zhang
M: +65 87387801
Email: sabrina@artdis.org.sg
Artist Lim Yew Kuan and Chang Seok Tin: 18-year age gap, but whose art was worlds apart (2022, Nov 16)
Retrieved from The Straits Times website
庄心珍版画雕塑展 所得援助残疾艺术工作者 (2022, Nov 12)
Retrieved from 联合早报 website