Sunday, January 29, 2012

January Unfolds




2012 started with my representing Singapore with a grant that I received from Singapore International Foundation, for Aviskar East Meets West, at Gallery Gold, Kolkata, India. The opening was on the evening of the 6th of January. I flew in to Kolkata the night before. All day I could not get much rest and was waiting for the event to commence. On my way to the event I did happen to get stuck in traffic but still made it in time for opening.
I introduced myself to the other artists. It was fun to be part of an international show where you represent your country and get to say so proudly. More so, when they look at your country with a sense of admiration for not just adopting you, with open arms but also your creative pursuits. What can I say it made me feel very proud to be a Singaporean, bringing my art to the land that gave birth to me but coming from the land that is encouraging the artist in me.
The icing on the cake however was the surprise of winning the viewers choice award in Best Digital Painting. That was a fitting end to the evening. I did get to meet some of the featured Masters who were part of the show, and also got some expert tips from them as well.
For the remaining of the trip I worked with other local artists and we did shoot in some historic locations as well as some culturally significant places within and outside the perimeters of Kolkata. This has also given me some ideas for projects that I see myself working on for the year 2012. Very satisfied with some clicks and have put them up on the blog as well. Its been a great start and I hope to keep up the momentum. :D

Monday, January 2, 2012

Happy 2012


It’s already Jan 2012. Here’s wishing you all a happy, healthy, prosperous and creative New Year. The New Year starts with new hope and expectations with the Aviskar 2012, East Meets West. The last day of 2011 was a very fitting end as I got a letter of my grant being approved.
Yes, I had applied for a grant to represent Singapore in Aviskar 2012 and it has come through. A big thank you to Singapore International Foundation, for giving me, this opportunity. I am now officially representing my Lion city state in an exhibition being held in what is the birth city of both my parents. My family and friends are very proud and happy with this turn of events. However after each little baby step that I make I look back and see him, my father. I am sure he is watching me and is happy for me. Often the very thought of him smiling at my small achievements is what keeps me going.
While the last one and a half months have been a fitting end to a very busy year I will now have to get down and get my hands dirty. Yes have not hit the canvas during the long vacation. However it has been very fulfilling as I got a lot of fodder to click during the holiday. I have collected on my stock pile for some upcoming work of art and hope to do some more in January when I attend the show in Kolkata.
So here’s looking forward to a very promising 2012 with a lovely quote by Khalil Gibran.
“Art is a step from what is obvious and well-known toward what is arcane and concealed”.

http://www.sif.org.sg/