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SINGAPORE : Malay art equals batik? Think again. The ongoing APAD (Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya) retrospective at the Singapore Art Museum is set to break whatever stereotypes you may have.
After some members took the plunge at Pulau Ubin earlier this year to do a 56.4m-long painting underwater, Singapore’s longest existing Malay visual arts society is featuring video art works in their annual show.
These include "Mahabbah" (Love) by Harman Hussin, whose documentary "Road to Mecca" was shown at this year’s Singapore International Film Festival; and Suyatdi Yadoni’s "Reflection of Misunderstood Mat Rockers".
“Most works by the younger artists are socially aware and thought provocative,” said artist and current APAD president Suhaimi Sukiyar.
“(Suyatdi’s piece) is about the Malay perception of mat rockers, who are stereotyped as drug addicts, and hanging out in void decks.”
Apart from video works, the exhibit comprising some 50 works by members past and present, also include some interesting contemporary pieces such as Salleh Japar’s imposing installation "Born Out of Fire" (picture), Tumadi Patri’s "Waves of Life" (which includes a ram skull), and works by pioneering members like Aman bin Ahmand (Pak Man), the late Haji Sulaiman and Jaafar Latiff.
APAD was founded in 1962. Said former APAD president Abdul Rahman Rais: “Some members started off as visual artists but have become famous for other things, like singer M Nasir and composer S Amin (Shahab). Now they’re well known in Malaysia.”
APAD: Tradition, Innovation and Continuity runs until April 5 at the Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road, 10 am to 7pm daily, with extended hours and free admission on Friday, 6pm to 9pm. For more information, visit www.singart.com. - TODAY/rose
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