Exhibition ‘Neo Folk 2’ in Singapore this month brings together the work of over twenty contemporary artists from countries across Asia. Each artist has taken aspects and influences from their traditional heritage – be it the narratives, myths or artistic techniques – twisted and reworked into a contemporary style. These works seem to be in search of identities shaped by their own country’s arts and crafts, rather than one of ‘Asia as a whole’.
Rudy Atjeh (Indonesia) – “Welcome to the Jungle” – Hand cut paper, 2012
Howie Tsui (Hong Kong) – “Celestials of Gold Mountain” – Acrylic on canvas, 2010
Indonesian artist Rudy Atjeh makes incredibly delicate paper cut sculptures of traditional animal art, combining them with neon, lights and music to create pulsating, jarringly bright modern installations. Anjo Bolarda, self-taught artist from the Philippines, makes intricate pen and ink drawings, taking a traditional style but making it punk with an element of street art. By looking back at their cultural heritage these artists have gone back to their roots, interpreting it in a contemporary way, a new direction for contemporary art.
Dina Gadia (Philippines) – “Bad Innovation: Pointless Riffing on the Same Theme” – Collage, 2013
Epjey Pacheco (Philippines) – “Untitled” – Pen and ink on paper, 2013
The first Neo Folk was in October 2011 in Paris. This second installment is in Ikkan Art Gallery, Singapore from mid-January until the end of February.
For more information on Neo Folk 2:
https://www.facebook.com/events/552322028178775/
