Aspirations 2018

The objectives of the Singapore Teachers’ Art Society are to promote art education in Singapore and to encourage art appreciation among our members, students and members of the public.

The aesthetics has an important place in the life of an individual. Quality of life is not measured in the amount of material wealth an individual accumulates. Through Art, as an aesthetics form, an individual can achieve a balance in the way he lives his life. His quality of life improves as he develops emotionally and he can feel a sense of ful llment in his heart and mind.

We always explore different opportunities for our members to upgrade themselves and also to widen their horizon through painting workshops, overseas painting trips, overseas art exhibitions and exchange programmes.

In 2016 September, we had an art and cultural exchange programme with Shaanxi Xueqian normal University. It was a very fruitful programme. The artists were warm and hospitable. We really learnt a lot from them. A heartfelt thanks to all of them.

In 2017, our society invited Guangzhou Jia Hong Shi Quan Art Gallery to exhibit Master Shi Quan’ Zi Sha Hu (紫砂壶) during our art exhibition in Singapore. All the visitors were impressed by his beautiful and delicate

terracotta pots. In return, Mr Wu Shao Ting has invited our society members to hold an art exhibition cum exchange programme in June this year at Guangzhou Bai Fu Square. It is really an privilege for us to exhibit our artworks there. I can foresee that it will be an unforgettable event to all our participating members. Thanks to Mr Wu Shao Ting.

For this exhibition, there is a total of 100 pieces of artworks. Besides oil, acrylic, watercolour painting, Chinese Painting and Chinese Calligraphy, there are some traditional and contemporary Batik paintings, an art form unique to Southeast Asia, which we would like to promote this year. Batik painting is a complicated process in which the artists have to apply multiple layers of waxing and colouring. The overall process will take at least more than 10 sessions to establish the intricacy of the designs. I hope our artists-friends and guests will appreciate our humble offering of artworks and give us their sincere critique and support.

On behalf of our society, I would like to express my most sincere thanks to our Guest-of- Honour, Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry for gracing the occasion. We especially thank National Arts Council, Lee Foundation Singapore, The Singapore Arts Federation, Universal Travel Corporation and China Express Travel (S) Pte Ltd for their contribution and support. Thank you.