True to its name, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is proud to introduce “The Art of the Orient” - a specially commissioned collection of Asian artworks. Works in this collection are created by 13 of the region’s most accomplished, award-winning artists, namely, Baet Yeok Kuan, Eng Joo Heng, Nia Fliam, Agus Ismoyo, Hong Sek Chern, Khiew Huey Chian, Jason Lim, Lim Poh Teck, Christine Mak, Nai Swee Leng, Om Nee Ai, Quek Kiat Sing and Tay Bak Chiang.
The curatorial concept establishes and addresses fresh links within a collection of works that epitomise the richness of Oriental Art with their varied forms and approaches, in the context of the hotel’s newly furnished interiors. Displayed at various locations around the hotel, guests can view the art pieces and enjoy the rich and colourful techniques of the artists. Below are some art pieces that you can expect to find amongst the hotel’s extensive collection:
Level 1
Location: Pre-Function 1 Title: Trashcan of Tradition II Artist: Agus Ismoyo and Nia Fliam Technique: Hand and cap batik, reverse appliqué on silk Artist’s statement: This collaborative batik is the second in a series of works focusing on the important cultural route of the indigenous cultures of Southeast Asia. The concept of the work is based on the motifs “Kawung” and “Parang”, which are two of the most dominant motifs in Southeast Asian batiks. These motifs reach back to at least the Dong Son period and its link in Southeast Asian textiles. As Singapore has historically been and remains a hub of Southeast Asia, this work symbolises the unity of all Southeast Asian countries as a cultural family. The techniques include hand and cap batik on silk with the featured motif batiked and dyed over 50 times. This cloth is combined with layers of batiked silks of Chinese and organdy silks, cut and stitched in the ancient style of reverse appliqué.
Location: Pre-Function 1 Title: Untitled Artist: Jason Lim Medium: Stoneware, crackle glaze Artist’s Statement: The design of the work is loosely based on the shape of the lotus leaf. The surface of the work has makings and patterns that are reminiscent of ethnic Southeast Asian textiles and traditional pottery wares.
Location: Atrium Suite 1 Foyer Title: Vestiges of Change I Artist: Hong Sek Chern Medium: Chinese ink, colour pigment, collage on rice paper Artist’s Statement: Through the process of juxtaposing various processes of construction, this artwork tries to address the dynamic process of change and renewal. Conceptually, the new is built upon the old. The decisions of what to be reinstated and what to be replaced are re-enacted through the processes of artistic addition and subtraction. The placement of collages over the paintings serves 2 purposes: to add new spatial relationship, as well as to take away earlier aesthetic treatments by forming an opaque layer over them. The coloured lines offer a means to clarify the sites as well as to mask them. The final result bears references to the sites as in the making, as well as in completion, torn from a page of their shared history.
Level 4
Location: Business Centre Work Cubicle Title: Phoenix Artist: Eng Joo Heng Medium: Monotype, woodcut and embossing Artist’s Statement: Regarded as the king of the birds in Chinese mythology, the phoenix is an auspicious symbol representing prosperity, happiness, beauty, summer and the sun. It is commonly seen alongside a dragon, as a female symbol or to symbolise an empress.
Location: Boardroom 2 Title: Untitled Artist: Lim Poh Teck Medium: Charcoal on paper Symbolism: For nearly 5000 years, the Chinese people favoured the peony (Mu-Dan) over any other flower. To this day, it remains very highly regarded and is known as the flower of riches and honour. The peony is also an emblem of wealth, distinction and feminine beauty, love and affection, youth, growth and renewal. Considered omens of good fortune and prosperity, Chinese peony paintings are often hung in the home and in business places.
Location: MELT ~ The World Café Title: Jewels of the Cosmopolitan Senses II Artist: Khiew Huey Chian Medium: Acrylic, gesso on raw cotton Artist’s Statement: This body of works hopes to translate the magical sensations of dining into a series of visual experiences with spices taking centre stage. Silhouettes of spices are drawn onto raw canvases using acrylic gesso, a medium that has important functions, but is not commonly acknowledged, as it is used as a ground for paintings. These drawings are composed such that they resemble delicate stardust, snowflakes, or jewellery-like formations. Earthy hues outline some of these silhouettes, creating visual imagery that transports viewers to a space filled with imagination and fantasy.
Location: Garden Suite Title: Autumn Symphony Series Artist: Christine Mak Medium: Chinese ink and colour on rice paper Artist’s statement: This set of 3 paintings portrays the lotus plant. Here, black is the primary component, with brushmarks in orange, red, lapis blue and yellow on minute segments of the surface that serve to register notes of differences. By doing so, the artist brings into relief the varying characteristics and definitions of light in the paintings.
Location: Harbour View Suite 5 Title: Compatible Artist: Tay Bak Chiang Medium: Chinese ink, colour on rice paper
Artist’s Statements: The bird eavesdrops as the fish murmurs to the tree as the tree invites the bird to join in.
