UOL, Art:Dis stage solo exhibition by Fern Wong, an artist with Down syndrome
Natural Geometry runs at visual arts centre Objectifs until Sep 29
PROPERTY developer UOL and non-profit organisation Art:Dis (Arts & Disability Singapore) have staged an exhibition called Natural Geometry by Fern Wong, the winner of the inaugural UOL X Art:Dis Art Prize 2023.
This is Wong’s first solo exhibition, and it will showcase nearly 40 artworks over two decades. Her art draws inspiration from the natural world, with her style evolving from geometric drawings and dot paintings to her current paper-cutting style.
Self-taught artist Wong has been interested in art since she was a child, drawing inspiration from her religion, Christianity. Her earlier works featured colourful shapes collated together, while her more recent artworks comprise small paper cut-outs, comics and text. Colours are still a prominent feature of her artwork, as she wants to evoke joy within audiences, according to her father.
To prepare for this solo exhibition, the artist was mentored by John Tung, an independent art curator and exhibition-maker who was also one of the judges of the UOL X Art:Dis Art Prize.
Tung divided Wong’s artistic career into two phases: the phase when she was working predominantly with paper and ink, markers and pens to create “highly detailed” drawings; and the phase of making incisions into paper to make intricate paper cuts.
Wong won the inaugural art prize in the Closed Category - Mature Artist with her artwork Paperazzi, a mixed media artwork reusing bulletin paper and cut-outs that were remnants of another artwork. In addition to winning a cash prize of S$10,000, Wong was given the opportunity to hold this solo exhibition at Objectifs, a non-profit visual arts centre supported by the National Arts Council.
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Liam Wee Sin, group chief executive of UOL, said: “Working with Art:Dis to organise a solo exhibition like Natural Geometry marks a significant milestone, not only in Fern’s career but also in the inclusive art space, reminding us that talent transcends disability, and encouraging a deeper understanding and connection among people.”
Angela Tan, executive director of Art:Dis, hopes that this solo exhibition can “shift the needle (on) how the practice of artists with disabilities can be viewed equally as their non-disabled peers”.
She added that situating this exhibition in a more mainstream space can also show the diverse perspective that Wong’s art brings.
UOL has partnered Art:Dis for more than 10 years, with the developer featuring artworks by persons with disabilities in its properties such as United Square and its show flats.
“We provide platforms for these artists with disabilities to gain visibility and recognition, allowing their work to reach a broader audience,” noted Liam.
In July, Wong conducted art jamming workshops sponsored by UOL at United Square with the community.
The UOL X Art:Dis Art Prize is a biannual award, recognising artists with disabilities.
Natural Geometry runs at Objectifs until Sep 29.
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