let lemons be angry

This is the poster image for the Singapore Art Show 2009, which looks no different from the Top Creative Directors poster at all the MRT stations: happy mug shots, titles. Its intention is, I suppose, to surface some faces that are usually hidden behind their art. Also to show that artists come in all ages and types, and although are usually characterised by large glasses and kooky hair, also can look perfectly ordinary (ordinary breaks the mold, how ironic).

Going to the Art Show opening alone, I was surprised to see so many people I knew. Prof Eileen Reynolds had a painting, Song had a photo series, ADM faculty were milling about, the photo students were there. Cynthia Koh and Patricia Mok were there too. But no viscommers. No designers.

Are Art and Design so separate that they have different fan bases? If I live my life as a designer, am I signing away time that could be spent on art? Is my art so useless in this country that I have to resort to selling design instead? Design to me is Art's practical sister, resembling her slightly in face but with none of her charming whimsies. So could I be happy with this practical sister, when I long to elope with the other one?

More than anything else I felt while browsing the Art Buffet in SAM, I felt a bright shade of envy. I envied the artists who had won spots in the galleries, the artists who pursued time for their craft, the artists who had spent money on paint and printing and possibly incomeless weeks of work. I wasn't particularly blown away by any piece. But the feeling of envy blew me into two.

There is one Art Show exhibit I have to see: Jane Lee's solo exhibition at Old School. I helped her once at the last Biennale, and will never forget the sight of her anchored to her scaffolding. It was the sight of someone a hundred percent swallowed by the intensity of her own vision. I knew the feeling. I miss it. Sooner or later I know I won't want to keep creating things that are other people's visions.