Singapore’s art scene recently witnessed a remarkable milestone when local artist Yong Wee Loon was awarded the prestigious UOB South-east Asian Painting of the Year award on November 13. The ceremony, held at the National Gallery Singapore, marked the 43rd edition of this notable competition, aimed at acknowledging and promoting artistic talent across Southeast Asia.
At 63 years old, Yong not only took home the top honor as the overall Painting of the Year winner but also snagged the Regional Painting of the Year award for Singapore, which recognizes outstanding submissions from artists who are already established within the gallery and exhibition circuit. This win makes him the first Singaporean to clinch the POY award in over ten years, breaking what many may view as a drought for local talent. Interestingly, the award was previously won by German-born permanent resident Stefanie Hauger back in 2013, which adds to the significance of Yong's victory.
The UOB Painting of the Year competition is open to participants from five Southeast Asian nations: Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Each country identifies its top winners, particularly from the Established Artist category, who then compete for the coveted South-east Asian Painting of the Year title. This competition acts as a unifying platform for creatives within the region.
Yong's awarded piece, titled "A Sip Through Time," is somewhat of a nostalgic rendition, taking the form of a diptych, which consists of two canvases painted with acrylics. His artwork transports viewers to the atmosphere of a traditional coffee shop, complete with posters and local delicacies, yet intriguingly juxtaposed with modern elements such as surveillance cameras and QR codes. This mix of nostalgic and contemporary themes aims to invoke feelings of longing for artifacts of the past overshadowed by the relentless march of progress.
"It’s a big surprise; I’m overwhelmed and speechless. I wasn’t intending to submit this for the competition, but I finished it right in time and thought, 'Why not?' – and then, there it was," Yong said, speaking candidly about his reaction to winning the award. His decision to submit the painting speaks to the spontaneity of creativity and how inspiration can strike when least expected.
Looking forward, Yong will join four other national winners from the UOB Painting of the Year competition for a two-month artist residency program at the Cite Internationale des Arts located in Paris. This opportunity will allow him to immerse himself fully in the vibrant art scene of the French capital, gaining invaluable international exposure.
Also recognized during this prestigious evening was Joanna Maneckji, who was awarded the Most Promising Artist of the Year title. Her poignant piece, "That Blessed Mood," reflects on the challenges of motherhood, crafted from paper collages atop card paper. Most prominently displayed is part of a Financial Times article, symbolizing resilience encapsulated within the maternal experience. Maneckji's artwork speaks volumes, especially with visible words declaring, "I’m not afraid," underlining the strength attributed to the trials of motherhood.
"I named it 'That Blessed Mood' because I wish for all women to have blissful experiences during pregnancy. My own journeys have been challenging at times, but working on this piece has allowed me to celebrate the highs of such experiences," Maneckji expressed, highlighting the intersection of personal storytelling and artistic expression.
During the event, UOB also unveiled plans for the UOB Artist Alumni Network, which aims to bolster artists' profiles across Southeast Asia and Greater China. This network is seen as a way to create connectivity and opportunities involving exhibitions, art commissions, and collaborative efforts, reinforcing the bank's commitment to the arts community. By focusing on individual artists' development, the network aims to amplify their visibility and engagement within the larger art ecosystem.
The panel of judges for the 2024 POY award included prominent figures like Thai artist and educator Vichaya Mukdamanee, with Dr. Vichaya himself pointing out the unique qualities of Yong's winning piece. He mentioned, "One of the key reasons 'A Sip Through Time' was chosen as the South-east Asian winner is its connection to various communities. It reflects both public and private aspects of life; capturing what is often lost among modern cafes – traditions still alive and well across Southeast Asia. It resonates meaningfully with society today."
A showcase of the diverse artworks by the winners is set to take place at the UOB Discovery Space, located within the National Gallery Singapore, running from November 16, 2024, to January 25, 2025. For those unable to visit the gallery, the paintings are accessible online at the dedicated UOB and Art website, ensuring more art lovers get the chance to appreciate these poignant works.
With Yong Wee Loon’s achievement, the Singapore art community has been rejuvenated, sparking conversations around the importance of cultural narratives and the roles they play within modern societies. His victory not only celebrates talent but calls for recognition of the rich artistic expressions found within local communities, inviting everyone to engage with art on both personal and societal levels.
