The exhibition Realism in Asian Art is about the impact of realist approaches to painting in different parts of Asia.
The term ‘realism’ refers more specifically to the 19th-century Western art movement that accentuated the observation of everyday life. In other words, the artist would attempt to represent things as they are in real life. Realist artworks are characterised by their subject matter, and typically they portrayed scenes of peasant and working class life, urban street life and entertainment for the masses. Portraiture was also favoured. This exhibition displays the different kinds of realism that were produced across Asia and is the first-ever attempt to understand a strong and important genre in Asian modern art.
Jointly organised by The National Art Gallery, Singapore and the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea, Realism in Asian Art is a research exhibition by the Gallery, held on the premises of the Singapore Art Museum. The exhibition will travel to Seoul after it closes in Singapore.
1. REALISM AS A FORM OF REPRESENTATION -Introducing Realism
Abdullah Basoeki, Sunset, Oil on canvas, 59.5 X 100 cm, Collection of National Heritage Board
The introduction of Western art techniques to Asia allowed artists to better depict everyday life as they actually see it. With this new understanding of scale, proportion and accuracy, along with the application of techniques such as perspective, light and contrast, the artists were able to paint people and landscapes as they are in real life. Such representations paved the way for creating a new genre in modern Asian art.
2. THE RURAL AS A METAPHOR AND ATTITUDE -Realism and the Rural Landscape
Georgette Chen, Satay Boy, 1964, Oil on canvas, 161 x 135cm, Collection of National Heritage Board
The rural landscape was a major theme artists explored in the realist movement. Rural landscapes bore special significance and nostalgia to Asian artists in the early 20th century. As Asia modernised rapidly and with most artists then living and working in modern cities, they perceived this urban way of life to be alienating. The city was seen as a trap that destroyed tradition and communal values. Hence, the rural, often seen in contrast, represented a return to that wholesomeness they so yearned for.
3. HAIL THE WORKER -Realism and the Worker
Lai Foong Moi, Samsui Woman, 1967, Oil on canvas, 91 x 60cm, Collection of National Art Gallery, Malaysia
The second major theme is the portrayal of the working class. The working class became worthy subjects to be painted. They were recognised as new contemporary heroes, the pillars on which modern society is built. Such depictions elevated the profile of the working class, exhorting the virtues and dignity of the worker and menial labour.
4. THE IMPACT OF WAR -Realism and War
Fernando Amorsolo, MArketplace during the Occupation, 1942, Oil on canvas, 57 x 82cm, Collection of National Heritage Board
War had significant social-political impact on Asia in the 20th century. Realist paintings that resulted from the hostilities of war in the 20th century include commissions of battle scenes, sketches of people or encounters from the artists’ personal experiences. There are also paintings that describe the horrors and destruction of war, whether real or imagined.
5. SOCIAL COMMENTARY AND CRITICISM -Realism as Social Critique
Oh Yun, Family 2, 1982, Oil on canvas, 131 x 162cm, Private collection
This final theme looks at Asian artists and their artworks as social commentary. All across Asia, there was great social and political change in the first half of the 20th century. The artists tended to draw attention to the social injustices and the plight of the poor and underprivileged. These images reveal their hopes and aspirations for a better life for the common man, and a more fulfilling future for Asia.
The term ‘realism’ refers more specifically to the 19th-century Western art movement that accentuated the observation of everyday life. In other words, the artist would attempt to represent things as they are in real life. Realist artworks are characterised by their subject matter, and typically they portrayed scenes of peasant and working class life, urban street life and entertainment for the masses. Portraiture was also favoured. This exhibition displays the different kinds of realism that were produced across Asia and is the first-ever attempt to understand a strong and important genre in Asian modern art.
