Singapore
Pacita Abad was a renowned Filipino artist, celebrated for her vibrant and colorful artwork that showcased her deep engagement with global cultures and social issues. Born in 1946 in Batanes, Philippines, into a politically active family, Abad's life took a significant turn when she decided to abandon her law studies in favor of art, influenced by her interactions and travels across the globe. This decision led her to explore various art forms and techniques, including trapunto painting—a method where canvases are stitched and padded to create a three-dimensional effect.
Abad's art was profoundly influenced by her extensive travels with her husband, Jack Garrity, through more than 60 countries, where she not only collected textiles but also immersed herself in local cultures. This exposure is vividly reflected in her works, which often incorporate traditional fabrics and objects, such as beads and shells, integrating them into her colorful abstract and figurative paintings.
Throughout her career, Abad's works were displayed in over 200 museums and galleries worldwide, including prestigious venues like Tate Modern and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) PS1. Her work not only celebrates the visual and cultural diversity she encountered but also addresses global and humanitarian issues, such as the plight of refugees, which she depicted through intimate and powerful portraits of women and children.
Pacita Abad's legacy continues to inspire and influence the art world, highlighting her role as an "ambassador of colors" whose works helped to "make the world smile" with their exuberance and vibrancy. If you're interested in learning more about her life and work, consider signing up for updates on exhibitions and sales related to her art. This will keep you informed about opportunities to engage with and perhaps collect pieces from the oeuvre of this groundbreaking artist.
Tan Choh Tee (Chinese: 陈楚智) is a Singaporean artist of Chinese descent, well known for his cityscapes of old Singapore. Tan Choh Tee graduated from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in 1962, where he was mentored by Cheong, Chen Wen Hsi and Georgette Chen. Lim Hak Tai was his principal and Ng Eng Teng his peer.
Lim Hak Tai, SK (simplified Chinese: 林学大; traditional Chinese: 林學大; pinyin: Lín Xué Dà; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Lîm Ha̍k-tāi) was one of Singapore's pioneer artist at the turn of the 20th century, and was the person who inspired the Nanyang School of art form, to reflect the 'Nanyang' (South-east Asia) region, both in painting style and subject matter.
Norman Parkinson was a renowned British photographer who is considered one of the most influential fashion photographers of the 20th century. Parkinson began his career in the 1930s and continued to work until his death.
Throughout his career, Parkinson worked for numerous fashion magazines, including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Queen. He was known for his use of vibrant colors and his ability to capture his subjects in dynamic poses and interesting settings. Parkinson's photographs often had a sense of humor and playfulness, and he was known for his ability to put his models at ease, resulting in natural and spontaneous photographs.
Parkinson's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and he has been the subject of numerous books and documentaries. He received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Royal Photographic Society's Centenary Medal in 1985.
