Works by two leading artists who have indelibly shaped the cultural narrative of Singapore – Chng Seok Tin (莊心珍) and Raymond Lau Poo Seng (劉富生) – will be on show at ION Art Gallery from 5–15 July 2024. Presented by ART:DIS (Arts & Disability) Singapore, supported by the Cultural Matching Fund, A Journey Through Time is an exhibition that takes a deep dive into the expansive careers of both artists who are known more for their artistic practice than their disability.

In tribute to the enduring legacy of the late Chng, a Cultural Medallion recipient who bequeathed her art to raise funds for the artistic education of persons with disabilities, this exhibition features over 40 prints and sculptures from Chng’s 1988–2014 practice. It traces the motivations that shaped her creative journey and celebrates a life lived large. With a passion for nurturing the next generation, Chng taught printmaking by adapting to her visual impairment, visualising colours and relying on her other senses. Encompassing a variety of techniques – lithography, drypoint, etching, engraving, silkscreen, woodcut, monotype, ink transfer – Chng’s works reflect her meditations on Zhuang Zi (庄子), with themes of existentialism resonating strongly. Through this exhibition, viewers are invited to discover how Chng’s art dramatises man’s pursuits of dreams, love and freedom, as well as their struggles toward enlightenment.

Adding vibrancy to the showcase are over 30 abstract streetscapes by Lau. Bold and brassy like his personality, Lau captures the essence of our country’s evolving urban landscape with dynamic strokes, sharing his personal and vivid memories of old back lanes in Singapore and how they have modernised. Replete with personal anecdotes about how each place was a playground for friends, a sanctuary of familiar comforts or a captivating piece of architecture on his daily commute, Lau invites viewers to traverse the Little Red Dot through the years with him.

“This exhibition is a huge milestone as it is my first major showing following recovery from throat cancer. I am honoured to share in this space with Seok Tin as she was a steadfast friend. We have collaborated on paintings before and I recall her vivacious view on life, encouraging me to take my practice further. This showcase truly brings both our journeys full circle together,” shared Raymond.

In honour of the late Chng, A Journey Through Time also serve as a fundraiser for the CST Education Fund which supports the training of emerging artists with disabilities. Through industry mentorship programmes organised by ART:DIS, the fund nurtures the professional development of artists with disabilities, ensuring that Chng’s commitment to artistic education and inclusivity continues to inspire future generations.

“This exhibition is part of ART:DIS continual efforts to preserve the legacy of Seok Tin who was a significant figure in both the disability and arts community. Being one of the only 4 female visual artists to have ever received the Cultural Medallion award – next to Georgette Chen, Han Sai Por and Amanda Heng – her artistic contribution and excellence overshadowed the limitations that her vision impairment brought her. Throughout her career, she gave vivaciously to both the disability community and the younger generation of artists, many of whom till today still remember her affectionately”, said Angela Tan, Executive Director of ART:DIS Singapore.

The exhibition is also accompanied by 3 tactile artworks to provide access to the visually impaired community, and complemented by a range of public programmes, including tours, workshops and talks.

Download the press release here