The Art Collection of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in its early stages comprised mainly of traditional and modern works. As NAFA progressed into contemporary times, the collection has gradually expanded to accumulate more contemporary works than was mandated previously. This reflects the shifting tendency towards contemporary art practices that have gained prominence since the advent of globalisation in the last two decades of the 20th century. To remain relevant and current, the Academy has moved towards practice-led curricula encompassing contemporary practices that actively incorporate Southeast Asian cultural heritage. The growing number of contemporary works in the collection reflects this new dimension as the institution continues to acquire more works by NAFA’s emerging and established artists
The intangible nature of contemporary art has yielded a diverse range of practices and themes of art that enable works to be grouped and read in multiple ways. This display will focus on three themes that offer a glimpse into social and cultural observations by local artists of Singapore. Buildings in spaces, objects and humour—this presentation demonstrates the narratives of artists and their perspectives.
