Content
Want to sink your teeth into the art world? Start off with a titbit from our collection of videos, podcasts, and learning packages, for a taste of more to come!
Check out our playlists for a curated collection of short videos or selected podcasts, for an easy introduction to various art topics.
Check our learning packages for a more in-depth resource list, to expand your understanding of art concepts.
Learning Package
How To View Art
The way we view art has changed with the proliferation of cameras, digital screens, duplicates and photo manipulation. The invention of the camera completely changed our sense of perspective because now we can see things in places our eyes have never travelled to. It has changed the context with which we view art because we can now see a painting or work in a different setting from what the artist intended, thus giving us a different perspective of the art.
Did you know...The camera’s history can be traced back to the Middle Ages with the first pinhole camera. A physicist by the name of Alhazen discovered the idea of Camera Obscura, which led him to the creation of the first pinhole camera. Camera Obscura, in short, is reproducing an image with colour and perspective preserved. 1. |
Videos
1. Ways of Seeing, Episode 1 (1972)
A BAFTA award-winning BBC series with John Berger, which rapidly became regarded as one of the most influential art programs ever made. In the first program, Berger examines the impact of photography on our appreciation of art from the past.
Source : John Berger / Ways of Seeing, Episode 1 (1972) (2012, October 8). tw19751. Retrieved 2022, February 15
2. Ways of Seeing, Episode 3 (1972)
With the invention of oil paint around 1400, painters were able to portray people and objects with an unprecedented degree of realism, and painting became the ideal way to celebrate private possessions. In this programme, John Berger questions the value we place on that tradition.
Source: John Berger / Ways of Seeing, Episode 3 (2019, December 21). tw19751. Retrieved 2022, February 15
3. Walter Benjamin: The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction
An introduction to the art critic Walter Benjamin and his most influential essay, the Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. Including David Douglas's the Work of Art in the Age of Digital Reproduction.
Source: Walter Benjamin: The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction (2019, March 9). Then & Now. Retrieved 2022, February 15
4. How to Sound like you Understand Art
Do you question your ability to talk about art in a coherent way? Here are tips for how to sound like you understand art, even if you've never taken a class or set foot in a museum.
Source: How to Sound like you Understand Art (2019, March 9). The Art Assignment. Retrieved 2022, March 10
5. Art and Empathy
Empathy is a term we hear a lot, but what does it mean and how does it work? Looking back through art history, we find many moments when art has allowed us to share in the feelings of others, from Maya Lin's Vietnam Veterans Memorial, to representations of the Buddhist deity Jizō Bosatsu, the ink drawings of Chittaprosad and Zainul Abedin, the work of Ghana Think Tank, and more.
Source: Art and Empathy (2019, March 9). The Art Assignment. Retrieved 2022, March 10
6. Art Explainer 1: The Power to Look
How does what you see in an artwork tell you how to look? Using three artworks from the Art Institute's collection, this video unpacks a central theme and uses innovative visual storytelling to highlight the choices artists made to shape form and meaning in their works.
Source: Art Explainer 1: The Power to Look (2019, March 9). The Art Institute of Chicago. Retrieved 2022, March 10
eBooks
1. Photography, A Very Short Introduction
Steve Edwards (2017), Photography, A Very Short Introduction , OUP Oxford.
In this thought-provoking exploration of the subject, Edwards interrogates the way we look and think about photographs, and considers such issues as truth and recording, objectivity and fine art, identity and memory.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
2. How to See
David Salle (2016), How to See, W. W. Norton & Company.
How does art work? How does it move us, inform us, challenge us? Renowned painter David Salle's incisive essay collection illuminates these questions by exploring the work of influential twentieth-century artists.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
3. About Looking
John Berger (2015), About Looking, Bloomsbury Publishing.
In About Looking, John Berger explores our role as observers to reveal new layers of meaning in what we see.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
4. On Photography
Susan Sontag (2014), On Photography, Penguin Books Ltd.
Susan Sontag's ground-breaking critique of photography asks forceful questions about the moral and aesthetic issues surrounding this art form. She examines the ways in which we use these omnipresent images to manufacture a sense of reality and authority in our lives.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
5. Art Theory, A Very Short Introduction
Cynthia Freeland (2017), Art Theory, A Very Short Introduction, OUP Oxford.
In this Very Short Introduction, Cynthia Freeland explains why innovation and controversy are valued in the arts, weaving together philosophy and art theory with many fascinating examples.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
6. The Art of Looking at Art
Gene Wisniewski (2020), The Art of Looking at Art, Bloomsbury Publishing.
There's an art to viewing art. Most people aren't sure what to do when standing before a work of art, besides gaze at it for what they hope is an acceptable amount of time. This book will help remedy that situation and answer many of the most frequently asked questions pertaining to the ma¬tter of art in general.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
Art Programmes in NLB
There’s more to explore! Get real time notifications of the different Art programs and initiatives organised by us through this link: go.gov.sg/learnxartsfb to find the right one for you!
References
- Jade. (2021, November 8). The History of the Camera History Things. Retrieved 2022, February 15 from History Things.
Learning Package
Fabulously Felted
Create your own Fabulously Felted world by following alongside our demonstration videos and patterns! Each Package has its own theme, ranging from sea creatures to holidays to cute mascots, so there is something that will tickle everyone’s fancy, with extra book resources for further reading on the topics. Projects range from beginner to intermediate.
Deep Sea Critters!
Explore the depths of the ocean—but cuter. Follow the demonstration clips provided and the pattern templates and make your own cute and cuddly versions of deep sea creatures!
Zodiac Race!
In a whimsical twist on the traditional tale, follow the demonstration clips provided and the pattern templates to create the race-car versions of the Chinese zodiac animals!
12 Days of Christmas!
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtledoves, and a (felted) partridge in a (felted) pear tree! (P.S. Felted things make very good Christmas tree decorations.)
Ice Age!
Go back in time, all the way to the Ice Age, to revive these long-extinct creatures in their miniature fuzzy forms.
Freaky Fruits!
Taking fruits going bad to a whole new level, create these creepy-cute freaky fruits for your next Halloween party.
Heroes!
Can’t get enough of superhero movies? Assemble your own team of tiny heroes to fight crime against all of felt-kind.
Local Finger Food!
Sew up your own buffet of your favourite local finger foods and pile them up on your plate! Warning: this project might make you hungry.
Dinosaurs!
Go back to a land before time, and sew up some tiny felt dinosaurs for your own tiny Jurassic Park.
Quiet Book
A quiet book is a felt or fabric book with interactive elements meant to provide sensory stimulation for young children to play with. This kitchen-themed quiet book introduces children to the concept of cutting, mixing, baking, and frying, all in a soft and fuzzy felt package.
Quiet Book 2
A quiet book is a felt or fabric book with interactive elements meant to provide sensory stimulation for young children to play with. This clothing-themed quiet book introduces children to the concept of folding, buttoning, zipping and tying, all in a soft and fuzzy felt package.
Christian Andersen
Bring the classic characters from Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless fairy-tales to life, in adorable felt doll form—they make excellent storytelling props too!
Masterpieces!
Can fine art be Fabulously Felted? The answer is a resounding yes! Re-create these art masterpieces in felt form, and become an artist yourself!
Flowers
Real flowers may wilt and die, but felt flowers last forever. Bloom your own felt garden with this intermediate-level project.
PRESSPLAY Special Mixtape
Proudly wear your favourite tunes on your sleeve with this felt cassette tape cardholder, in collaboration with PRESSPLAY.
Christmas!
We wish you a felty Christmas and a fabulous New Year with these festive felt mascots.
Dessert
Satisfy your sweet tooth without the calories in this craft project.
Shakespeare!
“To felt, or not to felt, that is the question?” Re-enact Shakespeare’s comedies and tragedies with his iconic characters in felt form.
Playlist
A collection of short videos or selected podcasts, exploring topics around personal and professional development.
Playlist: Art History & the Chronology of Western Art Periods
Art History & the Chronology of Western Art Periods examine the broader aspects of visual culture, including the various visual and conceptual outcomes related to an ever-evolving definition of art. Art history encompasses the study of objects created by different cultures around the world and throughout history that convey meaning, importance or serve usefulness primarily through visual representations.
Why You Don't Like Art History
Was your Art History class an endless succession of names and dates and movements? Art History doesn't have to be that way. The video discusses new and compelling approaches to the study of art.
Source: Why You Don't Like Art History (2018, May 18). The Art Assignment. Retrieved 2022, February 16.
The Evolution of Art (and how it Shaped the Modern World)
This video is a comprehensive overview of the evolution of art and its influence on societies and civilisations throughout history, across the globe.
Source: The Evolution of Art (2017, July 14). La Volpe. Retrieved 2022, February 16.
Baroque - Overview - Goodbye-Art Academy
This series of videos gives a detailed overview of the different Western Art Periods.
Source: Baroque – Overview (2014, March 17). Philinthecircle. Retrieved 2022, February 16.
The Case for Impressionism
Impressionism is one of the best known and loved movements in Art History, but why? The video presents a case for why Impressionism is interesting and worth your attention and admiration.
Source: The Case for Impressionism (2018, October 18). The Art Assignment. Retrieved 2022, February 16.
The Case for Realism
What's the point of making realistic paintings when photography can do the trick? The video looks at the history of artists recreating the world as we see it and ponder why it's still happening.
Source: The Case for Realism (2018, September 21). The Art Assignment. Retrieved 2022, February 16.
The Case for Surrealism
"Surrealism" has become shorthand for the bizarre, the irrational, the hallucinatory. But what is it? The video delves into the history of Surrealism, as it formed in post-World War I Europe and as it has infiltrated our wider culture up to today.
Source: The Case for Surrealism (2017, March 17). The Art Assignment. Retrieved 2022, February 16.
The Case for Abstraction
For much of human history, people made art by trying to represent the world as it appeared around them. Until about 100 years ago, when a bunch of artists stopped trying to do that. How are we supposed to deal with art completely removed from recognizable objects? And why should we?
Source: The Case for Abstraction (2016, July 29). The Art Assignment. Retrieved 2022, February 16.
The Case for Minimalism
You've probably seen a few cubes sitting in an art gallery and questioned why they were there. How could cubes be important? How did we get here? This video tries to explain that.
Source: The Case for Minimalism (2015, March 26). The Art Assignment. Retrieved 2022, February 16.
Art History: Renaissance to 20th Century
This is a year-long college-level survey course in art history. It covers art history from the European Renaissance around 1300 A.D. until the mid-20th century as well as the language used to discuss art.
Source: Art History Renaissance to 20th Century (2020, August). Kenney Mencher, Udemy. Retrieved 2022, March 31.
Learning Package
Performing Arts
Our curated book and video resources from the library@esplanade collections introduce the fundamentals of performing arts and support the patron’s learning and experience.
Books
Unmasked: A Memoir
Lloyd Webber, Andrew. (2018). Unmasked: A Memoir. New York: Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers. (Call no.: 782.14 LLO -[ART])
In Unmasked, the revered, award-winning composer takes stock of his achievements, the twists of fate and circumstance which brought him both success and disappointment, and the passions that inspire and sustain him.
Psychology for Dancers: Theory and Practice to Fulfil Your Potential
Cathy Schofield and Lucy Start. (2019). Psychology for Dancers: Theory and Practice to Fulfil Your Potential. New York: Routledge. (Call no.: 792.8 SCH - [ART])
This book explores why dance is so important in many people’s lives: as a form of fitness, a profession, or visual entertainment. Each chapter examines a different aspect of psychology related to dance in an applied context.
Shadow Theatre in Java: The Puppets, Performance and Repertoire
Veldhuisen-Djajasoebrata, Alit. (1999). Shadow Theatre in Java: The Puppets, Performance and Repertoire. Amsterdam: The Pepin Press. (Call no.: 791.53095982 DJA -[JSB])
Javanese society and wayang theatre are closely connected: not only are ideas from the wayang stories deeply embedded in Javanese culture, wayang is also a means of expression. Over the centuries, the ancient wayang theatre has developed into a distinctive form of art. Foreign influences provided new stories, characters were added, new styles were reigned at the courts, and, in the twentieth century, wayang theatre even served as a vehicle for propaganda, especially during the struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule.
Disability and Theatre: Practical Manual for Inclusion in the Arts
Barton-Farcas, Stephanie. (2018). Disability and Theatre: Practical Manual for Inclusion in the Arts. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. (Call no.: 792.087 BAR -[ART])
This book is a step-by step manual on how to create inclusive theatre, including how intricate scenes like fights and battles, work with unions, contracts, and agents, and deal with technical issues. This practical information was born from the author’s 16 years of running the first inclusive theatre company in New York City and is applicable to any performance level: children’s theatre, community theatre, regional theatre, touring companies, Broadways, and academic theatre.
The Book of Broadway: The 150 Definitive Plays and Musicals
Grode, Eric. (2015). The Book of Broadway: The 150 Definitive Plays and Musicals. Minneapolis, MN: Voyageur Press. (Call no.: 792.0974710904 GRO -[ART])
This compilation by author, Eric Grode, is the ultimate guide to Broadway shows. Even if you consider yourself an expert in the theatre, you will be amazed by the fantastic Broadway trivia scattered throughout this volume, as well as the palpable sense of history in this encyclopaedic treatment of one of our most beloved pastimes.
The People
Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of industry professionals who bring the performing arts to life!
The Masters
Discover some of the greatest performing arts visionaries, their artistic excellence, and how they have changed the performing arts landscape.
Videos
1. Keyboard Chords | Book It Out #08
Learning to play a musical instrument can be expensive. Library officer Kurniawan Amir takes us along on his journey to learn how to play and compose music on a keyboard with just a book—How to Write Songs on Keyboards by Rikky Rooksby.
Source: Keyboard Chords | Book It Out #08 (2022, March 15). NLB Singapore . Retrieved 2022, April 27.
2. Street Dance Exercises | Book It Out #06
Looking for a fun sweat-it-out activity to do at home? Join library officer Nur Arjuna Karim as she picks up street dance moves and gets fit with the book Street Dance: The Best Moves by D. J. Hooch.
Source: Street Dance Exercises | Book It Out #06 (2021, November 18). NLB Singapore. Retrieved 2022, April 27.
3. Hungry for Horror: Why Do We Crave What We Fear? | The Library Report #11
Why are we drawn to horror stories? What are the unique characteristics of reading a horror novel compared to watching a horror movie? Join Librarian Meryl Chin and local filmmaker Kelvin Tong as they discuss the ways horror stories continue to appeal and tantalise generations of us.
Source: Hungry for Horror: Why Do We Crave What We Fear? | The Library Report #11 (2019, March 9). NLB Singapore Retrieved 2022, April 27.
Articles
1. Finding Courage with Film Music
Film music plays the indispensable function of accentuating emotions and moods in a film. This article lists some signature pieces by iconic film composers that you can listen for free from our online music resource, NAXOS Music Library.
Source: Finding Courage with Film Music (2020, May 19). Public Libraries Singapore. Retrieved 2022, April 27.
2. 4 Easy Musical Instruments for Beginners
Want to pick up a new skill and hobby? Why not learn to play a musical instrument? This article lists instruments that are relatively easy to pick up, affordable and allow you to enjoy playing music on your own without the need of joining an ensemble.
Source: 4 Easy Musical Instruments for Beginners. (2020, Dec 24). Public Libraries Singapore. Retrieved 2022, April 27.
3. From Stage to Screen: 3 Hit TV Series That Were Plays First
The amphitheatre of the Greeks, the proscenium stage on West End, the wayang platform in Singapore — these venues of entertainment where live performances took place were locations that first kept people glued to their seats. With the arrival of cinema and television, producers and screenwriters began turning to the theatre for inspiration, adapting stage plays and musicals for film and TV. This article lists three hit screenplays and TV shows that first graced the stage.
Source: From Stage to Screen: 3 Hit TV Series That Were Plays First. (2021, Jan 21). Public Libraries Singapore. Retrieved 2022, April 27.
4. Popular Disney Songs for Instrumentalists
Instrumental musicians often face the challenge of covering popular songs in the absence of lyrics — a struggle that vocalists may not be conscious of. Lyrics and lyrical variations help to break the monotony of repeated notes or melodic lines common in pop melodies, otherwise, such songs can end up sounding dull and monotonous when performed solely with instruments. This problem is exacerbated for instruments that are not truly polyphonic like the flute or violin. This article lists noteworthy musical pieces from Disney movies that can be added to an instrumentalist’s repertoire.
Source: Popular Disney Songs for Instrumentalists. (2021, March 23). Public Libraries Singapore. Retrieved 2022, April 27.
5. Book It Out: Reviving Your Enjoyment of Music
Ever felt that you aren’t enjoying music as much as you used to? Perhaps you’ve exhausted your playlists, or repeated them too many times. Perhaps your taste in music has changed or matured, and it’s time to explore other genres. Whatever the reason, this article lists three ways to revive your enjoyment of music!
Source Book It Out: Reviving Your Enjoyment of Music. (2022, March 17). Public Libraries Singapore. Retrieved 2022, April 27.
6. Book It Out: Ways to Dance Yourself to Fitness
Do you like to start the day by doing something active and fun? If that tickles your fancy, here are some dance genres you can take inspiration from and incorporate into your fitness routine.
Source: Book It Out: Ways to Dance Yourself to Fitness (2021, November 18). Public Libraries Singapore. Retrieved 2022, April 27.
Art Programmes in NLB
There’s more to explore! Get real time notifications of the different Performing Arts programs and initiatives organised by us through this link: go.gov.sg/learnxartsfb to find the right one for you!
Learning Package
Forest Fire
The Artist behind the art
Raden Saleh (c. 1811), born in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia into a family of the ruling elite, is widely regarded as the first modern painter in Indonesia (then known as the Dutch East Indies). In 1829, Raden Saleh went to Holland where he studied landscape and portrait painting. For the next 20 years or so, he lived in Europe and gained royal patronage, including the official title of 'King's Painter' of the Netherlands. His work was shown at many important, large public exhibitions of the period, known as 'salons'.
Interview with Dr Werner Kraus on Raden Saleh
Learn more about the master, Raden Saleh with a quick interview with Werner Kraus - a historian and also our advisory for the exhibition Between Worlds: Raden Saleh and Juan Luna.
Source: Interview with Dr Werner Kraus on Raden Saleh (2018, March 1). National Gallery Singapore. Retrieved 2022, October 26
Explore more works by Raden Saleh
Check out other works by Raden Saleh at the National Gallery Singapore’s online collection! .
Discover More
1. The History of Romanticism (1972)
Raden Saleh was one of the artists from the Romantic era, learn more about this artistic movement from the 1800s.
Source: HISTORY OF IDEAS – Romanticism (2015, February 13). The School of Life. Retrieved 2022, October 26
2. Movie Scenes Inspired by Famous Paintings
Art imitates art in this video that breaks down movie scenes inspired by famous paintings.
Source: movie scenes inspired by famous paintings | an animated journey (2020, October 27). Marina May. Retrieved 2022, October 26
3. A Brief History of Indonesian Art
Watch this primer on the history of Indonesian Art.
Source: A Brief History of Indonesian Art (2019, April 28). Catherine M Retrieved 2022, October 26
1. Romanticism, A Very Short Introduction
Michael Ferber (2017), Romanticism, A Very Short Introduction , OUP Oxford.
What is Romanticism? In this Very Short Introduction Michael Ferber answers this by considering who the romantics were and looks at what they had in common — their ideas, beliefs, commitments, and tastes. He looks at the birth and growth of Romanticism throughout Europe and the Americas, and examines various types of Romantic literature, music, painting, religion, and philosophy.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
2. Why the Romantics Matter
Peter Gay (2015), Why the Romantics Matter , Yale University Press.
A renowned scholar's reflections on the romantic period, its disparate participants, and our unacknowledged debt to them. With his usual wit and élan, esteemed historian Peter Gay enters the contentious, long-standing debates over the romantic period. Here, in this concise and inviting volume, he reformulates the definition of romanticism and provides a fresh account of the immense achievements of romantic writers and artists in all media.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
3. The New Oil Painting: Your Essential Guide to Materials and Safe Practices
Kimberly Brooks (2021), The New Oil Painting: Your Essential Guide to Materials and Safe Practices , Chronicle Books LLC.
This instructional handbook is organised into chapters with helpful diagrams throughout illustrating various techniques and tools. Whether you're a true beginner or have been painting with oils for years, you will find that this book has everything you need to build a new, thriving, toxin-free practice.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
References
- artnet. Raden Salèh Sarief Bustaman. Retrieved 2022, October 3 from artnet.com
- askART. Artist Biography & Facts Raden (Prince) Saleh - Biography.. Retrieved 2022, October 8 from askART.com
Learning Package
Batik
What is Batik?
Batik painting is the process in which patterns or images are dyed onto fabric, usually using a wax-resist technique followed by the application of the dye.
How traditional Javanese Batik is made?
Watch Javanese artisans make batik and learn more about their refined techniques. Many places in the world pattern textiles by applying wax to protect certain areas from dye. During the dye process, the wax areas resist the dye, and when the wax is removed a pattern emerges. Both the technique and the textile produced are called batik.
Source: Batik of Java: A Centuries Old Tradition (2017, January 28). Asian Art Museum. Retrieved 2022, October 26
Singaporean Artist Tumadi Patri shows how he creates his Batik artwork
This demonstration by contemporary batik artist Tumadi Patri illuminates the numerous processes behind batik painting. Tumadi begins by sketching a visual concept on paper before transferring it onto fabric. Liquid wax is then funnelled through a canting, a pen-like instrument, to outline the image on the fabric which is then dyed. To remove the wax, the fabric is dipped in a mixture of hot water and soda ash, then cold water. The steps of waxing, dyeing and washing may be carried out numerous times for intricate designs, a testament to the complexity of batik art.
Source: Films on Artmaking in Southeast Asia: Batik (2020, June 5). National Gallery Singapore. Retrieved 2022, October 26
The History of Batik
Did you know that batik pre-dates written records? The technique of wax-resistant dyeing is also not exclusive to Southeast Asia and can be found in many parts of the world. Watch the video below to find out more.
Source: Brief History of Batik || Hari Batik Nasional 2018 (2018, September 30). PPI Australia Official. Retrieved 2022, October 26
Get to Know the Artists
1. Sarkasi “Tzee” Said
Watch this video to learn about Sarkasi “Tzee” Said’s journey as an artist and the philosophy behind his works.
Source: #Interview: Sarkasi Bin Said: Professional Batik Artist (2019, July 26). National Library Board. Retrieved 2022, October 26
Explore more works by Sarkasi “Tzee” Said
2. Jaafar Latiff
Jaafar Latiff (1937–2007) established his practice as an abstract artist known for his innovation in the medium of batik. He was a self-taught artist who spent much of his career as an art educator, teaching in institutions such as Baharuddin Vocational Institute, LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. He integrated the conventional techniques of batik with his abstract style, creating batik paintings that challenged prevailing ideas of tradition.
Watch this panel discussion helmed by National Gallery Singapore curator Goh Sze Ying on Jaafar Latiff’s artistic expression through batik and how contemporary art practices incorporate batik.
Source: Before, and Beyond: Fajrina Razak & Yee I-Lann in Conversation with Goh Sze Ying (2021, September 23). National Gallery Singapore. Retrieved 2022, October 26
Explore more works by Jaafar Latiff
Discover More
1. Batik, Fabled Cloth of Java
Inger McCabe Elliott, Brian Brake (2013), Batik, Fabled Cloth of Java , Tuttle Publishing.
From the royal courts of Yogyakarta and Cirebon to the coastal towns of Pekalongan, Surabaya and Lasem, Inger McCabe Elliot takes the reader on a spellbinding tour of Java's north coast examining the customs, cultures and craftsmanship that distinguishes its magic cloth.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
2. Malaysian Batik, Reinventing a Tradition
Noor Azlina Yunus (2012), Malaysian Batik, Reinventing a Tradition , Tuttle Publishing.
Batik is more than wax and dye applied to a length of cloth. It is an art form practiced by people around Asia. With its its bolder, abstract designs and its brighter palette, Malaysian batik is a distinctly different type of batik that has brought an exciting new dimension to this ancient method of fabric art.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
3. Textiles of Southeast Asia: Trade, Tradition and Transformation
Robyn Maxwell, Mattiebelle Gittinger (2012), Textiles of Southeast Asia: Trade, Tradition and Transformation , Tuttle Publishing.
Textiles provide a visual history of a country's culture and crafting traditions in a way few other things can accomplish. In Textiles of Southeast Asia, Dr. Robyn Maxwell provides the definitive work on Southeast Asian textiles.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
4. The Golden Thread: How Fabric Changed History
Kassia St. Clair (2019), The Golden Thread: How Fabric Changed History , Liveright.
From colourful threads found on the floor of an ancient Georgian cave to the Indian calicoes that fuelled the Industrial Revolution, The Golden Thread illuminates the myriad and fascinating histories behind the cloths that came to define human civilization—the fabric, for example, that allowed mankind to shatter athletic records, and the textile technology that granted us the power to survive in space. Exploring the enduring association of textiles with "women's work," Kassia St. Clair "spins a rich social history . . . that also reflects the darker side of technology".
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
Learning Package
Here They Come!
The Artist behind the Art
Born in 1938, Koeh graduated from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in 1958.
Koeh as a student was greatly influenced by the prevailing social and political thinking in Singapore's Chinese community of the 1950s.
Koeh has a substantive body of woodcuts and paintings dating from the late 1950s to mid-1060s that is social commentary in nature, indicative of his motivation and inspiration.
Find out more about Here They Come!
Source: Art and Building Highlights: Here They Come! by Koh Sia Yong and the Hawker Licensing Commission (2020, August 9). National Gallery Singapore. Retrieved 2022, October 26
Explore more works by Koeh Sia Yong
Discover More
1. Oil Painting for Beginners
Want to get started in Oil Painting? Check out this video on how to get started!
Source: Oil Painting for Beginners - Basic Techniques + Step by Step Demonstration (2017, December 2). Florent Farges - arts. Retrieved 2022, October 26
2. Learn more about oil paint
Ever wondered why oil paint is so popular among famous artists? Watch this video to learn about the history of oil paint and the process that goes behind its creation:
Source: Why Oil Paint Is So Expensive | So Expensive (2019, July 13). Business Insider. Retrieved 2022, October 26
3. Singapore’s Hawker History
Learn about the history of Singapore’s hawker culture, the role illegal hawkers played in the informal economy of the 1960s and how it inspired Koeh Sia Yong to create his work Here They Come!
Source: Clearing Illegal Hawkers In 1960s Singapore | A Frame In Time | Episode 1/3 (2020, April 27). CNA Insider. Retrieved 2022, October 26
4. Oil Painting Essentials: Mastering Portraits, Figures, Still Lifes, Landscapes, and Interiors
Gregg Kreutz (2013), Oil Painting Essentials: Mastering Portraits, Figures, Still Lifes, Landscapes, and Interiors , Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed.
Many painters limit themselves to one type of subject matter, but in Oil Painting Essentials, artist and art instructor Gregg Kreutz shows how a multi-genre approach can dramatically improve your painting skills. Arranged by category, each chapter covers both the essentials specific to that subject matter and those that apply to all genres.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
5. Oil Painting with the Masters: Essential Techniques from Today's Top Artists
Cindy Salaski (2014), Oil Painting with the Masters: Essential Techniques from Today’s Top Artists , Penguin Publishing Group.
Master the art of oil painting with instruction on key topics and techniques such as materials, observation, references, forms, composition, colour palettes, mixing colours, underpainting, working in layers, light effects, painting on location, textures and more from ten contributors, including beautiful gallery images of finished works.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
6. Painting Buildings in Oils
James Willis (2021), Painting Buildings in Oils , The Crowood Press.
Painting buildings is an exciting and versatile genre - it allows you to enjoy the lines of architecture but also to add feeling and context to a picture. This practical book explains the full depth of the subject, from first sketches to final presentation. Using a range of examples, it is packed with advice and information, and follows the riches of painting the built landscape. Not just a handy reference, this is a beautiful and inspirational guide for every artist who wants to capture and interpret a scene.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
7. Singapore Hawker Classics Unveiled: Decoding 25 Favourite Dishes
Temasek Polytechnic (2015), Singapore Hawker Classics Unveiled: Decoding 25 Favourite Dishes , Marshall Cavendish International.
Produced as a celebration of Singapore's renowned culinary heritage, Singapore Hawker Classics Unveiled, tells you everything you ever needed to know – and more! – about 25 of our favourite dishes. The 25 delicious recipes featured will allow you to recreate your favourite classic hawker treats at home and inspire you to look at these familiar dishes in a new light – each dish includes its traditional presentation together with an additional interpretation with a modern twist. Moreover, every dish is covered in great detail, including information on its heritage, its aroma, taste and texture, its nutritional value, as well as clear step-by-step instructions and photographs.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
Learning Package
Life by the River
The Artist behind the Art
Born in Fujian Province in 1911, Liu Kang received his formal training in Xinhua Art Academy of Shanghai, where he was exposed to Chinese paintings. In 1928, he went to Paris where he was influenced by art movements such as Fauvism and Post-Impressionism. Not only was he one of Singapore’s pioneer artists, he was also a leading figure in the Society of Chinese Artists and the Singapore Art Society. In 1970, he was awarded the Public Service Star for his contribution in the field of art.
Learn more about Liu Kang from this Infopedia article.
Find out more about Life by the River!
1. The subject matter in the artwork
Source: Liu Kang’s Life By The River | Part 1: Subject Matter (2022, October 3). Lets Learn About Art. Retrieved 2022, October 26
2. Liu Kang’s Influences
Source: Liu Kang’s Life By The River | Part 2: Influences (2022, September 14). Lets Learn About Art. Retrieved 2022, October 26
3. The context behind Liu Kang’s works
Source: Liu Kang’s Life By The River | Part 3: Context (2022, September 14). Lets Learn About Art. Retrieved 2022, October 26.
Explore more works by Liu Kang
Check out the collection of works by Liu Kang at the National Gallery Singapore’s online collection! .
Discover More
1. Singapore Paintings from the 1950s to the 1970s
Watch this lecture by Art Historian Jeffrey Say as he highlights the different styles of paintings from a prolific period for Singaporean painters.
Source: From Nanyang to Modern: Singapore Painting from the 1950s to the 1970s (Full Version) (2018, June 28). NLB Singapore. Retrieved 2022, October 26
2. Other Singaporean Artists to Discover
Curious about other Singaporean artists who were masters on the canvas? Head over to these Infopedia links to find out more:
eBooks
1. The Elements of Landscape Oil Painting: Techniques for Rendering Sky, Terrain, Trees, and Water
Suzanne Brooker (2015), The Elements of Landscape Oil Painting: Techniques for Rendering Sky, Terrain, Trees, and Water , Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed.
A landscape painting guide for oil painters that breaks landscapes down into component elements from nature, and showcases tools and techniques used by classic and modern oil painters for bringing these scenes to life.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
2. Dramatic Color in the Landscape: Painting Land and Light in Oil and Pastel
Brian Keeler (2014), Dramatic Color in the Landscape: Painting Land and Light in Oil and Pastel , Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed.
A landscape painting guide for oil painters that breaks landscapes down into component elements from nature, and showcases tools and techniques used by classic and modern oil painters for bringing these scenes to life.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
Learning Package
Pro Series: Clay
library@orchard's Pro Series Resource Lists are curated learning materials that complement each Pro Series programme track. Handpicked by the year's lineup of Pro Series speakers, each title has influenced and shaped their practices in one way or another.
Books
1. The Complete Cosmicomics
Italo Calvino (2011), The Complete Cosmicomics , Penguin Books.
"This is one of my favourite books as a big fan of random and fun scientific facts. Italo Calvino takes short scientific statements and spins them into mind-bending stories, building worlds that push the limits of our understanding, which endlessly inspires me to build mine.’’ - Genevieve Ang
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
2. Feelings
Libby Walden (2018), Feelings, Call No.: WAL, Tiger Tales.
"This children's book explores the world of emotions with enchanting illusions. The lyrical text makes each feeling explored come to life, and helps children understand the emotions they experience. We chose to recommend a children's book as it has the magical power to simplify complicated thoughts and feelings faced in adulthood and is focused on freely expressing oneself.’’ - Common Touch Craft Unit
Retrieved from NLB Catalogue (myLibraryid is required to borrow the book).
3. Urban Potters: Makers in the City
Katie Treggiden (2017), Urban Potters: Makers in the City , Call No.: 738 TRE -[ART], Ludion.
"This is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed flipping through, absorbing each page and its sumptious images without thought. The title provides great insight into how other potters and ceramists go about their lives and artistic practices in cities." – Ummu Nabilah
Retrieved from NLB Catalogue (myLibraryid is required to borrow the book).
4. Stanley and Elsie
Nicola Upson (2019), Stanley and Elsie, Call No.: UPS, Duckworth.
"This is a wonderful read for anyone who has practised art – especially painting. There are so many emotions in this novel set in England after World War I." – Ummu Nabilah
Retrieved from NLB Catalogue (myLibraryid is required to borrow the book).
5. In Praise of Shadows
Junichiro Tanizaki (1977), In Praise of Shadows, Call No.: TAN, New Haven, Conn: Leete’s Island Books.
"This book delves into different ways of seeing things. Simple and subdued forms of East Asian art and literature in Tanizaki's perspective brings an appreciation of shadows and subtlety in its ubiquity, showing that we can find beauty where we least expect it (and when we most need it)." – Daisy Toh
Retrieved from NLB Catalogue (myLibraryid is required to borrow the book).
Download the resource list on Clay created by libray@orchard here: go.gov.sg/ proseriesresourcelistclay
Art Programmes in NLB
There’s more to explore! Get real time notifications of the different Art programs and initiatives organised by us through this link: go.gov.sg/learnxartsfb to find the right one for you!
Learning Package
Pro Series: Concept Design
library@orchard's Pro Series Resource Lists are curated learning materials that complement each Pro Series programme track. Handpicked by the year's lineup of Pro Series speakers, each title has influenced and shaped their creative practices in one way or another.
Books
1. Hellboy (1994), Omnibus Volume 4: Hellboy in Hell
Mike Mignolia (2018), Hellboy (1994), Omnibus Volume 4: Hellboy in Hell, Dark Horse Comics.
“I chose this book for its simplicity and creative use of light and dark in each panel. This book demonstrates how lighting conceals and reveals. I've often re-read this book as a reference for storytelling that uses a balance of light and shadow to convey tone and narrative.” – Calvin Chua
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
2. Pencil Art Workshop
Matt Rota (2017), Pencil Art Workshop, Call No.: 741.24 ROT [ART], Beverly, Massachusetts: Rockport.
This book by the illustrator Mark Rota features some strong examples of how he creates texture, volume, and space—all of which are integral when manipulating details in one's work. He also treats readers to a sneak peek into his decision-making process by helpfully including his reference images! The principles taught in this book can even be applied to various other mediums.
Retrieved from NLB Catalogue (myLibraryid is required to borrow the book).
3. CAD Monkeys, Dinosaur Babies, and T-Shaped People
Warren Berger (2011), CAD Monkeys, Dinosaur Babies, and T-Shaped People, Penguin Publishing Group.
“This book introduces design thinking and how a generalist mindset equips you with an edge to solve design problems. It has helped me structure my approach to resolving concept art and design problems presented by various commercial projects in my career.” – Ray Toh
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
4. How To Draw
Scott Robertson (2013), How To Draw, Call No.: 741.2 ROB - [ART], Design Studio Press.
“This is a brilliant guide for budding and experienced artists to strengthen their foundation in constructional drawing. This book teaches you the indispensable skill of drawing any design from any angle. A must-read for designers drawing and creating imaginative products and environments.” - Ray Toh
Retrieved from NLB Catalogue (myLibraryid is required to borrow the book).
Download the resource list on Concept Design created by libray@orchard here: go.gov.sg/ proseriesresourcelistconceptdesign
Art Programmes in NLB
There’s more to explore! Get real time notifications of the different Art programs and initiatives organised by us through this link: go.gov.sg/learnxartsfb to find the right one for you!
Learning Package
Pro Series: Nanyang Art Style
library@orchard's Pro Series Resource Lists are curated learning materials that complement each Pro Series programme track. Handpicked by this year's lineup of Pro Series speakers, each title has influenced and shaped their creative practices in one way or another.
Books
1. 艺术史是什么 = A degree in a book: Art history
约翰芬利 / John Finlay (2021), 艺术史是什么 = A degree in a book: Art history, Call No.: Chinese 709 FIN -[ART], 中信出版集团股份有限公司.
讲述西⽅艺术⼏万年的发展。要了解⼀件作品，不但要懂艺术理论，还要了解它背后的历史背景，⼈物关系，作者的创作⽬的以及象征意义。
Retrieved from NLB Catalogue (myLibraryid is required to borrow the book).
2. 中国书法 (Chinese Calligraphy)
Chen Tingyou (2015), 中国书法 (Chinese Calligraphy), China Intercontinental Press.
Calligraphy is the quintessence of Chinese culture. This book on Chinese calligraphy introduces the origins of the artform, the many forms it has taken and its development through the centuries.
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
3. 书法知识一本通 (One-for-all of Calligraphy Knowledge)
书法知识一本通 编写组 (2016), 书法知识一本通 (One-for-all of Calligraphy Knowledge), 世界图书出版⼴东有限公司.
介绍书法欣赏，书法术语，⽂房四宝，书体流变。
Retrieved from NLB Overdrive (myLibraryid is required to access the eBook).
Download the resource list on Nanyang Art Style created by libray@orchard here: go.gov.sg/ proseriesnanyangartstyle
Art Programmes in NLB
There’s more to explore! Get real time notifications of the different Art programs and initiatives organised by us through this link: go.gov.sg/learnxartsfb to find the right one for you!
Learning Package
Pro Series: Zine Design
library@orchard's Pro Series Resource Lists are curated learning materials that complement each Pro Series programme track. Handpicked by the year's lineup of Pro Series speakers, each title has influenced and shaped their practices in one way or another.
Books
1. Fanzines: The DIY Revolution
Teal Triggs (2010), Fanzines: The DIY Revolution, Call No.: 741.65209 TRI -[ART], Chronicle Books.
“Teal Triggs is Professor of Graphic Design at the Royal College of Art, and co-author with Roger Sabin (Below Critical Radar: Fanzines and Alternative Comics from 1976 to Now, 2001). Fanzines: the DIY Revolution is a title that might need a little updating—nevertheless, it remains essential reading for anyone who wants to have a general grasp of the history of zines.” – CT Lim
Retrieved from NLB Catalogue (myLibraryid is required to borrow the book).
2. Rubbish: FAMzine
Pann Lim (2013), Rubbish: FAMzine, Holycrap.
This is an example of a successful zine in Singapore, created by designer and musician Pann Lim and his family of three. Rubbish shows that there is no limit to the content that zines contain, as long as it is fueled by creativity, passion and fun! This is definitely not your punk rock xeroxed zine, but instead a collectible (with the corresponding price tag).
Retrieved from NLB Catalogue (myLibraryid is required to borrow the book).
3. BigO: Before I Get Old
BigO: Before I Get Old, Option Publication Pte Ltd (2000).
“The quintessential pop culture zine in Singapore that ran from 1985 to the early 2000s. It covered music, movies, comics and many of us wrote for it, including yours truly. We owe a debt to BigO, especially its xeroxed years from 1985 to 1990. A labour of love by "my generation" wanting to talk about the passion.’’ – CT Lim
Retrieved from NLB Catalogue (myLibraryid is required to borrow the book).
4. Notes from Underground
Stephen Duncombe (2017), Notes from Underground , Call No.: 051 DUN, Microcosm Publishing.
‘’We are living in an age of culture wars, and zines are at the heart of it. Stephen Duncombe, an associate professor at New York University's Gallatin School in the department of Media, Culture and Communications and a lifelong political activist, explores the participatory role played by zines in forming and spreading different ideas.’’ – CT Lim
Retrieved from NLB Catalogue (myLibraryid is required to borrow the book).
5. Persepolis I & II
Marjane Satrapi (2008), Persepolis I & II , Call No.: 955.0542092 SAT, Random House.
“This is a graphic novel that I truly enjoyed reading. I remember picking this book up when I was an art student who was still finding my voice in my illustration practice. Persepolis informed me so much about looking into my own lived experiences and cultural narratives.” – Artist HAFI
Retrieved from NLB Catalogue (myLibraryid is required to borrow the book).
5. Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mere Mortals
Oliver Burkeman (2021), Four Thousand Weeks, Call No.: 640.43 BUR, The Bodley Head.
“Oliver Burkeman writes a profound guide to time management by drawing on the insights of philosophers and spiritual teachers. Accepting that we have a finite amount of time to live, and committing our resources to what matters, may actually be the best advice on time management.” – Beverley Ng
Retrieved from NLB Catalogue (myLibraryid is required to borrow the book).
Download the resource list on Zine Design created by libray@orchard here: go.gov.sg/proseriesresourcelistzinedesign
Art Programmes in NLB
There’s more to explore! Get real time notifications of the different Art programs and initiatives organised by us through this link: go.gov.sg/learnxartsfb to find the right one for you!
Learning Package
Pro Series: Jewellery Design
library@orchard's Pro Series Resource Lists are curated learning materials that complement each Pro Series programme track. Handpicked by the year's lineup of Pro Series speakers, each title has influenced and shaped their practices in one way or another.
Books
1. Jewelry Upcycled!: Techniques and projects for reusing metal, glass, plastic, fiber, and found objects
Sherri Haab and Michelle Haab (2011), Jewelry Upcycled!, Call No.: 745.5942 HAA, New York: Crown Pub.
“Want to learn how to transform items around you into stylish and wearable jewellery? If your answer is yes, this book is for you! Sherri Haab is one of my favourite authors, and I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in sustainability and giving commonly discarded materials a new life!” – June Koh of My Precious Gem
Retrieved from NLB Catalogue (myLibraryid is required to borrow the book).
2. Jewel Loom Inspirations: Quick and Fun Beading and Jewelry Projects
Julianna C Avelar (2016), Jewel Loom Inspirations, Call No.: 745.582 AVE, Ohio: Fons & Porter.
“Jewel looms are small and portable looms good for making beaded jewellery. Jewel looms can be found in local stores and if you're a beginner at loom-woven jewellery, this illustrated book with clear instructions for simple jewellery designs is definitely for you.” - June Koh of My Precious Gem
Retrieved from NLB Catalogue (myLibraryid is required to borrow the book).
3. Steal Like an Artist
Austin Kleon (2012), Steal Like an Artist, Call No.: 153.35 KLE, New York: Workman Publishing Company.
“A short, fun, and engaging book that reminds us that creativity is everywhere and for everyone. This book helped me learn that nothing is truly original, and it’s totally fine to embrace influence, be inspired by others, remix, and reimagine ideas to discover my own path.” – Apphia Neo of whoaa!
Retrieved from NLB Catalogue (myLibraryid is required to borrow the book).
4. The Art of Thinking Clearly
Rolf Dobelli (2014), The Art of Thinking Clearly , Call No.: 153.42 DOB, New York: Harper Paperbacks.
“This is a fun read that’ll make you question reality as you know it. The author exposes biases in everyday thinking through light-hearted writing over 99 chapters. I’d recommend this book for anyone who wants to see things in a new light and hopefully get a new idea or two for a personal project!” – Jayne Chong of beadnbutter
Retrieved from NLB Catalogue (myLibraryid is required to borrow the book).
Download the resource list on Jewellery Design created by libray@orchard here: go.gov.sg/proseriesresourcelistjewellerydesign
Art Programmes in NLB
There’s more to explore! Get real time notifications of the different Art programs and initiatives organised by us through this link: go.gov.sg/learnxartsfb to find the right one for you!