Idris Mohamed Ali, fondly known as Pak Idris, is a master watercolourist who has captured Singapore’s landscapes for more than 6o years. This award-winning artist has exhibited at numerous group exhibitions, including four successful solo shows. His works can be found in the collections of the National Gallery Singapore, National Heritage Board, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and various government agencies in Singapore and Malaysia, as well as private organisations and individuals. A pioneer member of the Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya (APAD), Pak Idris has taught many young students under its Tunas (Budding Artist) programme, trained art teachers, and led a masterclass workshop at Maya Gallery. He is a recipient of the inaugural Hadiah Warisan (Heritage Prize) by Malay Heritage Foundation (2021), the Pingat APAD (APAD Award) in 1974, and the Cipta Mekar (Emerging Artist Award) for outstanding work at APAD’s Action ‘90 exhibition in 1990. He has also illustrated for various award-winning publications.
“I like painting buildings, places and scenes around Singapore. I have doing that since my younger days. Growing up in Kampong Wak Tanjong, and now living in Bedok, I have captured kampong scenes, rivers, old houses and landmarks and skylines. Having witnessed Singapore’s development over the decades, you can see that I am not drawn to modern buildings and skyscrapers, as I find beauty more in the old places I am familiar with. Singapore is my home, so I choose a particular subject as I think about the next generation. These old buildings will disappear in time. Before we lose them, I capture them for keeps. Tomorrow, these will become a point of reference for the new generation.
Painting birds, fishes and animals in an abstract, layered style is inspired by Cikgu S. Mohdir who once taught me. This is my tribute to his guidance. Al-fatiha.”
