Hitam Putih is a solo exhibition by senior Singaporean artist Idris Ali, whose artistic career spans 60 years. He is known for vibrant watercolour works depicting Singapore’s heritage architecture and scenes of the quotidian. He is also a long-time member of Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya (Association of Artists of Various Resources), where he has played a significant role as a teacher under its Tunas (Budding) programme, and mentor to other art teachers.
Presented by Maya Gallery, "Hitam Putih", which means ‘Black and White’ in Malay, reveals a different aspect of Pak Idris’s practice. It will showcase monochromatic works in various mediums including watercolour, ink and acrylic. Without the “distraction” of colour, raw strokes are used as a visual language to create forms, express movement and add elements of design.
Part of Singapore Art Week 2023, Hitam Putih is supported by National Arts Council and curated by Vanessa Yeo.
Art Conversation Sat 14 Jan, 3–4 pm
Join us for an ART CONVERSATION where you get to meet the artist Idris Ali in person as he shares the artmaking process behind his black and white paintings and drawings, his life experiences as a self-taught artist and art teacher, and his thoughts on having a strong foundation in visual arts. Admission is FREE.
Curatorial Walkthrough Sat & Sun, 2–3 pm
Come and join in a CURATORIAL WALKTHROUGH of the exhibition, led by curator Vanessa Yeo, and discover how the beautiful black and white sketches in the exhibition expose the intimate emotional connections between Idris and his subject matter. Admission is FREE.
Masterclass Sat 28 Jan, 11am–1pm
Join us for a MASTERCLASS workshop by award-winning senior artist and master watercolourist Idris Ali, as he guides you, gives advice and useful tips on how to create that masterpiece! Open to those with intermediate level in drawing and watercolour. Registration is FREE.
To register and reserve your spot:
https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/art-masterclass-by-idris-ali-tickets-517765218707
Please email 1-2 drawings/paintings to art@mayagallery.com.sg by 25 Jan 2023.
Bring your own materials – pencil, pen, watercolours and papers.
Tue to Sun 12–6pm (closed on Mon and Public Holiday)
For enquiries, please contact the gallery at +65 96746050 or email to art@mayagallery.com.sg
Idris Mohamed Ali (b. 1944, Singapore) is one of Singapore’s most senior Malay artists. For more than 50 years, Idris has captured Singapore’s landscapes in colourful watercolours, and exhibited at numerous group exhibitions, including three 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 member of the Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya or APAD (Association of Artists of Various Resources), Idris has taught many young students under its Tunas (Budding) programme, as well as mentored art teachers. Idris is a recipient of the inaugural Hadiah Warisan (Heritage Prize) by Malay Heritage Foundation (2021) and two awards by APAD—Pingat APAD (1974) and Cipta Mekar (1990). He has also illustrated various award-winning publications.
