On Aug. 23, leading contemporary art space in Singapore, STPI–Creative Workshop & Gallery, unveiled “Chances of Contact: Contemporary Prints from the Philippines and Singapore” at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, also known as The M, where it runs until Oct. 26, in conjunction with the 55th anniversary of bilateral relations between Singapore and the Philippines.
Co-presented by Singtel Group, this joint exhibition featuring STPI’s works by artists from both nations has sparked between the two art institutions in collaboration with the Singapore Embassy in Manila, who understood the significance of putting this show together.
Constance See, Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines, describes the show as one that “exemplifies the vibrant cultural dialogue and artistic exchange that has flourished between our two nations over the past five decades. It is a shining example of how art can transcend borders and bring people together, reflecting our shared vision for a more connected and culturally enriched Southeast Asia.”
The same spirit of collaboration stems from the heart of STPI, an organization that has enjoyed over two decades of artistic collaborations with more than 100 artists from around the world. With the time spent on the fertile ground of STPI, each artist has pushed the boundaries of print and papermaking and of their own practice through the colliding of ideas and experimentation—often with happy results—with the team in the creative workshop.
“Beyond showcasing the creations that emerged from the artists’ collaboration with STPI, ‘Chances of Contact’ has brought STPI and The M together, bridged by the Singapore Embassy in Manila, for a meaningful celebration of artistic talents from both Singapore and the Philippines in honor of their 55 years of diplomatic ties,” said Emi Eu, STPI executive director.
Curated by Patrick Flores, deputy director of Curatorial and Research at National Gallery Singapore and the professor of Art History and Criticism at the University of the Philippines, the exhibition focuses on works produced by 16 artists—eight from Singapore and eight from the Philippines—during their respective artist residencies at STPI. Guided by his curatorial interpretation, the exhibition offers new ways of seeing the art of print and papermaking from both countries through the selection of works that reflect the intersection of different time periods, mediums, and art forms.
“The M is committed to a continued strengthening of significant artistic and cultural channels and linkages between the Philippines and Singapore,” said Tina P. Colayco, The M president. “STPI has played an important role in deepening not only our respective artists’ understanding of the power of printmaking as a medium, but also the power of cultural exchange.”
“Chances of Contact” features works of Singapore artists like Chua Ek Kay, Han Sai Por, and Genevieve Chua and Filipino artists like Ronald Ventura, Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, and Lyra Garcellano.
Also included are the works of Goh Beng Kwan and Anita Magsaysay-Ho, which were donated by STPI to the Singapore Embassy in Manila.