May 2016

ARTS & LEISURE

What’s on in Singapore’s art scene this month

NATURAL BEAUTY If you’re looking for something artsy and different to do, check out French expat Florence Berthet’s lotus painting workshop , which involves painting dried lotus leaves applied to canvases. After falling in love with the lotus painting technique while living in Thailand, Florence decided to bring it to Singapore last October, offering workshops at an Ulu Pandan Road studio, as well as at the Hollandse Club, in function rooms and at people’s homes. The classes cost from $90 to $285, depending on canvas size, and include all painting materials; they normally last three to four hours. Participants choose their own colour schemes and canvas sizes. Anyone over the age of 12 is welcome to try a class and, whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind masterpiece – or what Florence describes as “a lovely piece of Asia captured in a painting”. For more information and to book a workshop, visit himapansingapore.com .

SCENIC SETTINGS Inspired by his exploration of landscapes and his studies of sculpture and optical art, Scottish artist Ronnie Ford takes painting to new dimensions with his latest exhibition, TextureScapes . Using his memory, Ronnie captures the spirit of what he has seen by creating impressions, rather than representations, of the places he’s depicting. Incorporating textures surfaces and vibrant, contrasting colours, his works capture all kinds of scenic, open spaces, from vineyards and wild meadows to ponds and mountainous valleys. See it from 26 May to 25 June at Ode to Art Platform at Raffles City Convention Centre (foyer area), Level 4. odetoart.com

NEW ARTS SPACE ALERT Th e n ew Vi s u a l Arts Centre opened recently at (#01-02 Dhoby Ghaut Green (10 Penang Road), prov i d i ng bo t h a ga l l e r y spa c e f o r

exhibitions and a studio at which established local artists can teach fine art courses. Dedicated to promoting cultural activities and community engagement in the arts, the centre offers free exhibitions to the public, plus complimentary gallery tours, art talks, pop-up workshops and art demonstrations. For more details, visit visualartscentre.sg .

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