On Sept 11, SGM organised an online art talk entitled “Abstraction: The Art of Syiok Sendiri” to an audience of over 350 viewers. “Syiok sendiri” are Malay slang words meaning being self-absorbed.

Held with the aim to comfort and lift people’s spirits in this COVID-19 pandemic, this talk was part of a series of SGM’s online talks themed “Art and Culture Enlightening Learning.” The talk, conducted by Mr Tan Sei Hon, an independent art writer and curator, was the third talk of this series this year.

With keen insight on the history of the development of abstract art, Tan kicked off his talk by giving a brief explanation on how abstract art started, evolved and developed. He also showed how this kind of art has been accepted and perceived by viewers, showing examples of art works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Piet Mondrian and Wassily Kandinsky.

Tan also pointed out that these artists’ art practices actually had roots in other art forms such as realism. Apart from the changes in factors such as the society, expectations, collectors’ demands and new freedom happening upon them, artists were able to explore new grounds and create according to their visions, hence paving the way to growth in abstract art.

The audience actively asked questions in the question-and-answer session and exchanged ideas with the speaker about appreciating works of abstract art.