Summer Study:
Modern and Contemporary art in South East Asia

In recent years there has been much excitement at the rise of contemporary art in China: there are thriving and dynamic art scenes in Beijing and Shanghai; several of the artists who work there have attained a global profile. Contemporary Art in India has also attracted much attention. But relatively little attention has been paid as yet to the Contemporary Art of South East Asia. But after the end of empire art was crucial as a way of nation building. Artists sought to make art that was both modern and up-to-date but also attached to indigenous traditions. Today in a global economy (Singapore is the world’s largest port) artists seek, as especially in the hyper modern city of Singapore, to make sense of a new ever changing world and as especially in a more “traditional” place like Bali to preserve a continuity with the past.

Lectures and seminars will give a brief overview of earlier, “classic” Asian art and delve more deeply into the complex and fascinating development of modern and contemporary art in South East Asia. The course will give a broad overview of institutional structures for art and art-making in South East Asia, such as governmental support systems, museums and galleries, and non-profit collaboratives. Above all the group will visit museums, galleries and artist studios in Singapore, Java and Bali and the historic Buddhist site of Borobodur. They will be taught by experts on and participants in the South East Asian art world. We will ask the question: “What does it mean for art to be ‘contemporary’ in South East Asia?”

Singapore is both at the centre of Asia and a clean, safe place to stay. Given that English is an official language it is a perfect place for a first visit to Asia.

Dates: 5 - 30 July, 2010.

Faculty: Tony Godfrey and Kevin Chua

Fee: SGD $6,500 includes travel to and accommodation (shared) in Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia and Bali.

Summer Study Accommodation in Singapore
There are different types of accommodations at reasonable rates near the Institute available in Singapore for the duration of Summer Study courses. The rates range from SGD $79/night to SGD $700/ 30 days. Please contact the organisations below directly.

Hostels
Pearl Hill Hostel Address
:5 Pearl's Hill Road
Tel: 6538 5448

Serviced Apartments
Global Residence
Blk 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 Tiong Bahru Road
Tel: +65 6346 6420

Ascott Serviced Apartments – Raffles Place
No 2 Finlayson Green, Singapore 049247
Tel: +65 6577 1688
www.ascott.com/singapore/singapore/ascott_singapore_raffles_place.html

Hotels
Gallery Hotel
1 Nanson Road @ Robertson Quay?Singapore 238909
Tel: +65 6849 8686
www.galleryhotel.com.sg
Rate: S$150++ (with breakfast)

New Majestic Hotel
31 – 37 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089845
Tel: +65 6511 4770
www.newmajestichotel.com
Rate: $240++

Value Hotel
Available in 3 locations: 2 in Balestier and 1 in Thomson
www.valuehotel.com.sg
Rate: SGD $79/ night

Further Information:
Please contact Summer Courses Co-ordinator, tel. +65 63052600 or info.sg@sothebysinstitute.com