Ink and Paper 10 Years on

I was invited by U Zyn to this exhibition yesterday evening. He had informed me that he visited this exhibition some time back and wanted me to visit the exhibition and the couple who own the gallery. The couple had their first exhibition,Ink and Paper 10 years ago at this same location and so appropriately they have named this recent exhibition Ink and Paper 10 years on. Although this is the first time I have visited their gallery.

Unfortunately the gallery is located at Penjuru Lane, which is far. It took me a good 35 minutes drive to get there. The isolated location is, in my view, not conducive to those who do not drive and therefore may deter more regular visits. I felt sorry those who did not drive because it must be difficult to find transport to get there and back.

The gallery is in a warehouse complex with adequate parking. The gallery comprises a small viewing space with the storage unit just next to it. Looking at the sheer number of items they had in the storage unit, I think they must be one of the largest private collectors of art in Singapore. I used to think that with my roughly 160 pieces in Helutrans, I had too much but my collection pales in comparison to theirs.

They showcased some of their Singapore artists yesterday and there were about 24 pieces on display. The pieces were interesting and varied and Linda introduced the guests to each and every piece. I know of some of the artists whose pieces were displayed but I have never been keen on Singapore artists. A lot of local artists end up doing Chinatown and Boat Quay scenes and that has never appealed to me. I have a few in my own collection but I have never actively sought out to collect local artists.

The owners, Linda Neo and Albert Lim, started their collection sometime in 2005 and started out by collecting local artists.

I spoke to both Linda and Albert quite a bit about their collection and on the joys and pain of collecting art in Singapore. It is a joy to view beautiful art and want to own it. The problem comes about because Singapore weather is unforgiving to art and the heat and humidity destroy art rapidly. The only way then to preserve what you treasure is to wrap it up and store it carefully. This means you never actually get to see and enjoy what you bought and also additional costs incurred by storage charges.

Linda and Albert are a wonderful couple who fortunately share the same passion in art and collecting it. I was happy talking to them about their collection and their family. Hopefully their children will share their same passion in art. It is good that they put in the effort to open their doors to others to view and enjoy their artworks and share their passion.