Mohamed Abdul Kadir (1936–2010), popularly known as S. Mohdir, was a Singapore pioneer artist. Highly versatile, he was proficient in various mediums such as acrylic, oil, watercolour, batik and copper, and across genres. His ouevre was wide: from still life, landscapes, figuration, and abstract expressions, to historical narratives, social commentaries, and politically suggestive works in response to local events. Starting painting at a young age, he exhibited his first work at the age of 12 at the Pameran Minggu Pelajar (Weekend Students Exhibition) at Kota Raja Malay School. He pursued further studies at the Famous Artists School in Connecticut, United States, majoring in art, design and advertising, from 1953-56. After graduation, he returned to Singapore and became a schoolteacher in 1960. He also attended part-time classes at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in the 1960s.
S. Mohdir played a significant role in the establishment of Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya (APAD) or Association of Artists of Various Resources in 1962, alongside fellow artists such as Abdul Ghani Hamid, Marhaban Kasman and Hamidah Suheimi, and became its second President. He had four solo shows and exhibited in more than 100 art exhibutions in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Holland. His works can be found in private and public collections, including National Gallery Singapore and Balai Seni Negara Malaysia. He was an accomplished illustrator for various books and a dedicated teacher and mentor to many younger artists. He received the Pingat APAD (APAD Prize) in 1974, the Special Award at the National Day Art Exhibition in 1976, and Pingat Bakti Setia (Long Service Medal) on National Day in 1996.
