The human face and form have fascinated many artists and art lovers since time immemorial. Exploring the concepts of portraiture, this exhibition aims to show not only the figurative, but also the essence within. Maya Gallery is delighted to present Figuratively Speaking, a group exhibition of portraits and figures by various artists from Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia including Huda Fauzan (Indonesia), Quan La Ba (Vietnam) and Rofi (Singapore), among others.
We are familiar with Mona Lisa by Da Vinci and Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer, both have transcended time and culture. We also fell in love with The Kiss by Gustav Klimt and Dance at Bougeval by Renoir depicting the beauty of love and relationship. Then with the advance of contemporary art, we are "faced" with a more independent expression of portraiture and the figurative. But now with the widespread use of digital photography and instant "selfies" and "wefies", what is the status of the art of portraits and figures in today\'s context?
Aristotle once said, "The aim of Art is to present not the outward appearance of things, but their inner significance; for this, not the external manner and detail, constitutes true reality."
It is the aim of this exhibition to show not only the figurative, but also the essence within. More than just a "likeness", artworks of this genre have come to address issues of identity, politics and social norms – a larger reality. Featuring a strong collection of work in various mediums and styles, the showcase is timely and necessary as artists push the boundaries of creative expression, and further critical interest is needed in the development of this artistic genre.
Figuratively Speaking runs from 15 September till 5 October 2015.
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