In 2012, Maya Gallery opened its glass doors to the public for the first time. The celebration night was vibrant, and bustled with talks in anticipation of what to expect of the gallery for the year. In less than 12 months, Maya Gallery has spread its wings far and wide, working with artists originating from various parts of the world – from Singapore to neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia, to faraway lands of Brazil and Turkey – to offer its audience an extensive viewing of art by accomplished artists, as well as new talents with great potential.

The gallery has also partnered with corporate organisations such as MENDAKI, Lutheran Community Care Services Ltd (LCCS), Standard Chartered, Singapore Heritage Society, and Village Hotels to educate a wider group of audience on the different ways art can engage and bond people in a community.

At éncore!, our special guest artist is Mr Iskandar Jalil, recipient of the Cultural Medallion for Visual Art (1988) and The Public Service Star (BBM, 2012), whose latest ceramic masterpieces will be showcased.

éncore! also brings together other Singaporean and international artists who exemplify excellence in their creativity: Sunar Sugiyou, Tan Sock Fong, Manjeet Shergill, Idris Ali, Jeff Wandly, Karto, Suriani Suratman, Adi Yadoni, Aida Khalid, Alec Tan, Amanda Soon, Charlotte Tan, Chew Sumei, Daryl Goh, Kit Mui Loh, Latip Hussain, Lee Ruixiang, Rofizano Zaino, Rosihan Dahim, Sujak Rahman, Tan Haur, Tumadi Patri, Christine Das (Malaysia), Valerie Ng (Malaysia), Huda Fauzan (Indonesia), Putu Bonuz (Indonesia), Suklu (Indonesia), Naz Kaya (Turkey), and Deusa Blumke (Brazil).

To add to the festive spirit, Maya Gallery will be serving its own mocktail, created by Culinary Consultant Ms Aziza Ali. Fondly called the ‘Mas Maya’ (Golden Maya), this drink has a golden hue, made with non-alcoholic ingredients with an Asian flavour, and topped with a single grape which embodies the celebration of the gallery’s first year.

Guests can also expect gorgeous dessert from bakers of ‘Cinta Kek’ (Love for Cakes), a reality TV show by Mediacorp’s SURIA channel that will be filming that evening.

What is most striking about this collective, comprising those born from the 40’s till the 80’s, and most of whom boasts strong, independent careers, is that despite challenges and setbacks, it is the artists’ relentless spirit and dedication to their craft, engaging with the community, and courage to explore various possibilities that continue to drive them to greater heights – a common thread that cuts across countries and borders, and hearts.

Iskandar Jalil (b. 1944, Singapore) will be showing his recent creations characterised by bold colours yet with a timeless elegance and purity as expected from a master potter.

Sunar Sugiyou (b. 1961, Singapore) will exhibit a preview work from his upcoming solo exhibition slated to be held this July, where creativity meets spirituality.

Tan Sock Fong (b. 1966, Singapore) has created a glass piece specially for this showcase entitled “Inner Strength”, manifested in the wire that is streaming out from being embedded in layers of glass.

Manjeet Shergill (b. 1966, Singapore) started her “Indian Woman” series 20 years ago. She continues to perfect the beauty of the series, and shows one of her latest paintings in this collection.

Idris Ali (b. 1944, Singapore) will show his recent works that prove his mastery of watercolour, and his love for things heritage.

Jeff Wandly (b. 1964, Singapore), known as “the building whisperer”, paints landmarks with history in his own eyes.  The purity of his depiction mostly stem from his special conversations with buildings.

Suriani Suratman (b. Singapore) shows her latest ceramics creations which explore issues of identity, as well as finding beauty in ordinary household objects, as inspired by the Italian painter Georgio Morandi.