Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya (APAD), or Association of Artists of Various Resources, is proud to present Cipta – Art Through Time, in celebration of artistic expression, excellence, and heritage. This special showcase commemorates 60 years of Singapore’s independence, alongside APAD’s 63rd anniversary of championing the development and appreciation of visual arts in Singapore.
Cipta, which means “create” in Malay, honours the association’s motto: Secita Mencipta, or creating with a shared vision. The exhibition is part of Kontemporari, APAD’s annual exhibition series to showcase artworks by members, and guest artists, continuing its long-standing tradition of inviting members from other art societies to strengthen creative dialogue.
This year’s edition will be held from 1 to 5 August 2025 at the School of the Arts (SOTA), a central and esteemed venue synonymous with excellence in arts education. Its holistic approach to the arts aligns with APAD’s mission to cultivate greater appreciation and engagement with visual arts through exhibitions, programmes, and public outreach.
APAD members come from a multitude of backgrounds: graduating from LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and other local and overseas tertiary institutions. Many work as educators and professionals in various industries.
“Cipta brings together 33 artists. The 26 APAD members are between the ages of 85 to 22, ensuring the association’s continuity and renewal. We have 3 guest artists. We also pay tribute to 4 prominent pioneer artists who have significantly shaped the local art scene, two of whom are recipients of the Cultural Medallion,” says Masturah Sha’ari, APAD’s President, and also Co-founder of Maya Gallery.
More than 50 artworks across various mediums including sculpture, ceramics, painting, video, installation, and mixed media, will be on display. All artworks are for sale, with 30% proceeds going to APAD's ongoing programmes to promote visual arts.
The exhibition is supported by Maya Gallery, The Singapore Arts Federation, and SG60 Bersama.
Artists
Abu Jalal Sarimon • Art R’eev • Dino Hafian • Dzaki Safaruan • Faith Fadilah • Fazelah Abas • Fish Jaafar • Idris Ali • Intan Junadi • Dr. Iskandar Jalil • Jeffrey Wandly • Kamal Dollah • Khairul Faizin • M Razali Mahat • Masturah Sha’ari • Mayang Sari • Mohd Samad Afandie • Noor Rahman Saini • Nurulhaziyah Jumiran • Ramli Nawee • Saiman Ismail • Salihin Sulaiman (Lihin) • Sujak Rahman • Syazana Yassin • Tumadi Patri • Yusoff Abdul Latiff
SPECIAL TRIBUTE
Abdul Ghani Hamid (1933 – 2014)
Mohamed Abdul Kadir @ S. Mohdir (1936 – 2010)
Sulaiman Suhaimi (1922 – 2008)
Sarkasi Said (1940 – 2021)
GUEST ARTISTS
Dr. Irene Lee, President of Federation of Art Societies Singapore (FASS)
Simon Wee, Former President of Society of Chinese Artists
P. Gnana, Co-founder of The Gallery of Gnani Arts
Opening
Date: 2 August 2025
2:30 PM (Saturday)
Venue: School of the Arts (SOTA) Gallery
1 Zubir Said Dr, Singapore 227968
GUEST OF HONOUR
Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs
Art Conversation
Date: 2 August 2025
3:00 PM (Sunday)
Enquiries: apad.hq@gmail.com
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Organised by:
ANGKATAN PELUKIS ANEKA DAYA (APAD)
Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya (APAD), or the Association of Artists of Various Resources, is
a non-profit registered society of Malay artists in Singapore. Established on 29 July 1962, APAD is dedicated to promoting visual arts. It was co-founded by like-minded artists and writers—Abdul Ghani Hamid, Mohamed Abdul Kadir (S. Mohdir), Hamidah Suhaimi, Mohd. Ali Sabran, Mustafa Yassin and Ahmin H. Noh. Now in its 63rd year, APAD continues to bridge communities through exhibitions, workshops, and outreach programmes. It has organised and supported over 180 exhibitions, including the annual Kontemporari series, showcases by young artists, and women artists, and international exchanges. APAD’s Tunas programme (1977–2013) nurtured young talent through children’s art classes and exhibitions. Notable initiatives include Jom Lukis (plein-air painting) and the SG60 Community Mural, launched in 2025 by PM Lawrence Wong. The Pingat APAD (APAD Medal), introduced in 1974, honoured outstanding contributions to Singapore’s visual arts, with recipients including Iskandar Jalil, Sarkasi Said, and art luminaries such as Georgette Chen and Liu Kang.
APAD is a member of the Singapore Arts Federation, Federation of Art Societies Singapore, and SG60 Bersama Workgroup. In 2023, APAD signed an MOU with National Gallery Singapore to digitise its early archives. Through sustained collaboration with artists, schools, and institutions, APAD remains a vital force in shaping Singapore’s art landscape and advancing the Malay visual arts tradition.
Supported by:
MAYA GALLERY
Established in 2012, Maya Gallery is dedicated to showcasing the diverse stories of
Singapore and Southeast Asian art. Through curated exhibitions, participation in
international art fairs, art conversations, and cross-cultural collaborations, the gallery promotes meaningful connections between artists and audiences. Co-founded by Jeffrey Wandly and Masturah Sha'ari, both lifetime members of Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya, this will be the gallery's fourth collaborative exhibition with APAD.
THE SINGAPORE ARTS FEDERATION
The Singapore Arts Federation is a charitable organisation dedicated to promoting cultural integration and uplifting artistic standards in Singapore. It supports local artists through funding, exhibitions, literary publications, and educational programmes. By offering resources and exposure platforms, it helps artists overcome challenges such as financial constraints and limited visibility. The Federation also maintains an arts academy and gallery, fosters skill development, and nurtures public appreciation for the arts. Its efforts create a supportive and inclusive arts ecosystem, making it a vital force in sustaining Singapore’s cultural landscape amid ongoing challenges faced by artists in securing recognition and stable patronage.
SG60 BERSAMA
SG60 Bersama is a working group, chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim,
formed to mobilise community organisations and coordinate SG60 events. Wisma Geylang Serai (WGS) serves as the focal point for these activities, including the SG60 Community Mural, designed by APAD, at the WGS’s Persada Budaya. This taskforce highlights the unique contributions of the Malay-Muslim community to the nation-building journey. It aims to celebrate the community’s rich heritage and achievements while fostering unity among all Singaporeans through various events and
programmes. SG60 Bersama is led by WGS and helmed by representatives from several Malay/Muslim organisations, and indviduals.