CHRISTINE MAK

The Elite Painters 2000

The exhibition features the latest works by six pillars in Singapore’s art circles. Among them are Tay Bak Koi, Goh Beng Kwan and Christine Mak. Mon-Sun, 10.30am to 8pm. Eagle’s Eye Art Gallery, #01-01 Stamford House. Free. Till Fri (6 Oct).


 

COLOR BEYOND

SPEECH BY MR PETER CHEN,

SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR EDUCATION,

FOR THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF "COLOR BEYOND"

CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING EXHIBITION BY CHRISTINE MAK

ON FRIDAY, 25 APRIL 1997 AT 6.30 PM

Honoured Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

It's a pleasure to be here for the opening of Christine Mak's solo exhibition "Color Beyond". This is Christine's 7th solo art exhibition since she first exhibited her works in 1986.

I first met Christine in that year, soon after she exhibited her works in the Shell Discovery Art Exhibition. I wanted some paintings to brighten up the Treasury department in Shell. As all her nine exhibits had been sold out during the exhibition, I called up Christine who brought a number of her paintings to my office. The allotted budget allowed me to buy only two of her paintings, which I did.

I next met Christine in 1994 when she was kind enough to invite me to open her 6th solo art exhibition. Much water had flowed under the bridge in the intervening 8 years. She had by then developed from a promising young talent into a serious artist, recognised as an accomplished Chinese brush painter in her own right. Despite her relative youth, Christine's works bear the confidence and distinctive skills of a mature artist. At her 1994 exhibition, my wife and I bought two of Christine's paintings for our own collection.

An artist's skills, techniques and vision are all as alive and breathing as the artist. They continue to grow and develop. The last 3 years have been a period of study, reflection and personal growth for Christine, culminating in today's exhibition. Aptly entitled "Colour Beyond", it marks a new chapter in her development of Chinese brush painting techniques. The exhibition features a collection of 50 pieces of modernist-style Chinese brush paintings.

Christine's success today is the result of her self-discipline in training and continual experimentation with her art form. Her focus and determination to be an artist, especially in the early days, will be an inspiration to other young potential talents.

Christine's success is also due to the support given to the arts by individuals, corporations and the government. It is gratifying to see that their support is growing.

On behalf of all artists, I would like to thank people like you, the corporate and government sponsors for the encouragement and financial support given to the arts. As a Singaporean, I would like to thank artists like Christine Mak for bringing joy and colour to our lives.

I wish Christine every success in this exhibition and in all her future pursuits as an artist.

It is my pleasure to declare open Christine Mak's Chinese Brush Painting Exhibition "Colour Beyond".

Thank you.