Guest-of-Honour Mr Low Eng Teong, National Arts Council Chief Executive Officer (fifth from right), and Mr Liam Wee Sin, UOL Group Chief Executive (fourth from right) officiated the opening of "Natural Geometry" by Fern Wong, winner of the inaugural UOL X ART:DIS Art Prize 2023.
UOL and ART:DIS officially launched Natural Geometry on 18 September 2024, marking the first solo exhibition by Fern Wong, winner of the inaugural UOL X ART:DIS Art Prize 2023. The atmosphere was lively and abuzz with excitement. About 150 attendees turned up to show their support for her artistic journey. The Guest-of-Honour was Mr Low Eng Teong, National Arts Council Chief Executive Officer.
Showcasing over two decades of Fern’s artmaking, the exhibition features about 40 artworks, comprising her current paper-cutting style alongside her earlier geometric drawings and dot paintings. The exhibition is held from 19 to 29 September 2024 at Objectifs.
UOL Group Chief Executive Liam Wee Sin said: “We are immensely proud to support Fern in her debut solo exhibition. Her work not only garners appreciation but also highlights the contributions and influence of the disability community through the power of the arts. We are honoured to have played a part in her artistic journey and remain committed to continuing our support for inclusive art platforms.”
Fern, a self-taught visual artist with Down syndrome, received this opportunity after winning the Mature Category (Closed) in UOL X ART:DIS Art Prize 2023 with her artwork “PAPERAZZI”, which captivated the judges with its intricate paper cut-outs that transform ordinary bulletin paper into bursts of joyful celebration.
The UOL X ART:DIS Art Prize is Singapore’s first comprehensive art prize to recognise artists with disabilities at all stages of their artistic practice. The biennial competition drew a strong response last year, with over 300 artworks submitted from 17 special education schools in Singapore and artists from ART:DIS.
Mr Low said: “This UOL X ART:DIS Art Prize is truly special, and uniquely Singaporean. It’s not just about the cash prize; it also provides critical support for artists in their careers and practice, which is truly commendable. This initiative raises the visibility of artists with disabilities, offering them a valuable platform to showcase their exceptional talents and creativity. Their works are as important as those of any able-bodied artist, inspiring and raising public awareness for the arts.”
He added: “UOL’s support of inclusive arts, through initiatives such as the UOL X ART:DIS Art Prize, plays a significant role in nurturing talents with disabilities. Artists like Fern serve not only as an inspiration to us all but highlight the common ground that we, as a society, share through the arts. NAC looks forward to continue working with partners such as UOL and ART:DIS to increase access to the arts for all.”
Her winning piece was featured in ART:DIS’ exhibition Turning Points during Singapore Art Week 2024, alongside the works of deaf photographer Isabelle Lim and autistic visual artist Kenneth Lee. In July 2024, she conducted art jamming workshops sponsored by UOL at United Square mall, where she shared her passion for art and connected with the community.
ART:DIS Executive Director Angela Tan said: “Artists with disabilities don’t have the same access to resources and platforms as their non-disabled peers. The opportunity for Fern to stage her first solo retrospective show, covering decades of her practice, is an important milestone and recognition that artists with disabilities can achieve artistic excellence when given access to opportunities that develop their talent and profile their artistic practice.”
The UOL X ART:DIS Art Prize will return in 2025 to continue its purpose as a catalyst for greater representation, acknowledgement and appreciation for artists with disabilities. Mr Liam emphasised the long-term impact of the Art Prize: “UOL aims to journey alongside artists with disabilities, supporting their growth from promising young talents into influential figures in the art world. This initiative follows a cycle of identifying and selecting promising artists, helping them develop, and nurturing their growth. Through these long-term efforts, we not only strengthen our relationship with the organisation but also form meaningful friendships with the artists themselves.”
Catch highlights of the opening launch here.