Rain by Lam Tungpang

OSAGE: “Inside Looking Out”
THE establishment by young Hong Kong artists of studios−in the flatted factories of Chai Wan, Kwun Tong, and, in particular, Fotan in the New Territories−constitutes one of the most interesting aspects of HK’s recent contemporary art development.

It is the closest to the Western notion of the aesthete or bohemian artist working for arts sake in his garret. It is HK’s 21 st century equivalent of the bohemian artists’ colony.

At Osage Singapore, catch seven of these artists in “Inside Looking Out.” They are Ma Chihang (Film/Media Arts), Kwan Sheungchi (Multi-disciplinary Arts), Lee Kit (Painting Installation), Chow Chunfai (Painting), Pak Sheungchuen (Conceptual Art), Lam Tungpang (Painting/Mixed-media) and Doris Wong Waiyin (Mixed-media).

The exhibit’s organisers believe that, as the art world becomes more and more fragmented, the identification of artists as a member of a particular group or “school” is for many the only way of lending structure to a highly fluid range of contemporary art movements.

And that’s why they ask the question: Is there a “Fotan School” in Hong Kong?

“Inside Looking Out” at Osage Gallery (11B Mount Sophia, #01-12, Singapore 228466; tel. no. 6337 9909) opens on the evening of 8 August, and a roundtable discussion featuring the artists will be held on 9 August, from 2pm to 5pm. It runs until 5 September.

UTTERLY ART: “Catmasutra”

Racial Harmony by Paul Koh

SINGAPORE is considered one of the most efficient countries in the world. Just as this systematic efficiency has brought us success, it has also left an indelible imprint on our subconscious, where "truth" is validated in terms of a prescribed path to success and happiness.

The exhibit “imagine-Nation” at Forth Gallery asks us instead to look within, to listen to our own thoughts for a change, letting them grow so we can consciously choose the path that we really want to take. It attempts to expose our collective delusions about the "pre-programmed" nature of our life, and our prescribed notions on the best way to live.

Using the Catmasutra cats in social and surreal settings, this collection aims to provoke thoughts about the lives in our urbanized city in a quirky and irreverent way.

References from popular and local culture are used and weaved as a counterpoint to the themes of each painting. The essence of the Catmasutra cats is based on their eyes-wide-shut, ear-to-ear grin, which reflects a deep-seated childhood innocence cum devil-may-care bravado, and a healthy dose of self-belief and unpretentiousness. This serves as the anchor for all Catmasutra paintings.

“imagine-Nation” by Paul Koh at Forth Gallery (69A Pagoda Street, Singapore 059228; tel. no. 6227 7809) runs until 17 August at Forth Gallery. It is co-organised by Utterly Art (tel. no. 6226 2605).

POST-MUSEUM: “Ancestors On The Beach”
A collection by Jimmy Ong of monumental drawings celebrating maturity among men who lead an alternative lifestyle, and paying tribute to an iconic cruising venue, the Fort Road beach. Part of IndigNation 2008. Free entry.

“Ancestors on the Beach” by Jimmy Ong at Post Museum ( 107-109 Rowell Road, Singapore S208033; tel. nos. 6396 3598 or 6294 0041) r uns until 20 August.