First ever competition-based UOB Artist Alumni Network will provide more support and opportunities to catalyse the growth of artists and elevate them to the regional scene
UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year and top winner for 2024 UOB Painting of the Year (Singapore), Established Artist Category, “A Sip Through Time” by Yong Wee Loon
Singapore, 13 November 2024 – Singaporean artist Mr Yong Wee Loon’s artwork “A Sip Through Time”, which taps into viewers’ sense of nostalgia through artifacts lost to modern society, clinched both the 2024 UOB Painting of the Year (Singapore) award and the prestigious UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year (SEA POY) award. Mr Yong’s artwork rose above the outstanding winning pieces from the 2024 UOB POY competitions held in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. This is his second time winning a UOB POY award, previously winning the Silver award in the 2017 competition under the Emerging Artist Category. A Singaporean artist last received the SEA POY award in 2013.
Crafted using diptych, “A Sip Through Time” captures a coffee shop frozen in time, boasting an eclectic mix of objects, posters, clocks, traditional sweets and other items commonly seen in traditional coffee shops. The inclusion of a QR code and surveillance camera merges the traditional and digital worlds, hinting at progressiveness. Through the artwork, the artist hopes to convey positive emotions of days past, transporting viewers back in time to simpler and slower moments.
The 2024 Southeast Asian and Singapore winners were announced this evening at the 43rd UOB POY Awards Ceremony and Exhibition, held at National Gallery Singapore. Graced by Minister for National Development Mr Desmond Lee, the winning artists from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam attended the ceremony alongside past winners, distinguished guests and the arts community.
Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, UOB, said, ““The UOB POY competition reflects our long-term commitment to growing with businesses, communities, and individuals across Southeast Asia. Our focus on ASEAN is more than just about business connectivity, it is also about giving back to the communities we serve, including through our support for the arts. We are pleased to launch the UOB Artist Alumni Network this year to further enhance connectivity across the regional art community. Through this network, artists can hone their expertise through exhibitions, artwork commissions, and networking opportunities across the region.”
The judging panel for the 2024 UOB SEA POY comprised Regional Adviser Mr Kwok Kian Chow, along with the Chief Judges from each of the five participating countries: Dr Vichaya Mukdamanee (Singapore Chief Judge), Ms Melati Suryodarmo (Indonesia Chief Judge), Ms Bibi Chew (Malaysia Chief Judge), Mr Amrit Chusuwan (Thailand Chief Judge) and Mr Dang Xuan Hoa (Vietnam Chief Judge).
Mr Yong is one of four artists in the Established Artist Category, together with another four aspiring artists in the Emerging Artist Category, recognised at the 43rd UOB POY (Singapore) competition. He will also compete with the four other UOB POY country winners for a two-month UOB-NAFA, UAS artist residency programme at Cité internationale des arts in Paris.
Deeply personal depiction of motherhood clinches Most Promising Artist of the Year (Singapore) award
2024 Most Promising Artist of the Year (Singapore), Emerging Artist Category – Top winner “That Blessed Mood” by Joanna Maneckji
Ms Joanna Maneckji was awarded the 2024 Most Promising Artist of the Year (Singapore) under the Emerging Artist Category for her artwork, “That Blessed Mood”. Composed of paper collage on card paper, the artwork depicts a mother and child reclining in a hammock, peacefully enjoying a sunny afternoon in a garden. Beyond the joyous and contented image of motherhood, the antique photo album paper used as the mother’s skin disguises a layer of paper from a Financial Times article with the words, “I’m not afraid”. These powerful words signify a mother’s strength beneath fragility, a poignant reminder of the resilience required in the journey of motherhood.
UOB Artist Alumni Network to provide greater support for artists
UOB officially launched the UOB Artist Alumni Network at the awards ceremony, the pioneering competition-based alumni network for artists. The Network aims to further elevate the profiles of UOB artists in Southeast Asia and Greater China, while also facilitating greater connectivity and collaborations across the region.
The Network will enhance the Bank’s long-term support for artists through four key areas –
- artwork exhibitions at marquee platforms like Art Jakarta and Art Central in Hong Kong, where UOB is a lead partner;
- artwork commissions for display or auctions;
- overseas artist residency programmes; and
- networking opportunities and engagements with peers and leaders of the art community.
The 43rd UOB POY Regional Winners’ Showcase will be held at National Gallery Singapore, UOB Discovery Space from 16 November 2024 to 26 January 2025, open from 10am to 7pm daily, and on UOBandArt.com.
