Pameran Poskad 2012 is a group exhibition of postcard-sized artworks that is open to anyone and everyone who would like to participate.
This fourth installment will be presented at Viridian Art House and Galeri Utama with more than 400 artists from 31countries. Some internationally recognised artists participating include Jimmy Ong,(Singapore), Donna Ong, (Singapore), Genevieve Chua (Singapore), BenCab (Philippines), Wilson Shieh (Hong Kong), R.E. Hartanto (Indonesia), Jiha Moon (Korea), Takashi Kuribayashi (Japan) and Ahmad Zakii Anwar (Malaysia).
Small is the New Grand
All artworks in this show fit within a postcard-sized sleeve and come in various forms that expand the interpretation of the “postcard.” Works range from two – dimensional prints, drawing, paintings, etc. to three – dimensional objects. The artwork size restriction keeps the works small, thereby limiting the price range and allowing the everyday consumer to purchase an original piece of art.
Pameran Poskad creates a fun and inspiring environment where people come to appreciate and collect works by artists from all demographics. Besides artists from the international art community, there are also businessmen, students and children submitting their creations. This is to say that while this exhibition includes works by established artists, it also encourages those who never draw or those who do not consider themselves an artist to give art-making a try!
The Beginning
The concept behind Pameran Poskad is to make art more accessible to the public, where people from various backgrounds come together to share the joy of making, exhibiting and viewing. With no artwork labels displaying artists’ names, the process of looking makes for an exciting journey of discovery!
The Pameran Poskad exhibition in Singapore was initiated in 2005 by Tamae Iwasaki and Eitaro Ogawa, a duo that also goes by the name of “Keyakismos.”
Iwasaki’s first experience with the show was in Tokyo, Japan, where she was a participant. Having gone through the experience with 300 other participating artists, Iwasaki believed the outreach of the show could be expanded to include a broader range of people, not just to the art community. As a result, when the couple moved to Singapore, the diversity of the city became the perfect platform for their idea of an open, all-inclusive art exhibition.
In 2005, everything is done in the most manual method. Tamae and Eitaro met up personally with the participants at different times to collect the registration fees and to pass them the plastic sleeve where the artwork will be placed. There were about 132 participants from 9 different countries.
The second installment happened in 2008 and the number of participants jumped to 226, from 20 countries. The collection and payment was still manually done but more publicity was achieved with the help of a website being set up.
Almost a double jump in the number of participants, the third instalment in 2010 took the gallery venue at My Art Space, saw a large crowd both in participation and buyers. The organisers were most glad as the website was able to provide more information, and the payment mode has gone electronic.
This year, with the all-powerful social network, publicity for the exhibition managed to reach more interested people.
Pameran Poskad exhibitions. Image courtesy of the Pameran Poskad.
The SMALL Details
Just like any exhibitions and shows, the organisers experienced many interesting encounters and happenings. Many new participants were initially surprised to know that the size of the artwork is that small, but felt comfortable attempting to make an artwork, even though they are not artists. On the other hand, the restriction on the size of the artwork actually posed as a challenge for many internationally recognised artists. The organisers were amused one year to receive a sculpture that was bursting to come out of the plastic sleeve!
The organisers are always there to assist any participants. They have been approached many times by participants regarding pricing of artworks. As Eitaro recounts, he asked, “How do you put a value on an artwork that is a bag of air?” There was also an artwork priced at a value of SGD$10000 because the artist has not intended to sell the work. It would be a tough moment if there is really someone who wants to buy the work. At the exhibition, it became common to see the action of “flipping” the artwork to check the price. The organisers shared that it is interesting to see people’s faces as they looked at the prices.
The Beautiful Process
For Iwasaki and Ogawa, who are also professional printers at the Singapore Tyler Print Institute, art has the possibility to connect people from various locations, cultures and backgrounds. Each artist’s perspective and style creates a visual dialogue between different communities and also provides unique learning experiences. They share the belief that this gift of creativity and art is something everyone should be able to enjoy.
The no-theme, anything-goes theory provides a platform and opportunity for anyone to attempt in art-making and art-buying. Eitaro felt that it is a very romantic process to be able to find that certain one piece of art that catches your heart among the 4000 pieces of artwork. Tamae also hopes that the exhibition allows collectors and galleries to be exposed to more and discover new talents.
This exhibition is about getting people involved in the creative process either through artmaking or through the organisation of the show. Solely put together by passionate volunteers, Pameran Poskad is a “people’s” collaborative show from beginning to end.
The organisers mentioned about possibilities to organise workshops or sharing by the artists for the other participants in the future. We looked forward to that.
One of the participants, artist Wilson Shieh, also shared, “I participated in the last 2 issues of Pameran Poskad. It is a great idea to show artists’ small works in similar size. In this sense all the artists are ‘equal’ and at the same time, all the works are affordable. I am from Hong Kong and I hope we can have a similar event here soon.”
Wilson Shieh, Singapore, 2012. Image courtesy of the artist.
The Organisers
Pameran Poskad 2012 is organised by Tamae Iwasaki, Eitaro Ogawa, Yang Shihui, Teng Yenhui, Izziyana Suhaimi and Sylvia Tsai.
They have words of encouragement for all the participants:
“Art is for everyone.”
– Tamae Iwasaki
“Enjoy the creative process. Don’t think, don’t fear, you are doing art everyday.”
– Eitaro Ogawa
“Enjoy the process, do not worry about the end product.”
– Sylvia Tsai
“Pameran Poskad is a great way to explore and experiment with art, and most importantly, to be able to share that with others.”
– Izziyana Suhaimi
“Art is a life expression that celebrates our individuality.”
– Yang Shihui
The application for 2012 has closed. Check here for more details. Be updated of the exhibition on the Pameran Poskad Facebook Page
Written and photographed by Karen Mitchell
Date:
7th to 15th September 2012
Venue:
Viridian Art House and Galeri Utama
70 River Valley Road
#01-15 Singapore 179037
Time:
Mon – Fri: 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sat & Sun: 11:00am – 7:00pm
FREE ADMISSION
Enquires:
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://keyakismos.com/pameranposkad/
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/PameranPoskad2012
