MEDITATIVE “Misty rapture” Painting

MEDITATIVE “Misty rapture” An altered state of mind trained to engage in focused thought and contemplation. Serene calm is depicted with ethereal waves rising heavenward. Singapore’s emergence as an independent state was neither simple nor pain-free. Following the granting of self-rule from the British in 1959 and Singapore’s brief, fraught union with Malaysia, the result was a painful divorce from Malaysia in August 1965. As The Economist puts it, it was with tears, not joy, that Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first prime minister, announced the island’s independence. Much has been achieved since then, and the island state has become one of the most prosperous nations in the world. But it is a journey that was not easy, with moments ranging from joy to fright, sadness to exhilaration, anger to love. It is this range of emotions, which Singaporeans across diverse communities have expressed while reflecting on their thoughts and hopes for the nation, that Mohanbabu has captured in her current work. The central theme of ‘Expressions SG50’ is inspired by Chinese opera, which together with Greek tragic-comedy and Indian Sanskrit opera is one of the oldest dramatic art forms in the world. While its unique melodies may sound strange to unaccustomed ears, the characteristic bold and dramatic make- up has universal appeal. Exaggerated designs are painted on each performer's face to symbolize the character's personality, role, and fate. Indeed, familiar audiences can grasp the story simply by observing the facial painting and costumes. Mohanbabu draws inspiration from this classical tradition, while adopting a minimalist modern approach inspired by her background in architecture and fashion design.