Colours of Our Youth

Colours of Our Youth

SYNOPSIS

We are students from Raffles Institution (RI) collaborating with St. Andrew’s Autism Centre (SAAC) to raise awareness about persons with autism, and celebrate the talents of the students at SAAC by showcasing over 60 works by local artists, artists of RI, and artists of SAAC.

“Colours of Our Youth” explores nostalgia, identity, and belonging through art. It reflects on the journey of self-discovery in Singapore, celebrating our diverse cultural landscape from different perspectives.

We hope to raise $50,000 through the sale of these paintings and exclusive merchandise! Visit @coloursof.ouryouth on Instagram for more information.

Set up in 2005, St. Andrew’s Autism Centre (SAAC) is a Social Service Agency which educates and trains persons with autism. SAAC serves over 450 persons with moderate to severe autism in Singapore. Their vision is to enable persons with autism to lead dignified and meaningful lives. Our exhibition supports this by not only celebrating the beneficiaries’ artistic talent, but also sharing the stories of individuals with autism, creating a bridge between art and community.

Your donations will enable SAAC to enhance the quality of life of their beneficiaries! Thank you for your support!

ARTISTS

Mr Yeo Jian Long

These paintings are based on locations which I’ve come across in Singapore. I am drawn to scenes which are overlooked, and in the minds of many, would be described as quotidian. However, I often find a certain beauty inherent in them. For these paintings, they are inspired by places which I have walked by numerous times, and there was something about them which lingered long in my memory. I suppose that when you have stayed in a place long enough, it finds a place in your heart which you can call “home”. And I think this notion of home, for most Singaporeans, would mean the HDB heartlands, filled with flats, shopping malls and carparks. But yet, these places are often encroaching upon spots where nature is allowed to grow freely in Singapore. Unfortunately, the price of development is the disappearance of places, such as the eastern part of Dover forest. In my walks, I often feel that trees are like age-old silent witnesses, seeing the rapid changes to the landscape that is happening around them. They are also portraits of these silent witnesses in our landscape.

Title: The Afternoon Sun
Medium: Watercolour on Magnani Annigoni paper
Size: 26 cm x 18 cm
Price: 350 SGD

Title: Walking Amongst Trees
Medium: Watercolour on Watercolour paper
Size: 35.3 cm x 25 cm
Price: 450 SG

Title: Silent Pillars I
Medium: Watercolour on Watercolour paper
Size: 21cm x 14.85 cm
Price: 350 SGD

Title: Silent Pillars II
Medium: Watercolour on Watercolour paper
Size: 21cm x 14.85 cm
Price: 350 SG

Ms Louisa Raj

Title: Longan Can
Year: 2023
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Size: 23″ x 16.5″

Every festive celebration in my childhood was marked by the delightful mix of Longans and Sprite. It was pure joy in a glass. At 17, things changed; I became more conscious of my weight and sugar took a back seat. This can of Longans represents a pivotal moment of transition for me—from carefree days of indulgence to ones of reflection and self-awareness.

Ms Anit Kaur

Title: Hope Through the Cracks
Material: Acrylic on Wood
Size: 44 x 31 cm
Price: $1,200 sgd

Title: Liberation
Material: Acrylic on Wood
Size: 44 x 31 cm
Price: $1,200 sgd

Ms Ellis Liu

Becoming (24 x 30 inches) – $1,200

Painted during the height of the pandemic in a Michael Carson workshop, this piece reflects a moment of quiet introspection—of pausing between past and future, uncertainty and optimism. 2020 was a time of upheaval, but also one of growth. As we stepped into 2021, I reflected on the balance between embracing the unknown and trusting in one’s own journey. “Becoming” embodies that transition—of finding confidence, worthiness, and beauty amid uncertainty.

Fading Light, Lasting Beauty (12 x 12 inches) – $500

A study in contrast—fresh vibrance meets fading petals. The interplay of light and shadow captures the fleeting beauty of nature, reminding us that even in decay, there’s grace.

Lee Ziyao Vera

Title: Harboured in Love
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 16″x 20″
Price: $500

Like the tides, childhood drifts by, but the warmth of guidance and love remains — shaping who we become in this place we call home.

MERCHANDISE

Cups

1. Childhood Snacks

2. Milo Dinosaurs

3. Xiao Nai Long Bao

4. Otter Pair

EXHIBITION DETAILS

The entire event is free public access.
Opening Night: 21 March 2025, 5:30-7:30pm
Exhibition Dates: 22-23 March 2025, 11am-8pm

What to Expect:
1. 60 beautiful paintings by SAAC students, professional artists and recreational artists for purchase
2. Merchandise for a good cause – self-designed keychains, mugs, bookmarks & more!
3. Exclusive activities on opening night – meet the beneficiaries, connect with like-minded individuals, and enjoy canapes and refreshments.

How you can support:
1. Visit the exhibition and purchase art/souvenirs!
2. Follow our Instagram @coloursof.ouryouth for updates on how to purchase paintings and merchandise!
3. Make a donation via https://www.giving.sg/donate/campaign/colours-of-our-youth-art-exhibition-

Venue
Visual Arts Centre
10 Penang Road, #01-02, Dhoby Ghaut Green, Singapore 238469

venue here

Our Visual Arts Centre Exhibition Gallery Venue Hire Calendar For 2025 Is Open!

Foundation In Digital Art

Embark on a captivating journey into the vibrant world of digital art! Our Foundation in Digital Art workshop invites budding creatives aged nine and above to unleash their imagination and hone their artistic skills in a dynamic, supportive environment. From mastering basic digital tools to crafting mesmerizing digital masterpieces, children will explore a spectrum of techniques guided by seasoned mentors. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, participants will discover the endless possibilities of digital expression while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Join us for an exhilarating adventure where young artists transform ideas into stunning visual realities, igniting a passion for digital art

Colour & Texture Exploration With Acrylic Painting & Collage

Prepare to unleash your inner artist in a kaleidoscope of color and creativity with ‘Colour Blast: Acrylic Painting & Collage Techniques’! Dive into a whirlwind adventure where vibrant hues and mesmerizing textures collide in a symphony of imagination. From mastering the art of seamless color blending to discovering the magic of mixed media collage, this journey is a playground for your artistic soul. With each brushstroke, explore new techniques that breathe life into your canvas, transforming it into a vibrant tapestry of expression. Join us and let your creativity run wild as you embark on this colorful escapade!”

World of Manga [Foundation & Styling]

A manga art workshop for children and teenagers sounds like a fantastic idea! Here’s how you might structure it:
Introduction to Manga: Begin by introducing what manga is, its history, and its influence on popular culture worldwide. Show examples of different manga styles and genres to give participants an overview.
Basic Drawing Techniques: Start with the fundamentals of drawing, such as line work, shapes, and proportions. Provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw basic manga characters, focusing on simple shapes that can be built upon.
Character Design: Move on to character design concepts, including creating unique characters, designing their personalities, and developing backstories. Encourage participants to get creative and think outside the box.
Expression and Emotion: Teach how to convey emotions and expressions through facial expressions, body language, and positioning of characters. This can be a fun and interactive exercise where participants practice drawing various emotions.
Storytelling and Paneling: Explore the basics of storytelling in manga, including paneling techniques, pacing, and layout. Show examples of different panel structures and discuss how they affect the flow of the story.
Inking and Coloring: Introduce participants to inking techniques using pens or markers. You can also cover digital inking for those interested. Then, demonstrate basic coloring techniques using markers, colored pencils, or digital software.
Feedback and Collaboration: Provide opportunities for participants to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and instructors. Encourage collaboration by having them work together on short manga projects or collaborative drawings.
Final Showcase: End the workshop with a showcase of participants’ work. This could be in the form of an exhibition, digital gallery, or printed booklet. Celebrate everyone’s creativity and progress throughout the workshop.
Remember to create a supportive and encouraging environment where participants feel free to express themselves and explore their creativity. And don’t forget to have fun! Manga is all about imagination and passion, so let that spirit shine through in your workshop.

Academy Drawing Traditions

The academy drawing and sketching tradition, rooted in centuries of artistic practice, emphasizes disciplined study of form, proportion, and technique. Originating from Renaissance workshops and formalized by institutions like the Royal Academy, it prioritizes meticulous observation and mastery of fundamental skills. Students progress from basic exercises to complex compositions, learning to depict still life and common objects with precision and expression. This tradition values both classical principles and innovation, encouraging artists to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Through rigorous training and critique, artists within this tradition cultivate a strong foundation for creative exploration and artistic excellence.

Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy

This course on Chinese ink painting and calligraphy introduces young learners to the rich traditions of Chinese art. Through hands-on activities, students explore the basics of brush techniques, ink control, and the delicate art of Chinese script. They learn to appreciate the cultural significance of calligraphy and painting, developing skills in creating elegant strokes and expressive brushwork. The course fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills, while also providing insights into Chinese history and aesthetics. By the end, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural heritage.

Funk with Graffiti

Funk With Graffiti Workshop for children is an engaging and creative program aimed at introducing young artists to the vibrant world of graffiti and funk-inspired street style art. Participants learn the basics of graffiti history, techniques, and safety. Guided by professional graffiti artists, children explore the art of designing their unique tags, emphasizing creativity, expression, and individuality. The workshop includes hands-on activities, from sketching concepts to creating final designs with spray paint on provided surfaces. By the end of the session, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and an appreciation for graffiti and funk as legitimate forms of street art. Each child completes two original artworks, which they proudly take home, showcasing their newfound skills and personal style.

Batik Tales

In the Batik Introduction Handkerchief Painting workshop, participants will learn the traditional art of batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique originating from Indonesia. The workshop begins with a brief history and overview of batik, highlighting its cultural significance and various techniques. Participants will then observe a demonstration of applying wax with tjanting tools and dyeing the fabric. Following the demonstration, each participant will design and create their own batik handkerchief, applying wax to create patterns and then dyeing their fabric. The workshop concludes with a group discussion, allowing participants to share their creations and reflect on their learning experience.