Celebrating emerging Singapore artists

Judging by the milling crowds at the entrance and the enraptured looks on people’s faces as they viewed the artworks, it’s no surprise that the Artrageous Exhibition by Little Artists Art Studio was an absolute hit.
The Visual Arts Centre transformed into a bustling hub with some of the art world’s youngest emerging talent from Singapore. Aged 10 to 17 years old, these local Singapore artists showcased their works on a professional stage. More than 2,000 guests and VIP artists were in attendance. The event was filled with dazzling examples of fine art skill and creative vision from students enrolled in the Little Artists’ Young Portfolio and Budding Artists programs. At the art show in Singapore, the students also gave engaging talks to explain their creative processes and works to the exhibition attendees.

Top art talent in attendance

The show was conceptualised and led by the Director of Little Artists Art Studio, Ms Shalini Kapoor and garnered the interest of well-known international and local Singapore artists. They graciously gave uplifting words to these exhibiting students on the many different journeys a professional artist can take.

VIPs also filled the Visual Arts Centre including Brazilian artist Deusa Blumke, Greek artists Emi Avora and Ellie Lasthiotaki and interior designer Theodora Martinou. Also in attendance were Singaporean artists Barry Yeow and Casey Tan, who was named UOB’s Most Promising Artist of the Year in 2019.

A review from a student

Attending the Art Exhibition at the Visual Arts Centre was an eye-opening experience! There were so many talented artists and beautiful artworks on display. By far, the most shocking part of the exhibition was reading the little white labels next to each artwork. The small font with the artists ages absolutely shocked me! Next to artworks that were full of detail and expression, I saw ages like ten, and nine. I was flabbergasted to see such talent at a young age. It was truly an eye-opening experience. Joshua Lee Chen Wei (age 13)

Endless opportunities for Singapore artists

Little Artists Art Studio is the only arts institution in Singapore providing this kind of grand public exhibition showcasing young children of artistic promise at professional venues. The number of attendees and amount of time spent at the show by visitors, families and friends were a huge confidence boost for these young talents.

Interacting throughout the weekend with esteemed local and international artists also provided these young artists with inspiration for their futures. And, there’s more to come in 2024! There are art shows in Singapore and international exhibitions planned for students showing great promise.

The future for local talent

This is all part of Little Artists vision as a specialized art studio that’s committed to providing budding Singapore artists with a high-quality art education experience. For more than 25 years, the art studio has seen students accepted into top colleges across the world. These have included Parson’s, Pratt, RISDI, UC Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Monash and RMIT in Australia, LaSalle, NAFA, SOTA, NUS in Singapore, and The Royal College of Arts in the UK.
These events are a first taste of the unique visions, perspectives and personalities of these artists. And their different stages of development, experience and maturity. To find out more about future events visit the Little Artists website.

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.