Mr Kwok Kian Chow, Director, Singapore Art Museum
Mr Li Xiyun, Deputy Director of Xu Beihong Museum
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening.
I am delighted to join you today for the opening of the exhibition “Xu Beihong in Nanyang". This exhibition brings together 90 works of the great master from selected public and private collections from around the world. I understand that a number of these works have never been exhibited publicly before. So, this is indeed a rare event.
Xu Beihong in Nanyang
2 Xu Beihong is regarded as one of the seminal figures in the history of not only modern Chinese art, but of Asian modernity. He was one of the first to articulate the need for artistic expressions that reflected the spirit of a modern China at the beginning of the 20th century. His influence extended well beyond China. His travels took him to Singapore, Malaysia and India between 1939 and 1942. This exhibition provides a rare opportunity to examine many of his most important works, including works that were completed during his Nanyang sojourn and drew on inspirations from Asia beyond China.
3 This exhibition also draws upon the expertise and research of Singapore and international curators and art scholars, to cast new light on a critical period of Xu’s life and art in South East Asia. It will bring out the close bonds that Xu shared with many friends in the region. These were relationships that lasted even after Xu returned permanently to China in 1942. Indeed, the Nanyang period left a lasting impression on Xu and was to be a source of inspiration propelling him to the peak of his career back home in China.
Strengthening Global Connections through Arts and Culture
4 I am heartened to note that this exhibition highlights Singapore’s close ties and artistic links with Asian neighbours including China, India, and the Southeast Asian countries. Our strong and friendly ties with regional partners are not just economically or financially driven. Even as early as the beginning of the last century, culture and art luminaries such as Xu Beihong were already visiting Singapore and Malaya to forge links with the arts community here. Together with Singapore artists such as Liu Kang, See Hiang To and Lee Man Fong, they laid the foundation for artistic and cultural exchange. Such exchange has continued till today. The fact that today’s exhibition is jointly organised by the Singapore Art Museum and the Xu Beihong Museum in Beijing is a reflection of our close cultural cooperation based on ties forged a long time ago. It is my hope that we will continue to strengthen and develop our cultural ties and artistic exchanges.
5 This exhibition shows that our museums are well connected with the regional and Asian museum network. This is extremely important as we seek to develop Singapore into an arts hub. Our museums must become trusted references and knowledge centres to access, interpret and showcase the wealth and diversity of Asia's arts and cultural resources. Our museums should also foster dialogue, develop scholarship and create platforms for enhanced cultural exchanges.
6 With the development of the National Art Gallery, Singapore will be better equipped and positioned to participate more extensively in collaborations, dialogue and cultural exchanges which would elevate interest and appreciation of Asian art.
Conclusion
7 In closing, I would like to thank the Xu Beihong Museum and in particular, Director Liao Jingwen for her support in this exhibition. I regret that Director Liao is not able to join us today on account of her difficulty in travelling. I am also glad that many of Xu’s best friends from Singapore and Malaysia are also present tonight. Many have flown in especially for this occasion. I extend my warmest welcome to all.
8 I am sure this exhibition, with its extensively researched catalogue, will not only be instrumental in furthering our understanding of Xu Beihong the artist, but will also contribute to the advancement of Asian art scholarship and Asian art history.
9 It is now my pleasure to declare the “Xu Beihong in Nanyang” Exhibition open and wish all our guests a pleasant and enjoyable evening.
Thank you .
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