My Masterpiece: Kumar unveiled as the next ambassador for the art series
updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:07
Joining the lineup of 12, the National Gallery of Singapore announced local comedian, Kumar as their 5th personality for the My Masterpiece campaign.
Art is an incredibly complex subject that has perplexed one too many people. After all, it is an entirely subjective medium. However, one thing continues to ring true and that is the emotive capability of any art piece – no matter how minimalistic, avant garde or downright bizarre. And for that very reason, the National Gallery of Singapore launched the My Masterpiece campaign which will see 12 striking artworks chosen by 12 local personalities who’ve struck a chord with it.
After four personalities unveiled their choices early this year – MediaCorp actress Joanne Peh, celebrity chef Willin Low, distinguished writer Professor Edwin Thumboo and award-winning director Anthony Chen – the sharp-tongued comedian, Kumar Chinnadurai joins the lineup.
For him, he chose the ‘Wounded Lion (c.1839),’ by Indonesian artist Raden Saleh, as he could personally relate more to the dramatic and visually striking piece. “If you look at the painting carefully, the lion is actually not roaring mightily but is growling in pain,” he said before continuing, “I went through a very bad past. But I moved on like the lion baring all its teeth, pushing on and fighting the world to be who you are. There can be so much pain, but also so, so much power that comes out from all the battles we face in life.”
While it’s refreshing to see Kumar stripped bare and put on a serious front, it’s also heartwarming to witness how an artwork manages to stir up a whole range of emotions in an individual, signifying just how strong art can be. For more of Kumar’s thoughts of the ‘Wounded Lion’, you can watch it on the Gallery’s Facebook page here.
Now with 5 of 12 personalities and masterpieces announced, sit tight as the Gallery reveals the remaining 7 significant artworks which will reflect different periods and moments in the art histories of Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Tarandip Kaur
