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Self-portrait of Joanne Peh as an artiste

SINGAPORE — Does it look like her?

Joanne Peh takes a shot at sketching for the National Gallery Singapore’s Portraits Of The People project. Photo: Geneieve Teo.

Joanne Peh takes a shot at sketching for the National Gallery Singapore’s Portraits Of The People project. Photo: Geneieve Teo.

SINGAPORE — Does it look like her?

MediaCorp artiste Joanne Peh revealed her artistic side yesterday (Nov 25) by sketching a self-portrait as part of the National Gallery Singapore’s ongoing Portraits Of The People project — a travelling community engagement programme that is part of the museum’s SG50 efforts.

“I’ve never really drawn a self-portrait before. It’s one of the hardest things to do right? I’m here to have fun, represent one of you and test this out. Maybe to inspire you to try it too — you may even be better than me!” she said at the launch.

“I can’t draw a straight line if it’s on blank paper!” she added. “Doing the outline is easy, it’s the filling in of the details that’s the hard part.”

Peh’s portrait will be among many other self-portraits by contributors from all walks of life. They are also invited to give their reflections on the National Pledge together with the self-portraits.

The actress said she would be working closely with the museum next year. And the exposure has changed her views about art.

“Two years ago, I was a complete novice. I thought art was only for the rich and unreachable, that it was the world of auctions. Then I slowly got in touch with art. I did a bit of drawing and had an interest in making something. I’ve realised it promotes creative thinking. I still don’t know a lot about art, but don’t be afraid of art and think it’s something that’s not for you. There’s a piece for everyone.”

The works will be etched in copper and featured along a walkway called the Art Connector that will link City Hall MRT station to the museum next year. Conceptualised by visual artist Grace Tan and design collective FARM, the Art Connector was inspired by Singapore’s geology.

“We wanted it to embody the 50 years of building Singapore from the ground up (and) to create a landscape of sorts,” said FARM’s Peter Sim.

The idea of getting people to participate and submit self-portraits is integral to The Art Connector, said Tan. “Drawing is something that connects people. It’s natural to us human beings.”

With the portrait project, she added: “You are reflecting on your identity. It’s art-making at its most meaningful.”

“Apart from the physical structure, we wanted this to connect art with the public,” said National Gallery Singapore director Eugene Tan about the Art Connector.

Interested participants in the project will be lent a tablet on which they will be able to trace their portrait over their photographs. The Portraits Of The People booth will be travelling to 50 different locations such as the National Library, ION Orchard and LASALLE College Of The Arts over the next six months.

It will be at Velocity until Nov 28 and at United Square from Dec 11 to 28. A website will also be launched next month to allow for contributions from those overseas, at home or in the office. Mayo Martin

For more updates, visit the museum’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/nationalgallerysg).

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