One of the most influential genres of contemporary visual arts, pop art’s impact as an interdisciplinary visual language, with globalisation and the proliferation of information technology, continues to be a creative influence that extends across graphic design, video art, graffiti, new media art and photography.

New Pop New World explores the new terms and categories that impact the interconnected global visual art world in a collaborative exhibition of 25 artworks, ranging from paintings to digital prints. Reflecting a change in visual trends influenced by popular culture in Indonesia and Singapore’s contemporary art scenes, the artists explore themes previously regarded as taboo to present their own narratives on politics, religion and tradition, through their depiction of the ironies of everyday life.

Curated by Alia Swastika, the exhibition features established names in the Singapore art scene including: Vincent Leow who through his use of vivid colours that reverberates with pop art explores the idea of kitsch through his paintings, drawings and three-dimensional objects; Lee Wen, a recipient of the Cultural Medallion for his contribution to the local contemporary art scene; David Chan, known for his lurid, part-comic, part-eerie human-animal hybrid paintings that are widely interpreted as a tragicomic take on society’s collective split personality; and :phunk, a contemporary art and design collective that uses a highly skilful display of fresh and exciting images to depict how pop art is very much affected by comic visualisation.

The impressive lineup of contemporary artists from Indonesia include that of Agan Harahap, photographer and digital imaging artist whose works often combine the parody and satire of human life, looking at how religions have become a commoditized object in the mass media and the entertainment industries; Switzerland-based Eddie Hara, one of the pioneer pop artists in Indonesia who has influenced many artists of the following generation whose works display a solid dose of irony and humour, often populated by mutant women and strange animals despite serious themes in his art (politics, sexism, racism etc.); Arief Tousiga, who works with various mediums and probes with realist forms to communicate his ideas through visual illusions and Wisnu Auri, who elaborates intimate personal stories through a semi-autobiographical approach based on his daily experiences.

New Pop New World runs from 6 August through to 6 September. The gallery is open from 11.00 am to 7.00 pm from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11.00 am to 5.00pm on Sundays and public holidays and is closed on Mondays. The exhibition is held at Element Art Space at 140 Hill St. MICA Building #01-10/11/12 Singapore 179369. Contact number: 6883 2001. http://elementartspace.com.

I Love Anisong Concert

As part of South East Asia’s most anticipated Japanese popular culture event, Anime Festival Asia 2010 (AFA X) presents – The ‘I Love Anisong’ concert.

The two day mega-event concert promises a star-studded line-up of some of Japan’s hottest artistes including SCANDAL, JAM Project, May’n, Ichirou Mizuki and angela.

So get your tickets and witness J-pop at its best in Singapore.

Concert Details:

13 November: JAM Project, Ichirou Mizuki
14 November: SCANDAL, angela, May’n, angela

Venue: Hall 402, Suntec City Convention Centre

Prices:
2 Day Concert VIP Pass – SGD $198
1 Day Concert VIP Pass – SGD $118
1 Day Concert Standing Pass – SGD $55

More information is available at http://www.animefestival.asia/i_love_anisong.html

AFA X in Singapore

Anime Festival Asia 2010 is Southeast Asia’s biggest event that celebrates the best of Japanese popular culture and animation. Returning for its third year running, the wildly successful festival is set to dazzle and excite local and regional fans alike.

The event showcases activities and concert performances from highly acclaimed entertainers and artistes, including several who will be making their first appearances in Southeast Asia, as well as returning favorites. Visitors will also get to catch up on the latest in Japanese entertainment, fashion and innovation among the exhibition booths and concerts.

Whether you are keen to sample Japanese popular culture or an avid anime enthusiast, there’s bound to be something to suit your taste and interests. Details are available at www.animefestival.asia

Venue: Hall 401 & 402 Suntec City Convention Centre
Ticket Info: from $8 onwards

AKB48 - Anime Festival Asia 2010

The Anime Festival Asia 2010 (AFA X) returns this year to Singapore as South East Asia’s biggest event celebrating the best of J-Pop culture and animation.

As part of Cool Japan Special under the AFA X umbrella, the hottest idol group in Japan, AKB48 will be making their South East Asian debut in Singapore for one night only! This exclusive 1-hour “Live” concert is brought to you by the Cool Japan Forum.

Catch your favorite J-Pop idols before it’s too late.

Seats are limited, so get your tickets today. For more details and to purchase your tickets, go to http://www.animefestival.asia/akb48_live_in_singapore.html

Ticket prices
Cat A (Seating) – SGD $88
Cat B (Seating) – SGD $68
Standing Pass – SGD $48

Date: 12 November 2010, 6.30pm
Venue: Hall 402, Suntec City Convention Centre

Date & Time: 24 Apr, 3- 4.30pm
Price: Free (Open to public)
Venue: Marine Parade Public Library

For more information, please visit www.singaporeartsfest.com