Singaporean artwork celebrating nostalgia wins the 2024 UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year Award.

AsiaNaussieBusiness | Singaporean Artwork | The inaugural UOB 2024 Artist Alumni Network, a competition-based platform, aims to provide enhanced support and opportunities for artists to foster growth and elevate their presence in the regional art scene.

Singaporean artist Mr. Yong Wee Loon’s piece, “A Sip Through Time,” won both the 2024 UOB Painting of the Year (Singapore) and the prestigious UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year (SEA POY) awards. This marks his second UOB POY win, previously earning the Silver award in 2017. The artwork, crafted as a diptych, captures a nostalgic coffee shop setting frozen in time, blending traditional elements with modern technology to evoke emotions of simpler days.

The 2024 UOB POY winners were recognized at the 43rd UOB POY Awards Ceremony and Exhibition, with Mr. Yong standing out among artists from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The event was graced by Minister for National Development Mr. Desmond Lee, emphasizing UOB’s commitment to supporting the arts community.

UOB Deputy Chairman and CEO, Mr. Wee Ee Cheong, highlighted the bank’s dedication to fostering artistic talent and announced the launch of the UOB Artist Alumni Network. This network aims to provide artists with opportunities for exhibitions, commissions, residencies, and networking across the region.

In addition to Mr. Yong’s success, emerging artist Ms. Joanna Maneckji clinched the 2024 Most Promising Artist of the Year (Singapore) award for her piece, “That Blessed Mood,” which depicts a poignant representation of motherhood. The UOB Artist Alumni Network will continue to support artists through various initiatives, including exhibitions, commissions, residencies, and networking opportunities.

Source: UOB