Singaporean artist Yong Wee Loon has been awarded the 2024 UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year for his artwork "A Sip Through Time." This piece, which evokes nostalgia by featuring artifacts from traditional coffee shops alongside modern elements like a QR code and surveillance camera, also earned him the UOB Painting of the Year (Singapore) award. Yong previously won a Silver award in 2017 in the Emerging Artist Category.
The awards were presented at the 43rd UOB Painting of the Year Awards Ceremony and Exhibition held at National Gallery Singapore. The event was attended by artists from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam as well as Minister for National Development Desmond Lee.
UOB Deputy Chairman and CEO Wee Ee Cheong stated, “The UOB POY competition reflects our long-term commitment to growing with businesses, communities, and individuals across Southeast Asia.” He also announced the launch of the UOB Artist Alumni Network aimed at supporting artists through exhibitions, commissions, residencies, and networking opportunities.
The judging panel included Regional Adviser Kwok Kian Chow and Chief Judges from each participating country: Dr Vichaya Mukdamanee (Singapore), Ms Melati Suryodarmo (Indonesia), Ms Bibi Chew (Malaysia), Mr Amrit Chusuwan (Thailand), and Mr Dang Xuan Hoa (Vietnam).
In addition to Yong's success in the Established Artist Category, Joanna Maneckji received recognition as Most Promising Artist of the Year in Singapore’s Emerging Artist Category for her work "That Blessed Mood." This paper collage portrays motherhood's strength beneath fragility using layers that include Financial Times article text.
The newly launched UOB Artist Alumni Network will support artists with exhibitions at prominent platforms such as Art Jakarta and Art Central Hong Kong. It will also provide opportunities for artwork commissions, overseas residencies, and enhanced networking within the art community.
The 43rd UOB POY Regional Winners’ Showcase is scheduled to be displayed at National Gallery Singapore from November 16th until January 26th next year. The exhibition will be open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. More information can be found on UOBandArt.com.