SOLAMALAY NAMASIVAYAM

Underappreciated in his time, this book and exhibition serve to pay overdue homage to a visionary artist and educator who profoundly shaped Singapore’s art landscape.

S. Namasivayam, or ‘Nama’ as he was affectionately called (1926-2013), was a pioneer generation artist and educator central to the development of figure study and life drawing in Singapore. A key founding member of local art collective Group 90—alongside prominent artists such as Brother Joseph McNally, Mr. Chia Wai Hon, and Mr. Sim Thong Khern—Nama played a crucial role in organizing life drawing sessions and recruiting models, often backpacking tourists, for these sessions.

Against the backdrop of conservative post-independence Singapore, nude figure drawing was widely regarded as indecent and taboo. The group’s activities faced heavy scrutiny, yet Nama remained steadfast in his advocacy. Recognizing life drawing as a fundamental artistic discipline dating back to the Renaissance, he foresaw its importance in shaping Singapore’s burgeoning arts scene.

His perseverance, alongside the efforts of Group 90, led to the introduction of life drawing into the syllabus of LASALLE College of the Arts in 1987, solidifying its place in arts education and aligning Singapore with international artistic standards.

Points of Articulation is the fruit of a meticulous archival project initiated in 2019, offering long-overdue recognition to a pioneering figure in Singapore’s art scene. This landmark publication is a 280-page monograph that provides a comprehensive survey of Namasivayam’s life drawing practice. Richly illustrated with archival materials, it features essays from fellow artists, educators, and family members, offering profound insights into his dual role as an artist and educator. Contributors include esteemed scholars such as Dr. Victor R. Savage, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), NTU; Mr. Sim Thong Khern, former member of Group 90; Mr. Kwa Chong Guan, Adjunct Associate Professor at the Department of History, NUS and former Director of the National Museum of Singapore; and Sentha Wouterlood, Namasivayam’s daughter, who offers a personal account of his life and legacy.

Although relatively unrecognized during his lifetime, Namasivayam was instrumental in establishing life drawing as a cornerstone of Singapore’s artistic education. His dedication to figure drawing, despite social taboos, laid the foundation for figurative art in Singapore.

Accompanying the book launch is Points of Articulation: Repose, an exhibition showcasing a curated selection of the artist’s dynamic works and personal sketchbooks. The exhibition highlights Nama’s profound exploration of the human form through life drawing, featuring pieces from his prolific practice in pastel, charcoal, ink, and mixed media. With bold, instinctive strokes, Nama captures the figure with striking energy and a profound sense of presence.

Join us as we celebrate the life and works of a man who deeply loved and dedicated his life to art—clutching a pen and his sketchbook even in his final moments.

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Courtesy of Yeo Workshop