Noise Singapore 2014 Showcase: Eclectic Expressions of the Whimsical and Weird at ION Basement 4

For those who are not aware, the art showcase for Noise Singapore is currently going on at ION Basement 4 this year!

There are only a few days left as the exhibition wraps up on 14 September. So, if one has time this week, do head down to the open area near Muji/ Jason's supermarket, any time from 10 AM to 9 PM, to admire some visually interesting works of art.

Noise Singapore, an initiative set up by the National Arts Council, aims to promote young artists, which include photographers, film-makers and musicians as well. Throughout most parts of the year, Noise Singapore had held workshops and concerts held to help create more buzz for these new artists. They could, after all, one day create something that might make the world sit up and take notice.

Noise Singapore 2014 Is Calling For Submissions!

Red Dot Diva first noticed something called Noise Singapore back in 2012, when she stumbled upon an artistic showcase held at a space in ION's Basement level during her lunch hour.

The next year, the exhibition returned to ION Basement. This time, it had expanded to include a section on photography. She also noticed, that the level of art drawings were even better and visually memorable, like those manga-steampunk-mecha ones by NAFA graduate Gilang Andrian, and the cute very tongue-in-cheek ones, like the Milo Dinosaur by PuffingMuffin or the whimsically illustrated Enimalphabets by Aderyl Tan.

The free postcards promoting Noise Singapore 2013 were prettier than the previous year's too. It was too bad that Red Dot Diva missed out on the t-shirt giveaways but hey, maybe she will have a chance this year! (Dear Noise Singapore, will there be free t-shirts again?)

Because Noise Singapore is set to be back in 2014, creating more noise and more exposure for young artists. In fact, the initiative which is set up by the National Arts Council, is now calling for submissions.

Noise Singapore 2012: A Showcase For Local Art Noise

Say what you may about the "lack of art expression" in Red Dot Island, and Red Dot Diva has found herself more willing to beg to differ. Especially in the last 2-3 years.

The art scene has been visibly flourishing in recent years. More commercial art galleries have been setting up shop here. And undoubtedly, the current generation - who have been exposed to a wider level of international influences - are more willing to break free from the shackles and expectations of the usual progression of stable career = success.

Even if more arts-liberal folks may deem the local platforms of art expression to be "government-funded" (or, in another words - censored), Red Dot Diva feels that the amount of promotion and support available in our small island-city is quite substantial. And to have any amount of support for art expression is far better than none. There are worse places to be in where one cannot even get on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or speak one's mind in at least - a humanely responsible manner.

It was during one bland, run-of-the-mill lunch hour, when Red Dot Diva somehow stumbled upon a mini art exhibition at B4 of ION by accident. "Ooh! Pretty Colours!", she first thought. A quick check around and she found out that it was part of the Noise Singapore 2012 Showcase.