The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is proud to present the works by Jia Aili, an accomplished Chinese painter whose works are a reflection of the dramatic changes to Chinese society after 2000.

Born in a time of open economy and increasing prosperity in China, Jia Aili represents a young generation worried about losing age old traditions and values in a fast evolving world, questioning the true meaning of life. The solitary figures in his epic-scale and visually stunning works, seem to be searching for hope amidst the ruins of modern civilisation. In the midst of his desolate landscapes, there exists a yearning and hope for a possibility of redemption and saving.

Seeker of Hope: Works by Jia Aili will showcase Jia’s works ranging from monumental oil paintings and installations, to delicate paper works.

A parallel exhibition entitled Lyrical Abstraction will also be presented, where the works of two young Singaporean painters with very different painting styles will be showcased – Jeremy Sharma with oil on metal panels and Yeo Shih Yun with contemporary ink and new media. On this occasion, SAM has commissioned the two artists to create monumental scale painting installations in the museum alongside Jia Aili. Both the young Singaporean artists demonstrate creativity and the ability to shape seemingly conventional art techniques into witty and ironic new forms of ‘painting’.