An iconic figure in the history of contemporary art in Singapore, Tang Da Wu is well known for his landmark performances and his founding of The Artists’ Village, Singapore’s first contemporary art collective, in 1988. Over the past 40 years, his practice has often retained certain themes, such as the collective manipulation of mythologies and narratives, the engagement with contemporary issues, and the importance of spontaneous play. Also central to his practice are his workshops, which engage a wide variety of audiences with his themes and concerns. He has exhibited widely, having participated in the 52nd Venice Biennale (2007), the 3rd Gwangju Biennale (2001) and the 1st Fukuoka Asian Art Triennial (1999). (Text from Classic Contemporary exhibition write-up, 2010)‘Important Rumi’ is one of Tang’s latest series of ink paintings which features Rumi, daughter of Zai Kuning, a fellow TAV artist, along with her parents. In these paintings, Tang depicts Rumi as Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music and the arts. Tang’s blessings for all children of the future echo the Chinese value of unconditional love for the young. Recognizing the importance of individual efforts and awareness in the participation of society’s well-being, Tang aims to create social consciousness through his art.
