Speech by President Halimah Yacob at the #GBK85 Exhibition

Mr Goh Beng Kwan

Ms Hazeleen Goh, Founder and CEO, ArtAF

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen

Good morning. I am pleased to join you at the opening of Mr Goh Beng Kwan’s solo exhibition #GBK85 in such a unique setting.

Mr Goh is a renowned Singapore pioneer artist who has devoted his life to making art – at home in Singapore, during his training in the United States and while traveling throughout the region. He has received several prestigious scholarships and won numerous awards, including the inaugural UOB Painting of the Year award in 1982 for his work Dune. In recognition of his contributions to the local arts and culture scene, Mr Goh was also conferred the Cultural Medallion in 1989.

However, we are not here today to reminisce the past. #GBK85 is not just another exhibition or a retrospective; Mr Goh has participated in over 120 exhibitions - both solo and group exhibitions - and has no shortage of accolades.

The arts can bring communities together, and many of our arts groups have continued to reach out to new audiences through new methods of presentation, especially these past two years. #GBK85 too, is about reaching out to new audiences. It showcases not only his work, but also his life as an artist to inspire Singaporeans, especially the next generation through stories of Mr Goh’s rich lifetime of experience. This exhibition brings our various communities together to embrace the future of visual arts in Singapore.

Mr Goh has never stopped creating. He continued to paint and collage even at the height of the pandemic.  Eight of his COVID-period works are on display in the exhibition. These works are examples of what one can accomplish with tenacity, resilience and perseverance.

With new virtual platforms growing as technology advances, Mr Goh is keeping pace and exemplifies the spirit of lifelong learning. Even at the age of 85 years, he is extending his repertoire, which now includes augmented reality works and non-fungible tokens, some of which you will experience in the exhibition. This spirit of lifelong learning is definitely something we can all learn to cultivate.

Art enriches each of us in different ways. It can create a sense of wonder, challenge perceptions and assumptions, or provide enjoyment. Art brings communities together, uplifting our spirits and giving tangible expression to our heritage, values, and identity.

In addition, art allows us to express ourselves without having to use a single word. It provides an outlet for emotion, creativity, beauty, culture and identity – cornerstones of our Singapore society and the foundation of our shared future. It can also help to improve our mental health.

It is apt that Mr Goh has named the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) as the official charity of this exhibition.  A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to SAMH, and Mr Goh will continue to work with SAMH to ensure the energy of this collaboration extends beyond the exhibition, engaging with those who find solace in art.

I would like to congratulate Mr Goh for his lifetime of creative achievement, one that has made our nation proud and inspired generations. I would like to thank ArtAF, Conrad Centennial Singapore and National Arts Council for supporting this important exhibition in an unconventional setting, with its eyes set firmly on the future. I wish everyone an enjoyable day ahead.

Thank you.