Seven artists who were among a generation of awakened young artists of Singapore, met frequently to discuss the development of the country’s fine art. they were of the opinion that modern art should be explored with a positive outlook, lofty standard, far sight and panoramic vision. these seven ambitious artists, namely Ho Ho Ying, Wee Beng Chong, tong Siang eng, tay Chee toh, tan Yee Hong, Johnda Goh and ng Yat Chuang then founded the Modern art Society. Its mission was to challenge and encourage artists to reinterpret nature with a new vision. In 1963, they joined hands together in organising the 1st Modern art exhibition which was held at the national Library. Quoting from the foreword to the 1st Modern art exhibition, they felt modern art is: “a colourful artistic world reflected by thousands and thousands of unique hearts... modern artists have finally found the depth and breadth of the human soul, and make full use of the new forms of art to express new feelings and thinking.”
In 1990, the Modern art Society was invited to take part in the asian International art exhibition (aIae). Since then the society has participated regularly in this asian group show. the aIae was held for the first time in Singapore in 1995 at the national Museum of Singapore. the show was jointly presented by the Modern art Society and the national Heritage Board. More than 80 delegates from ten participating countries attended the opening ceremony.
Currently, the Modern art Society has more than 50 members and is one of the most established art associations in Singapore.
