Ahmad Abu Bakar is a Singapore-based artist known for sculptural and installation works. Although he was trained in ceramics, he does not limit himself to one medium. Instead, he explores a wide range of materials and ideas. As a result, his practice feels both flexible and contemporary.
Early Training and Artistic Development
Ahmad was born in Malaysia in 1963. Later, he studied Fine Arts (Ceramics) at LASALLE. After that, he earned a degree in Sculpture from the University of Tasmania.
When he returned to Singapore in 1996, he began teaching at LASALLE. At the same time, he continued developing his own practice. Subsequently, he completed his Master of Fine Arts. However, he left teaching in 2008 to focus fully on art.
A Practice Beyond Ceramics
Although ceramics remain central to his work, Ahmad goes beyond tradition. In fact, he often combines clay with wood, text, and found objects.
Because of this, his works move beyond craft into contemporary art. Moreover, this approach allows him to experiment freely. In addition, it expands how viewers understand material and form.
Themes of Identity and Belonging
At the core, Ahmad’s work explores identity and heritage. In particular, he reflects on the Malay experience in Singapore.
As a result, his works address migration, memory, and displacement. At the same time, they explore how people relate to land and history. Therefore, his art encourages viewers to rethink what it means to belong.
Balancing Order and Imperfection
In many cases, Ahmad’s works balance structure with unpredictability. For example, his installations may appear orderly at first. However, closer inspection reveals irregular lines.
These details, in turn, are intentional. Indeed, they reflect his belief in imperfect beauty. Consequently, each piece develops its own character and rhythm.
Exhibitions and International Presence
Over the years, Ahmad has exhibited widely. In addition, he has shown work across Asia, Europe, and Australia.
For instance, he has participated in the Singapore Biennale. Furthermore, he has exhibited in Malaysia, China, Korea, and France. As a result, his work has gained international recognition.
Education and Community Engagement
Beyond his studio practice, Ahmad is also active in education. Since 2009, he has worked with inmates in Singapore Prison.
Through this programme, he encourages creative expression. At the same time, he helps build confidence. Moreover, he continues teaching as an adjunct lecturer at NIE (NTU). Therefore, his influence extends beyond the art world.
Education
- 2001, Master of Fine Arts, RMIT, LaSalle-SIA of the Arts, Singapore
- 1995, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture, University of Tasmania, Australia
- 1989, Diploma in Fine Arts in Ceramics, LaSalle College of Fine Arts, Singapore
Selected Solo Exhibitions - 2021 | Candy Garden, Concourse Esplanade, Singapore
- 2019 | Langit Bumi Tanah a.k.a The Land of the Heavenly Sky, Chan Hampe, Singapore
- 2015 | Tanah Ini KuPunya: Objek & Objektif, Chan Hampe, Singapore
- 2012 | Tanah Ini Ku Punya
- 2001 | Points & Geometry, LaSalle Gallery, Singapore
Selected Group Exhibitions - 2021 | Singapore Ceramics Now, Gillman Barracks, Singapore / Artists as Collector Gillman Barracks, Singapore
- 2019 | Singapore Utopia, Singapore
- 2017 | 80by80, Tunnel, The Esplanade, Singapore
- 2016 | Tanah Air, The Private Museum Gallery, Singapore
- 2015 | These Sacred Things, Jendela Esplanade, Singapore / Secret Archipelago, Palais De Tokyo Museum, Paris, France / Once Upon a Hill, Utama Gallery, Fort Canning, Singapore
- 2014 | Budi Daya, Malay Heritage Centre, Singapore / Modern Love, Institute of Contemporary Art, LaSalle College of the Arts, Singapore / Jakarta Contemporary Ceramics Biennale #3, Gallery National Indonesia, Jakarta 1
- 2013 | Singapore Biennale 2013, Singapore
- 2012 | International Pottery Show, Naminara Island, Seoul, Korea
- 2011 | Singapore Sculpture Society – 10 years, National Library, Singapore
- 2010 | 2010 Ulsan International Onggi Competition, Busan, South Korea / Mungyeong Tea Bowl Festival, Mungyeong, Korea
- 2009 | Passsion in Clay, The ARTrium, MICA Building
- 2008 | 62-08: APAD Tradition, Innovation & Continuity, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore / LostCity2, Sculpture Square, Singapore / 8Q-Rate: School, 8Q Singapore Art Museum, Singapore / Catalyst=Equation, Fost
- Gallery, Singapore
- 2007 | International Contemporary Ceramic Exhibition: Asian Ceramics Network and Selsius 2007 (3rd ACN), National Art Gallery, Malaysia / Mapped, Jendela, Esplanade, Singapore / Passion in Clay, Shanghai, China
- 2006 | ASEAN Ceramic Workshop 2006, Galeri Seni, UiTM, Perak, Malaysia / Ceramics beyond borders, National Library Building, Singapore / The Second Dance Song – New Contemporaries, Earl Lu Gallery, Singapore / 2nd Asian Ceramics Network Exhibition, Bangkok, Thailand
- 2005 | The WAHANA Project: Imagine Legacy, Selasar Sunaryo Art Space, Bandung, Indonesia / Badang, Substation Gallery, Singapore / The WAHANA, Vargas Gallery, University of Philippines, Philippines / First Asian Ceramics Network, Craft Culture Design Innovation Center, Korea / Form-ing Materials and Processes, Sculpture Square, Singapore
- 2004 | Tok Selampit Millenium, Jendela Gallery, Singapore / LOST City, Utterly Art Gallery, Singapore / The LaSalle School Show, Earl Lu Gallery, Singapore
- 2003 | WAHANA, Balai Seni Lukis Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia / Discovery Phase, Art Two Gallery, Singapore / Singapore Contemporary Ceramics, Art Season Gallery, Singapore / Bilateral Bonds, Taksu Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia / Sculpture Biennale Symposium, Plastic Kinetic 2 Worms Gallery and NIE/NTU Gallery, Singapore / Power Show – Work in Progress, Substation, Singapore
- 2002 | BadEevilAwfulUglyTerribleYucky, Utterly Art, Singapore / Past, Present, Beyond, NUS Museum, Singapore / The Alumni Exhibition, Tasmania, Australia / New Sculpture Milennium, National Museum of History Taipeh, Pier-2 Art District Kaohsiung, Taiwan / Portrait Reasses, Earl Lu Gallery, Singapore
- 2001 | Nokia Singapore Art 2001, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore / Contemporary 2001-APAD, Calligraphy Centre, Singapore / Too2, Earl Lu Gallery, Singapore
- 2000 | Nokia Art, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore 1999 | Provocative Things – A 3-Dimensional Experience in Singapore, Sculpture Square, Singapore / Cartblanche, Alliance Francais’ Gallery, Singapore / Praxis, Earl Lu Gallery, LaSalle-SIA College of the Arts, Singapore
- 1998 | Drawing and Diagram: Ideas Personified (Singapore Art Festival), Caldwell House, Chijmes, Singapore / Everything Must Go, Substation Gallery, Singapore / Perak Arts Festival, Malaysia
- 1997 | Singapore Art ’97, Suntec City Convention Centre, Singapore / Look Exhibition, Earl Lu Gallery, LaSalle SIA College, Singapore / F.O.R.M., Barli Museum, Bandung, Indonesia
- 1996 | Inaugural Exhibition -Modernity and Beyond, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore
- 1995 | From Another Place, Tasmania, Australia
- 1994 | Prefx Point Travelling Show, Singapore and Malaysia
- 1993 | Art in Asia (Singapore Art Fair), World Trade Centre, Singapore
- 1992 | Metropol!!, The Substation, Singapore / Vision IV, National Museum Art Gallery, Singapore / The Space (Singapore Festival of Arts Fringe Programme), Hong Bee Warehouse, Singapore / Bread and Butter Exhibition, National Museum Art Gallery, Singapore
- 1991 | National Sculpture Seminar, National Museum Art Gallery, Singapore
- 1990 | Chrysalis (Singapore Art Festival Fringe Programme), Marina Room, Singapore / Best of LaSalle, Arts Affairs Gallery, Singapore / The Arts for Nature, The Exhibition Gallery, Empress Place, Singapore / Vision III, The Substation Gallery, Singapore / Australian Art Award, National Museum Art Gallery, Singapore / 3 Gateway of Malaysia, Johor Bahru,
Malaysia Awards - 2010 | Very Special Award, 2010 Ulsan International Onggi Competition, South Korea
- 1999 | For outstanding Artistic Creativity, Singapore Turf Club Art Competition, Singapore
- 1998 | The Arts Award of Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), Japan
- 1990 | IBM Art Award, Merit Award, Singapore / Teater Remaja -Kemuning, Indonesia
For full CV and biography details, please contact the gallery at enquiry@ipreciation.com
Images of artworks
