Han Sai Por

Han Sai Por is a renowned Singaporean sculptor whose work has left an indelible mark on the contemporary art scene. Han is most notably recognized for her stone sculptures characterized by their organic forms. Prominent examples of her work in this style include "Growth" (1985), "Spirit of Nature" (1988), "Object C" (1992), and "Seeds" (2006).

Biography of Han Sai Por

Han Sai Por was born in 1943, in Singapore, a time when the island nation was under Japanese occupation.

After completing her education at prestigious institutions, including the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), East Ham College of Art, Wolverhampton College of Art (now the School of Art and Design of the University of Wolverhampton), and Lincoln University in New Zealand, she began her career as an educator.

She initially served as a teacher and later as a part-time lecturer at NAFA, the LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts, and the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, before transitioning into a full-time artist role in 1997.

In 1993, she held her debut solo exhibition titled "Four Dimensions" at the National Museum Art Gallery.

Han Sai Por is a prominent figure among Asia's foremost contemporary sculptors, having received the esteemed Singapore Cultural Medallion Award in 1995. In 2001, she played a pivotal role as the founding President of the Singapore Sculpture Society. Her list of achievements includes the Grand Prize at the Triennale-India in 2005 and the prestigious Outstanding Sculpture Award in China in 2006.

In May 2009, she made history by becoming the first artist-in-residence at the Society's Sculpture Pavilion. During her residency, she created sculptures fashioned from the trunks of majestic tembusu trees.

Han Sai Por's Art Style

Nature remains her primary muse, with her sculptures embodying organic shapes and a refined sense of grace. Her works are often distinguished by their innate sense of symmetry, equilibrium, and an intuitive mastery of materials.

Most of Han Sai Por's artistic creations are inspired by the vibrant flora and fauna of Southeast Asia's tropical forests. Her sculptures often serve as poignant commentary on the changing landscape of the region, addressing the critical issue of deforestation.

Han's expertise in stone sculpture is exemplified by notable works such as "Growth" (1985), a collection of five pear-shaped forms expertly crafted from white marble. Her repertoire also includes "Spirit of Nature" (1988), featuring three sleek black granite ovoid and spheroid forms. Additionally, "Object C" (1992), a pale grey granite piece evoking the shape of a canoe, stands as a testament to her mastery. 

Transitioning from her usual mediums of stone and marble to the flexible nature of paper pulp, Han Sai Por pushed the boundaries of paper's capabilities, giving it volume and texture. Her tactile three-dimensional artworks evoke the lush imagery of tropical flora and fauna.

In addition to her organic sculptures, she has ventured into the realm of geometric artistry. One of her notable creations in this genre is "Four Dimensions" (1993), a composition comprising ten geometric structures. This collection encompasses individual objects like "Tetrahedron–Tetrahedron Interpenetration" and intricate opened-up planes such as "Cubic Triangle," showcasing her versatility and mastery of diverse artistic forms.