‘To see what you see is what you think you see’ | A Conversation with Mak Kum Siew

Learn more about London’s art scene in the 1960s and what it takes for a Singaporean artist to make it in a foreign metropolis, in this dialogue between artist Mak Kum Siew and Jennifer K. Y. Lam (Assistant Curator, National Gallery Singapore).

Mak studied art in Chinese High School under Chen Wen Hsi and Cheong Soo Pieng, who recognised his budding talent and groomed him. In October 1961, Cheong Soo Pieng and Mak headed to London together to pursue their studies in art. The quote “To see what you see is what you think you see” is taken from the last sentence of the artist’s statement that was published in the Serpentine Summer Show 1976.

Mak Kum Siew (b. 1940, Singapore) is best known for his abstract and minimalistic paintings. In 1961, Mak left Singapore for London to pursue his artistic ambitions, and eventually settled in the UK. He is currently based in West Ireland. Mak has exhibited widely in Singapore, Hong Kong and the UK, including solo exhibitions at Arnolfini, Bristol (1967); National Library Singapore (1967); Royal College of Art, London (1969); Commonwealth Institute, London (1970) and Alpha Gallery, Singapore (1974); and in group exhibitions at Institute of Contemporary Arts, London (1967); Royal Academy of Arts, London (1968–1981) and National Portrait Gallery, London (2000). In 1979, Mak was awarded the Grand Prize in The 11th International Biennial of Prints in Tokyo. His works are in private and public collections including Arts Council, UK; Museum of Modern Art, Hyogo; and National Collection, Singapore.

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_{This conversation was filmed on 12 May 2018. It was the first time the artist had returned to Singapore since he left for London in 1961. He is currently based in West Ireland.}