Hanuman
cowhide leather and bamboo
104cm height
Collection of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Two passionate arts educators Grace Leong and Matthew Foo from NAFA guided nearly 200 students over a decade in a learning journey across nine Southeast Asian countries, documenting the vibrant puppetry tradition in the region that breathes life into the epic stories of Ramayana. Puppetry has long served as a powerful teacher of morals and values, cultural expression, and artistic innovation. Through photographs and films, this cross-cultural exchange unlocks a multifaceted understanding of Southeast Asian puppetry, retold by students through youthful eyes. In this project, these archives are showcased alongside a dramatic presentation of Sbek Thom puppets and Myanmar marionettes from the NAFA Collection, reliving epic stories of the Ramayana.
Selected students will be guided by master puppeteers from Laos, the Philippines and Singapore in a special workshop in February, learning to weave their own Ramayana stories, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary artistry. This will culminate in a mini performance on 21 March, in conjunction with World Puppetry Day, a day of shared wonder that promises to transcend borders.
Jungle Ogre and City Ogre, 2015, hand painted wood carving, decorative textiles and string, approx. 100cm height, Collection of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Horse, 2015, hand painted wood carving, decorative textiles and string, approx. 100cm height, Collection of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts