Who is Tommie Goh in Singapore?

Tommie Goh (born 1939) is a multi-talented Singaporean artist, who has also served as a teacher, principal art educator, cultural planner, curator, and art administrator in Singapore's art scene.

Education

Goh received artistic training in graphic design at the former Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) from 1959 to 1963, and also at the Royal College of Art in London from 1964 to 1967.

In the 1960s, he received recognition for his print works from art competitions in Japan, India, Europe, and America, and became one of the early pioneers in the development of modern printmaking in Singapore.

Teaching

As an art educator, Goh had taught art in secondary schools from 1968 to 1977, and later on also gave art lectures in tertiary education institutions.

Public Art

Goh has been known for his contributions in the area of public art in Singapore. He was the Art Advisor for the Singapore Science Centre from 1977 to 1990, and worked on the conceptualisation, curation and installation of artworks in various public spaces throughout the island, including the Merlion Park, Suntec City, and Vivo City.

Singapore Art Society

Goh has also been actively involved with the Singapore Art Society (SAS) since the 1970s. He was elected President of the society from 1987 to 1991, and during his tenure, he initiated the annual “Contemporary Asian Art Exhibition” in 1989, which has since become a signature event for SAS.

Contributions

Goh has made noteworthy contributions to the art scene in Singapore over several decades, in multiple capacities as an educator, artist, curator, and art administrator. His efforts in promoting public art and curating international exhibitions have helped to enhance the cultural landscape in Singapore.