Ning Chong knows how to tell a story. Gesturing at the names inscribed all over an ottoman size white crown being exhibited at her private art gallery, The Culture Story, Ning elaborates on their significance. The names etched on this replica of English coronation regalia are, in fact, those of Indian freedom fighters who fought to end British colonial rule in India. Citing reports of the vast amounts of wealth pillaged from India by British colonial powers, Ning muses, "It's such a juxtaposition - this sculpture is very majestic and beautiful, but there are actually many layers of meaning and history to unpack."
Called Memoria Corona, the fibre-glass polymer sculpture by Indian visual artist Reena Saini Kallat is part of the Aesthetic Responses exhibition curated by art historian Savita Apte. The showcase consists of works of 10 artists from across South Asia, drawn from three private collections.
Ning and her father, former investment banker and avid art collector Chong Huai Seng, founded The Culture Story in 2017 as a place for curious art patrons, connoisseurs and enthusiasts to discover, discuss and collect new artists and their works. In addition to featuring pieces from Chong senior's collection of more than 300 artworks, the gallery hosts other collector led shows. It has put on noteworthy exhibitions that include Constellation, the Southeast Asian solo debut of New York street artist Futura, as well as Flesh Matters, which tracked the career of second-generation Nanyang artist Wong Keen.
The Culture Story's current focus on South Asian artists reflects Ning's move beyond Singaporean and regional art. "I wanted to look at something different," the gallerist and art consultant says. "Through art, I'm inspired to learn more about this region and its cultures. This decade is also tipped to be the golden period for India. The Indian economy is doing so well right now, so I said, okay, let's spotlight this region."
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