I think this is a worthy question to ask.

However, we also find it troubling to view gruesome art, as lay people have the desire for art to be something appealing, cultured and ‘beautiful’. Truth is, beauty as a necessary feature in art faded in the 1960s when artists became more interested in exploring concepts rather than creating beautiful things (that had started to become too formulaic). Beauty and appeal were relegated to the products of Design, rather than art, and it is now the designer’s job to make things that are pretty and pithy, while the artist seeks now to ask questions, frustrate and complicate. Gruesome art emerges as one of the manifestations of art’s contemporary manifesto.

The question ‘is it really art?’ has really become moot in contemporary times. And that is perhaps the most troubling aspect of art nowadays, for lay people and for critics.

Auntie Sumiko Tan would definitely give a nod. That is if her head had mobility from the bandages of the latest surgical facelift, or was it and eye bags tuck, one is never sure and too timid to ask.

I am starting to see Auntie Sumiko as the downward or ageing side of the independent, misinterpreted caricature of the women’s right movement and the Suffragette’s fight for the vote. Many of those women of a bygone era had young families, supportive spouses and children. Their stand at home and at large is credible retort that this reporter is acting the wimp and spinning the excuses to justify. Follow her not.

Fortunately all know how she resides in Singapore. A contender for the title of Beverly Hills of Southeast Asia. Is drastic action required? Yes! Without the mask of a production media team, the artistry of cosmetics and layers of Photoshop filters, it would be a horror show to behold each waking, heart-stopping morning. I am but one of the fickle public, SQUIRM when Auntie Sumiko subtly associates herself with James Dean and Marilyn Monroe. 심각하게?

Quote from my baby sister after a read through for grammar errors, “Why are you so mean to that old lady? Let her enjoy her remaining years, Kor-Kor.”.

How about sparing readers the anguish of viewing your writings with your picture. Surely you a name is sufficient to secure credit for authorship, no need to be deliberately offensive, please?

Now where is that younger and obviously more sharper replacement? Pity for Sumiko 叔母サー is short term. My daily Straits Times coin deserves better.

FIN