The theme for this week’s illustration is cinema, bringing everyone an iconic Art Deco building in Singapore. The Cathay, Singapore first skyscraper air conditioned cinema in 1941.
The former building was designed by Frank W Brewer in the Art Deco style, an architectural style that was popular in the early days of Singapore. It is located at Handy Road and was Singapore tallest building in 1941. Stand at 83.51m tall, the 16 storey building is considered Singapore first skyscraper and first fully air conditioned cinema. The construction of of the former building was initiated by the founder of the organization Mrs Loke Yew and her son Mr Loke Wan Tho on October 1939.
The first movie screen is four feathers by British director Alexander Korda. Previously known as The Cathay Building and renamed as The Cathay on 2006 after a redevelopment. New complex was designed by Japanese architect Paul Tange. The key features are its glass facade that incorporates the original brown tiled facade of the old building. Now, there is a shopping mall in the multiplexes. The new building incorporated conservation of the original Art Deco facade of 1939 combined with the modern day design. One of the main prominent iconic symbol of the building is the large vertical signage that spells Cathay. Watching movies are one of Singaporeans favourite pastime and the local cinema industry had its golden era in the late sixties and seventies too. I had created two artworks, one titled “When classic meets iconic”. To match the theme, I have also illustrated 10 of my editorials storybook characters dressing up in 10 classic characters costume in movie history into this artwork.
Since I was a child, I always enjoyed watching Hollywood movies and one of my favourite movie is breakfast at Tiffany starring Audrey Hepburn and James Bond. One of the best aspect of classic Hollywood is the timeless beauty of its actresses and actor since their style are matchless and classic. I enjoy drawing detailed scenes featuring my storybook characters using colour, composition digital tools to create a bright environment. Some of the characters from movie history are Grease starring Jon Travolta and Olivia Newton John, one of the best runway fashion movie in the early days. Almost everyone enjoys the James Bond movies. His clothes are always dressy with the trademark tuxedo jacket with matching black trousers and a plain white collared shirt with cuffs. Not to forget his gun in his hand. There is one classic Chinese movie costume in my artwork too. The colourful cheongsam in the mood for love, starring Maggie Cheung as Su Li Zhen. Maggie Cheung wears around 20 cheongsam in this movie. I had illustrated the bold red floral with blue background.Who can forget the Seven Year Itch played by Marilyn Monroe in the classic billowing white dress. The main designer was William Travilla. I had a character named Charlotte dressed in this classic outfit.
Gone with the Wind is another movie costume which I had created. Vivien Leigh played Scarlett O Hara in a green velvet dress. Another costume which is also by one of the favourite movie character, to Catch a Thief starring Grace Kelly and the designer was Edith Head, one of the famous fashion designer of old Hollywood era. Grace Kelly plays the wealthy Frances Stevens, an American oil heiress. The costume is a black sleeveless top and a white shirt combined with a large hat and a black white scarf. Rachel transformed herself in a phenomenal red dress worn by Julia Roberts in the classic romantic comedy movie Pretty Woman. Julia Roberts played Vivian Ward in the movie whom fall in love with Richard Gere. Keri loved Mary Poppins movie which starred Julie Andrews. She dressed herself up in the same vibrant palette of purple, dark blue and red blazer with ruffle skirt, the trademark red scarf, hat, the bag and the umbrella. There is another stunning powerful costume outfit from the movie Cleopatra. The 1963 film broke records for costume changes and Elizabeth Taylor is breathtaking throughout its four hours performance. I have illustrated her golden dress with sculptural headdress from the movie. Last but not least, my favourite actresses of all time, Audrey Hepburn. To pay tribute to her, I had created two characters, Joanne and Irene in costume from Hepburn movie. Joanne in the famous little black dress designed by Hubert De Givenchy from the movie Breakfast at Tiffany. Irene dressed herself up in the stunning white dress with black accents, a matching big hat designed by costume designer Cecil Beaton, an outfit worn by Hepburn in the movie My Fair Lady whom she played Eliza Doolittle.
Presenting to everyone an illustrated tribute to the various movie icons, the costume designer, architect of building, Paul Tange, Frank W Brewer and Singapore local cinema industry. Through my illustration of the Cathay, I hope to invites everyone to return to the prosperous scene of Singapore past.
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