Artistic Resistance: Exposing Exploitative Practices in the Art Industry through Creative Expression

NIE Group Seminar Presentation A Story of Artistic Resistance ( Team Members (Left to Right): Tok Oei Kee (Jennifer), Chiang Song Yan Abigail, Wang Ya Hui Lin, late Ong Chai Har Rose & Mao Xiwen.

A Story of Artistic Resistance: My Role in Unveiling the Truth Behind the Canvas

The stage was set, the lights dimmed, and the audience leaned in. "Artistic Resistance" wasn’t just another seminar presentation—it was a movement, a theatrical experience that challenged the illusions of the art industry. As the discussion facilitator, my role wasn’t just to speak; it was to listen, to provoke thought, and to help our audience peel back the layers of artistry and exploitation.

The Journey Begins

Our team had spent weeks crafting this performance, each member bringing their unique skills to breathe life into the story. Abigail masterfully introduced the themes, setting the stage for a deep dive into the art world's murky ethical waters. Wang Ya Hui Lin engaged the audience in a hands-on creative experience, proving that art can be a force for good. Rose Ong and Mao Xiwen stepped into their roles as the gallery representative and wealthy collector, exposing the unsettling reality of financial deception in the industry.

And then, there was me. My mission was to bridge the stage and the audience—to transform passive spectators into active thinkers.

The Moment of Reflection

As the performance ended, I stepped forward, scanning the room. Faces were contemplative, some nodding, others deep in thought. I asked the first question:

"What moved you the most?"

A young artist in the crowd spoke up: "The struggle between integrity and survival. It made me think—how can artists stay true to their craft when the system pushes them toward commercialization?"

We had struck a chord. One by one, hands rose, voices joined in. Discussions flowed, uncovering layers of meaning beyond the script. Together, we explored the fine line between art and business, passion and profit, authenticity and market demand.

The Takeaway: More Than Just a Play

By the end of our session, the room wasn’t just filled with people—it was filled with ideas, reflections, and a newfound awareness of the industry's realities. We weren’t just actors, facilitators, or students; we were catalysts for change.

As I closed the session, I left the audience with a question rather than an answer: "What kind of art world do we want to create?"

Because in the end, art is not just about what we create—it’s about what we change.