Vincent Hoisington (b. 1924, Singapore–d. 24 June 1972, Singapore) was a talented artist, sculptor, architect and musician who was active during the 1960s and 70s.1 He is best known for his murals and aluminium relief works.2
Early life
A Ceylonese, Hoisington was born in Singapore in 1924.3 His father was Henry Martyn Hoisington, a brilliant mathematician and the lyricist of the Anglo-Chinese School anthem.4
Hoisington was a self-taught artist who sold his first artwork at the age of 11.5 He attended St Joseph’s School during World War II, and was taught to play the piano by his sister, a skill that later proved to be useful. During the war, he supported himself by painting portraits and making technical drawings for the Japanese. When the war ended, he supplemented his income as an artist by giving piano lessons.6 In the 1950s, he worked on painting and sculpture commissions and conceptualised decor and window displays for Robinsons and John Little department stores.7
Accomplishments
Hoisington was a pioneer in aluminium art and sculpture. His painting style was influenced by Degas, Watteau and Pollock, among others.8 In 1964, Hoisington won a mural competition and was awarded a prize of $6,500 and the opportunity to install his three-dimensional mural, measuring 40 ft by 30 ft, in the newly built Chartered Bank building in Kuala Lumpur.9
Hoisington’s murals were displayed at various buildings in Singapore, including Singapore Polytechnic, Redemptorist Chapel, Merchant Seamen’s Institute, University of Singapore’s Union House, and the Writer’s Bar at Raffles Hotel.10 He also pioneered the art form of aluminium etching and relief in Singapore, and had used this technique in his interior decoration projects for hotels.11
In 1972, Hoisington opened his own art gallery in his home at No. 27 Margoliouth Road.12 The house had a long and varied history, spanning three generations of the Hoisington family. It was used as a hospital during World War II, and later became a studio for Hoisington and his children. Hoisington entertained a number of celebrities and artistic talents there, and amassed a collection of seven grand pianos and various artworks and furniture over the years. The house was demolished in 1982.13
Death
Hoisington died of a heart attack on 24 June 1972 at the age of 48, about two months after opening his gallery.14
Family15
Wife: Agnes.
Children: Karen, Henry, Martin, Victor.
Author
Roberta Balagopal
References
1. Ling, P. W. (1979, June 21). Brother-sister art team to make debut. The Straits Times, p. 2. Retrieved from NewspaperSG; Hoisington, A. (n.d.). A commemorative catalogue of the art, paintings and sculptures of the late Vincent Hoisington (artist, decorator) pioneer in aluminium etchings & sculptures. [s.l.]: [s.n.], pp. 6–7. (Call no.: RDET 700.92 COM)
2. Oon, V. (1972, April 22). Here’s a gallery that gives a homely touch… New Nation, p. 12. Retrieved from NewspaperSG; Hoisington, A. (n.d.). A commemorative catalogue of the art, paintings and sculptures of the late Vincent Hoisington (artist, decorator) pioneer in aluminium etchings & sculptures. [s.l.]: [s.n.], p. 6. (Call no.: RDET 700.92 COM)
3. Teng, J. L. (1980, September 6). Henry makes spectacular walls. The Straits Times, p. 3. Retrieved from NewspaperSG; Hoisington, A. (n.d.). A commemorative catalogue of the art, paintings and sculptures of the late Vincent Hoisington (artist, decorator) pioneer in aluminium etchings & sculptures. [s.l.]: [s.n.], p. 4. (Call no.: RDET 700.92 COM)
4. Hoisington, A. (n.d.). A commemorative catalogue of the art, paintings and sculptures of the late Vincent Hoisington (artist, decorator) pioneer in aluminium etchings & sculptures. [s.l.]: [s.n.], p. 6. (Call no.: RDET 700.92 COM)
5. Teng, J. L. (1980, September 6). Henry makes spectacular walls. The Straits Times, p. 3; Soh, T. K. (1964, January 30). Good day begins with a $6,500 cheque.... The Straits Times, p. 11. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
6. Soh, T. K. (1964, January 30). Good day begins with a $6,500 cheque... The Straits Times, p. 11. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
7. Hoisington, A. (n.d.). A commemorative catalogue of the art, paintings and sculptures of the late Vincent Hoisington (artist, decorator) pioneer in aluminium etchings & sculptures. [s.l.]: [s.n.], p. 6. (Call no.: RDET 700.92 COM)
8. Hoisington, A. (n.d.). A commemorative catalogue of the art, paintings and sculptures of the late Vincent Hoisington (artist, decorator) pioneer in aluminium etchings & sculptures. [s.l.]: [s.n.], p. 7. (Call no.: RDET 700.92 COM)
9. Soh, T. K. (1964, January 30). Good day begins with a $6,500 cheque.... The Straits Times, p. 11. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
10. Soh, T. K. (1964, January 30). Good day begins with a $6,500 cheque.... The Straits Times, p. 11; Artist Vincent Hoisington dies of heart attack. (1972, June 25). The Straits Times, p. 7. Retrieved from NewspaperSG; Hoisington, A. (n.d.). A commemorative catalogue of the art, paintings and sculptures of the late Vincent Hoisington (artist, decorator) pioneer in aluminium etchings & sculptures. [s.l.]: [s.n.], p. 6. (Call no.: RDET 700.92 COM)
11. Aluminium etchings that shimmer as they catch the sun. (1970, June 2). The Straits Times, p. 20. Retrieved from NewspaperSG; Hoisington, A. (n.d.). A commemorative catalogue of the art, paintings and sculptures of the late Vincent Hoisington (artist, decorator) pioneer in aluminium etchings & sculptures. [s.l.]: [s.n.], p. 15. (Call no.: RDET 700.92 COM)
12. Oon, V. (1972, April 22). Here’s a gallery that gives a homely touch…. New Nation, p. 12; Treasure house of memories. (1982, August 5). The Straits Times, p. 1. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
13. Treasure house of memories. (1982, August 5). The Straits Times, p. 1. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
14. Artist Vincent Hoisington dies of heart attack. (1972, June 25). The Straits Times, p. 7. Retrieved from NewspaperSG; Hoisington, A. (n.d.). A commemorative catalogue of the art, paintings and sculptures of the late Vincent Hoisington (artist, decorator) pioneer in aluminium etchings & sculptures. [s.l.]: [s.n.], p. 4. (Call no.: RDET 700.92 COM)
15. Treasure house of memories. (1982, August 5). The Straits Times, p. 1. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
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