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LUMEN | FEATURE
Soul Counsellor II
Made in 1987 , this piece by Brother Joseph McNally showcases the role of the Brothers as mentors and educators . Unlike the other towering sculptures , this small innocuous artwork that resides in the Administration Office , serves as a strong reminder to the staff of their mission in serving the many students that pass through the doors of SJI .
Brother Joseph McNally , FSC
God the Creator
A recent addition to the campus , this piece stands out on the green corridor that links the two flying blocks at Level 5 . The figure represents the creator of heaven and earth seated and holding a symbol of the universe .
Brother McNally was a man who had a burning passion for the arts and left an indelible mark on Singapore ’ s arts scene . His journey started in a small farming community in Ireland in 1923 . He then left his home at the tender age of 14 to join the De La Salle Brothers and taught in the local De La Salle College in Ireland .
He discovered his talent for art when he won a national competition in 1946 , setting him on the path that would eventually take him to Malaya . His teaching career began in SJI that same year , but he still found time to hone his talent in his spare time . Brother McNally returned to Ireland to further his studies in classical art from 1951-1954 before taking up a teaching position in St Paul ’ s Institution in Malaya . In 1968 , he took time off teaching to pursue a Master ’ s degree in New York , furthering his knowledge of the arts before finding the art form he eventually became known for - sculpture .
Brother McNally returned to Malaysia in 1970 and took up a teaching role in St Patrick ’ s School before becoming its principal in 1975 . Spurred on by his vision to develop the arts scene in Singapore , Brother Joseph founded St Patrick ’ s Art Centre ( now known as the LASALLE College of the Arts ). He also advised the Ministry of Education on the art syllabus and helped establish the Arts Elective Program . In recognition of his significant contributions to the arts scene in Singapore , Brother McNally received the Public Service Award and Meritorious Service Medal in 1990 and 1997 respectively .
Brother McNally passed away in 2002 at the age of 79 , leaving behind over 200 artworks and an indelible mark on SJI and the arts in Singapore .