If you thought Singapore was just about shopping and dining, it’s time to think again. Amidst the bustling cityscape, the Lion City is home to a vibrant art scene that’s just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a tourist soaking up the vibes of our vibrant city, a couple craving a creative twist to your day, or a family seeking an educational yet enjoyable day out, here are several unique exhibitions to visit this month.
1. See Me, See You: Early Video Installation of Southeast Asia exhibition, Part 2
First on our list is a time machine that transports you back to the origins of video art in Southeast Asia. See Me, See You, Early Video Installation of Southeast Asia exhibition offers a fascinating look at the pivotal moments when video installation first emerged in the 1980s and 1990s.
Through experimentation, these Southeast Asian Artists combined installation, performance, audience participation together with video, leading to a new form of art as a result of their interdisciplinary approach.
As you traverse through the exhibition, you’ll encounter works that challenge conventional narratives and push the boundaries of what art can be. These installations will not only engage your senses but also provoke thoughtful discussions on the power of visual media in shaping our understanding of the world.
Where: National Gallery Singapore
When: Now till 4 Feb 2024
Admission is free
2. Now Boarding: Experiencing Singapore through Travel, 1800s – 2000s
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Explore the vibrant tapestry of Singapore’s identity as a sought-after travel destination, as you immerse yourself in the stories of those who have graced our shores, from the bygone era to the present day.
Now Boarding: Experiencing Singapore through Travel, 1800s – 2000s takes you on a vibrant journey, divided into four sections that revolve around transportation, accommodation, food and beverage, sights, and shopping.
Immerse yourself in a specially curated collection of fascinating artefacts and memorabilia that evoke nostalgic memories of travelling to and from Singapore. Marvel at the iconic analogue flip board once stationed at Changi Airport and explore the history-making Singapore Airlines’ A380 prestigious Suites Cabin seat.
Where: National Museum of Singapore
When: Now till 25 Feb 2024
Free admission for Singaporeans and PRs. Non-Singaporeans can purchase tickets for entry.
3. LKY: The Experience
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LKY: The Experience is a captivating, immersive exhibition that invites you to delve into the life and legacy of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first Prime Minister. This unique journey through history is spread across 20 immersive rooms within a three-story building, covering a massive 17,000 square feet.
The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to discover the man behind the name and explore iconic chapters of his life reimagined through engaging sets. It showcases the 100-year legacy of this founding father, providing an in-depth look at his significant contributions to Singapore’s transformation from a third-world country to a thriving metropolis.
Where: 11 Prinsep Link, Singapore 187949
When: Now till 31 Dec 2023
Admission ticket is required for entry. Free admission for children aged 12 and below.
4. Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas
Step back in time and embark on a fascinating journey with the Manila Galleon, a vital trade route that connected continents and cultures. Picture magnificent Spanish ships brimming with porcelain, silk, spices, and other treasures, crossing the vast Pacific from Manila to Acapulco. These voyages brought back countless loads of shimmering silver, igniting an era of vibrant exchange and shared artistic heritage.
Featuring over 130 extraordinary works of art from the 16th to 20th century, the exhibition reveals how people, goods, and ideas circulating through the global port cities of Manila and Mexico City created a distinctive shared cultural and artistic heritage. Looking at Manila as a precursor of Singapore, it reflects the unique qualities of Singapore’s own blended society and the important role port cities have played in artistic and cultural exchanges that shaped the world.
Where: Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555
When: 16 Nov 2023 to 17 Mar 2024
Admission ticket is required for entry.
Free admission for students, senior citizens, and children aged 6 and below.
5. Tropical: Stories from Southeast Asia and Latin America
Discover the captivating links between Southeast Asian and Latin American artists in a mesmerising showcase at the National Gallery Singapore. Prepare to be amazed as you uncover the unexpected similarities between these two vibrant regions.
Tropical: Stories from Southeast Asia and Latin America is the first large-scale museum exhibition to take a comparative approach across Southeast Asia and Latin America, uniquely animated by their struggles against colonialism.
Journey through the 20th century as you explore the stories of visionary artists, dreamers, and writers, who challenged conventions and forged powerful connections in the wake of colonialism. From paintings and sculptures to immersive installations and drawings, experience the incredible diversity of artistic expressions. Marvel at the remarkable parallels between artists from opposite corners of the globe and witness how art can be a catalyst for resistance and transformation.
