THE GALLERY GUIDE J U L–AU G 2020
ADVISORY ON COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019) The safety and well-being of our visitors and staff continue to remain our top priority. •
Necessary precautionary measures such as wearing masks,
temperature screening, contact tracing and safe distancing are in place.
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The Gallery, together with its F&B establishments, have been certified SG Clean.
Given the constantly changing COVID-19 situation, please visit nationalgallery.sg for the latest updates on tours, events and programmes (including talks and lectures, workshops and courses, children's and family activities at the Keppel Centre for Art Education, performances and film screenings). Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we keep the Gallery safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Cover image: Latiff Mohidin Pagoda II 1964 Oil on canvas, 99.4 x 99.2 cm This artwork has been adopted by BinjaiTree in memory of Chia Yew Kay and Tan Kim Siew. Facing page (top to bottom): Image of #GalleryAnywhere. Chua Soo Bin. Legends (Ye Qianyu). 1985-1988. Photograph, digital print on paper mounted on aluminium board, 100 x 71 cm. Gift of the photographer. Latiff Mohidin. Pagoda II. 1964. Oil on canvas, 99.4 x 99.2 cm. This artwork has been adopted by BinjaiTree in memory of Chia Yew Kay and Tan Kim Siew. Image from Small Big Dreamers 2020.
Copyright in the content in this brochure may also reside in persons and entities other than, and in addition to the Gallery. The Gallery seeks to share our artworks with as many people as we can. We are fully committed to respecting the intellectual property rights of others and always use our best efforts to obtain permission for artwork images used. Please contact us should you have any queries about this. Unless otherwise mentioned, all artwork images have been provided through the courtesy of National Heritage Board and artworks featured are National Gallery Singapore collection. The Gallery Guide is published by National Gallery Singapore. All rights reserved. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent of the Gallery. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information within this brochure. However, changes are sometimes unavoidable and the Gallery reserves the right to make modifications to the programmes and ticketing policy without prior notice. Please visit www.nationalgallery.sg for the most updated information. The views and opinions expressed by speakers, facilitators and docents at the workshops and tours do not necessarily represent the position of the Gallery. Published in Aug 2020. All information is correct at time of print.
CO NTE NT S
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JUL–AUG 2020 2
About the Gallery
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Director’s Message
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Art We Love
5 #GalleryAnywhere 6
Highlights Calendar
Exhibitions
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Special Exhibitions
15 Long-Term Exhibitions 20
Special Programmes Tours
22 Gallery Tours 23 Performances & Talks 26 Rotunda Library & Archive
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Kids & Schools
27 Keppel Centre for Art Education 30 Shopping & Dining 34 Gallery Publications
Visit Us
36 Ticketing Information 38 General Information 40 Support the Gallery
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Digital Experience
ABOUT THE
GALLERY
U N V E I LI N G M O D E R N S I N G A P O R E A N D SOU TH E A S T A S I A N A R T National Gallery Singapore is a leading visual arts institution overseeing the largest public collection of modern art of Singapore and Southeast Asia. Situated at the birthplace of modern Singapore, in the heart of the Civic District, the Gallery is housed in two national monuments—City Hall and former Supreme Court—that have been beautifully restored and transformed into this exciting 64,000 square metre venue. Reflecting Singapore’s unique heritage and geographical location, the Gallery aims to be a progressive museum that creates dialogues between the art of Singapore, Southeast Asia and the world to foster and inspire a creative and inclusive society. This is reflected in our collaborative research, education initiatives, long-term and special exhibitions, and innovative programming.
BOARD MEMBERS Hsieh Fu Hua (Chairman) Jose Isidro N. (Lito) Camacho Chang Hwee Nee Chew Choon Seng Chong Siak Ching Jennie Chua Rosa Daniel Goh Kok Huat Nur Hidayah Shareen Khattar Professor Dr Apinan Poshyananda Doris Sohmen-Pao Professor Tan Chorh Chuan Whang Shang Ying 2
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Dear friends, The world has experienced major upheavals due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Its impact to society has been immediate and profound, affecting millions worldwide. Museums around the world, including National Gallery Singapore, closed to curb the spread of the virus. Despite the physical closures, I am heartened to see that audiences all over the world continue to find art an important source of comfort and inspiration. From virtual galleries to livestreamed performances, art has flourished in the digital realm. The Gallery has also rolled out a variety of digital offerings on #GalleryAnywhere for you to enjoy wherever you are. You may browse through digital artworks from our collection, watch, listen, play or explore a variety of educational, behind-the-scenes stories on our magazine, Perspectives. With the gradual resumption of our daily activities, I am glad to also welcome you back to the Gallery to reconnect with art. Art has the power to comfort, uplift and inspire. Our galleries invite you to discover new surprises from your re-encounters with our national collection and changing exhibitions. Be sure to visit the recently opened Latiff Mohidin: Pago Pago at Level 4, which is the homecoming of the artist’s solo exhibition after its successful debut in 2018 at Centre Pompidou, Paris—the first ever show there for a Southeast Asian artist. Even as precautionary measures slowly ease, we continue to take the necessary steps to prioritise your safety. As the world grapples with new realities, I would like to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to your health and well-being, while ensuring that the Gallery remains a safe, welcoming and inspiring place for all.
Wishing you and your family good health,
Eugene Tan Director, National Gallery Singapore
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ART WE LOVE
Ricarte Puruganan. Give Us This Day. c. 1974. Oil on canvas, 152 x 211 cm. On display in UOB Southeast Asia Gallery 6.
DID YOU KNOW? This rousing work is probably a critique of Filipino soldiers loyal to the Japanese during their occupation of the Philippines during World War II. It is a recreation of an earlier work that Ricarte Puruganan made in the 1940s, which the artist submitted for a local art competition in 1943. Unfortunately, the original version was destroyed during the bombing of Manila in 1945.
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#GALLERYANYWHERE The Gallery offers a wide range of art experiences, both in physical spaces as well as on #GalleryAnywhere, a one-stop portal to rich digital content and an array of virtual experiences that will keep you engaged and entertained wherever you are. Refreshed bi-weekly, #GalleryAnywhere offers something for everyone, whether they are looking to browse, watch, listen, or play to explore the myriad of offerings from the Gallery.
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Browse our Collections Search Portal to view artworks from the Gallery’s collection and materials from the Rotunda Library & Archive.
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Watch and explore our library of enriching videos that encompasses Art and our Gallery, ranging from Workshops and Performances that are live streamed on our Facebook page to Art tutorials for your kids.
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Listen to audio tours on our free Gallery Explorer app to enjoy rich audio commentary on our long-term and special exhibitions.
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Play on GalleryKids! where you can explore a range of educational activities for children from home! Learn more about the art on display, the buildings they are housed in, as well as the rich cultural and historical significance of Singaporean and Southeast Asian artists.
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Explore our magazine Perspectives for views, insights and conversations on art, and a glimpse into what goes on behind-the-scenes at the Gallery.
SCAN TO VISIT #GALLERYANYWHERE
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HIGHLIGHTS CALENDAR For the latest updates on exhibitions and programmes, please visit nationalgallery.sg.
JULY
11–12 SAT–SUN WORKSHOP (p. 23)
ART + LIVE An Ekphrastic Series with AJ Low
SPECIAL EXHIBITION (p. 10)
Latiff Mohidin: Pago Pago Latiff Mohidin. Detail of Pagoda II. 1964. Oil on canvas, 99.4 x 99.2 cm. This artwork has been adopted by BinjaiTree in memory of Chia Yew Kay and Tan Kim Siew.
AUGUST EXTENDED
SPECIAL PROGRAMMES (p. 20)
Small Big Dreamers 2020
SPECIAL EXHIBITION (p. 8)
Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends
Chua Soo Bin. Detail of Legends (Ye Qianyu). 1985-1988. Photograph, digital print on paper mounted on aluminium board, 100 x 71 cm. Gift of the photographer.
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Digital Experience nationalgallery.sg/galleryanywhere
EXTENDED
SPECIAL EXHIBITION (p.12)
Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Commission: Cao Fei
KIDS' PROGRAMME (p. 28)
Gallery Kids! SPECIAL EXHIBITION (p. 13)
Suddenly Turning Visible: Art and Architecture in Southeast Asia (1969–1989)
1–2 SAT–SUN WORKSHOP (p. 23)
ART + LIVE An Ekphrastic Series with Nabilah Said
29 SAT PERFORMANCE (p. 24)
NEW
ART + LIVE Resonates With Other dates: 25 Jul
PROGRAMME (p. 25) Photo by Makeover Inc.
Words that Count 7
SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS CHUA SOO BIN: TRUTHS & LEGENDS
EXTENDED
Until 6 Sep 2020 | City Hall Wing, Level 4, Wu Guanzhong Gallery
Chua Soo Bin Liu Kang 2003 Photograph, inkjet print on paper mounted on dibond, 50.8 x 40.6 cm Gift of the photographer
Singaporean photographer Chua Soo Bin (b. 1932) has packed several careers into one lifetime. He is renowned as a photographer, art director, art dealer and patron; his deep relationship with art tying together these different facets of his life. Truths & Legends pays tribute to Chua’s significant body of photographic work as well as the many ways he has contributed to the arts scene in Singapore. Featuring close to 100 photographs, the highlight of the exhibition is the Legends series. Comprising portraits of the most important Chinese ink masters of the time, Legends offers rare glimpses into the daily lives of these towering figures. The photographs were carefully crafted to tell the story of each individual’s distinct personality and ink practice. Truths and Legends also features never before exhibited portraits of notable Singapore artists. Discover intimate portrayals such as this photograph of Liu Kang and his wife, taken at his home a year before his death, offering us a rare look into the life of this important artist. 8
Exhibitions
CITY HALL: IF WALLS COULD TALK Ongoing | City Hall Wing, Level 3, City Hall Chamber
An online edition of the exhibition will launch on 8 August at nationalgallery.sg/cityhall. City Hall: If Walls Could Talk exhibition will remain closed till further notice.
City Hall, formerly known as the Municipal Building, has had a rich and colourful history since its completion in 1929. From colony to city-state, the monument has witnessed key moments in the country's history, such as the surrender of the Japanese in 1945 and the swearing-in of Singapore's first cabinet in 1959. City Hall: If Walls Could Talk presents an immersive multimedia journey that takes visitors through the pivotal moments that happened within the walls of this building. The exhibition brings history to life through captivating multimedia projections, interactive content and rich storytelling. It is complemented by a Social Wall located near the City Hall Chamber, which extends the experience to the DBS Singapore Gallery where visitors can deepen their knowledge of history through an artistic lens.
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SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS
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LATIFF MOHIDIN: PAGO PAGO Until 27 Sep 2020 | City Hall Wing, Level 4 Gallery Latiff Mohidin is Malaysia’s leading painter-poet. Trace his formative years as he journeyed across Europe and Southeast Asia from 1964 to 1969, and sought to develop a uniquely Southeast Asian approach to painting and writing. Coined by Latiff Mohidin, the phrase “Pago Pago” evokes the consciousness that emerged from these travels and is a way of thinking that sought to challenge conventions in art during the 1960s. After successful presentations in 2018 at the Centre Pompidou, Paris and Ilham Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, the Gallery’s acclaimed international travelling exhibition on this important Southeast Asian artist has returned to Singapore. Presenting over 80 artworks, writings, newspaper clippings, photographs and films, the exhibition explores Latiff Mohidin’s syncretic approach to form alongside his dialogues with other leading avantgarde thinkers in Southeast Asia who sought to define a place for this region in modern art. The exhibition also includes rare paintings from Latiff Mohidin’s early childhood years in Singapore (1949–1954) when he was discovered as an artistic prodigy aged nine and hailed in the press as a “boy wonder” with “the gift in his hands!”
Latiff Mohidin Pagoda II 1964 Oil on canvas, 99.4 x 99.2 cm This artwork has been adopted by BinjaiTree in memory of Chia Yew Kay and Tan Kim Siew.
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SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS NG TENG FONG ROOF GARDEN COMMISSION: CAO FEI Until 25 Oct 2020 | City Hall Wing, Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery
A ship sits amidst the gleaming landmarks of Singapore’s Civic District. The ocean, which would normally surround this vessel, now fills its interior. The work’s title refers to a Chinese fable about a raft that traverses both the Milky Way and the sea, suggesting distant journeys in uncharted waters. Bridging reality and fantasy, 浮槎 Fú Chá uses nautical imagery to allude to the historical and contemporary flows of peoples and cultures which have contributed to Singapore’s identity as a port city with numerous diasporic and migrant communities. Cao Fei’s family history is similarly storied with many links to Nanyang, “the southern seas,” a term that may also refer to geographical Southeast Asia as well as its regional art styles and cultural movements. She was born and raised in Guangzhou, a historic centre of foreign trade and commerce and the political and cultural heart of the Pearl River Delta Region. Cao Fei (b. 1978, China) is one of China’s foremost contemporary artists. Her practice uses moving image, photography, installation and performance to explore the daily lives of people navigating accelerated changes in social, political and technological landscapes. Series Sponsor
The Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery is made possible through a gift by Far East Organization. 12
SUDDENLY TURNING VISIBLE: ART AND ARCHITECTURE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA (1969–1989)
EXTENDED
Until 29 Nov 2020 | City Hall Wing, Level B1, The Ngee Ann Kongsi Concourse Gallery
Suddenly Turning Visible: Art and Architecture in Southeast Asia (1969–1989) illuminates the lesser-known links between art and architecture, and the role of institutions in the development of art in Southeast Asia. It reflects the rapid modernisation of the region during this period, at a time when artists and architects articulated new approaches that freely reinvented international art movements such as abstraction, realism and conceptual art in dialogue with folk and vernacular traditions. The exhibition traces this story through three influential art institutions in Manila, Bangkok and Singapore, presenting artworks from the period alongside archives, and newly commissioned and restaged artworks.
Presenting Sponsors
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SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS OUTBOUND Ongoing | Various locations Catch Nowhere before its run ends in October. “I was thrilled to be able to return after a decade to the original site to install Raw Canvas and work on its extension for Nowhere! Unlike my usual studio practice, this OUTBOUND commission involved many people’s efforts to make possible. This also gave people who saw Raw Canvas in 2008 at the Singapore Biennale opportunities to revisit their own memories of the work, some of whom told me that they still find it stunning. I am truly grateful to the Gallery team for this wonderful experience.” —Jane Lee, artist
Unveiled three years ago, Nowhere is Jane Lee’s commission for the Gallery’s OUTBOUND series. It responds to Raw Canvas, Lee’s monumental 2008 painting installed nearby at a staircase landing. Comprising a painted bench on a raised platform Nowhere invites visitors to pause and linger. When seated, they can glance upon a mirror-tiled wall that surrounds them to see a shimmering but fragmented reflection of themselves with Raw Canvas. This commission explores the illusory nature of what constitutes our reality and serves as a spiritual reminder that the only real thing in our lives is the fleeting present. The experience of sitting in between two works created a decade apart is of the “now” and “here,” a philosophical play on words by the artist. OUTBOUND is a series of unique commissions that imaginatively transforms transitionary spaces at the Gallery. Each commission is an artistic and temporal landmark that anchors and guides the visitor’s experience while highlighting the Gallery’s iconic architecture. The inaugural season presents projects from artists Gary Carsley (Australia), Jeremy Chu (Singapore), Jane Lee (Singapore), Haegue Yang (South Korea) and Yee I-Lann (Malaysia).
nationalgallery.sg/outbound #outboundsg 14
LONG–TERM EXHIBITIONS SIAPA NAMA KAMU? ART IN SINGAPORE SINCE THE 19TH CENTURY Ongoing | City Hall Wing, Level 2, DBS Singapore Gallery
Suzann Victor Yellow Ochre Digits c. 1988−1989 Oil on canvas 93.8 x 167 cm Gift of anonymous donor On display at DBS Singapore Gallery 3
“Siapa Nama Kamu?” means “What is your name?” The inaugural exhibition of the DBS Singapore Gallery poses this question, inviting visitors to consider how art may relate to issues of self and community, and what it means to look at Singapore through its art. Siapa Nama Kamu? weaves together a rich and captivating narrative featuring artworks in a broadly chronological sequence, tracing Singapore’s art history from the 19th century to the present day. Drawing on almost 400 works, it explores the influences and practices that have shaped and transformed Singapore art. Liu Kang Gallery Located within the DBS Singapore Gallery, this space commemorates pioneer artist Liu Kang’s role in the development of modern art in Singapore. In 2003, Liu Kang (1911–2004) and his wife Chen Jen Pin (1913–2009) generously donated close to 1,000 paintings and works on paper to the National Collection, forming the largest donation of a single artist’s work to the Collection to date.
The DBS Singapore Gallery is made possible through a gift by DBS Bank. 15
LONG–TERM EXHIBITIONS BETWEEN DECLARATIONS & DREAMS: ART OF SOUTHEAST ASIA SINCE THE 19TH CENTURY Ongoing | Supreme Court Wing, Levels 3–5, UOB Southeast Asia Gallery
Itji Tarmizi. Menyongsong Fajar (Watching the Sunrise), c. 1950s–1965. Oil on canvas, 132.5 x 191.5 cm. On display at UOB Southeast Asia Gallery 6, Level 3, Supreme Court Wing.
Housed in the former Supreme Court building, the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery presents over 300 artworks that trace the shared artistic impulses across Southeast Asia since the mid-19th century. The exhibition navigates the art history of Southeast Asia as one that is characterised by a continuous engagement with global artistic concerns as the region’s artists negotiated the meaning of art and sought to reinvent vernacular traditions. Displayed in a largely chronological sequence, the exhibition is punctuated by key turning points in artistic sensibilities, demonstrating that art is inseparably linked to the region’s tumultuous social and political histories.
The UOB Southeast Asia Gallery is made possible through a gift by UOB. 16
LISTENING TO ARCHITECTURE: THE GALLERY’S HISTORIES AND TRANSFORMATIONS Ongoing | City Hall Wing, Level 4, ArchiGallery
Zai Tang. Resident Frequencies: A Brief Aural History of National Gallery Singapore, 2017. Eight-channel sound installation, 36:00 mins. Commissioned by National Gallery Singapore. Image courtesy of the artist.
The architecture of the City Hall and former Supreme Court buildings may be imagined as an ongoing conversation between different generations across time. The inaugural exhibition at the ArchiGallery offers insights into the enduring histories and architectural designs of the two national monuments and their dramatic transformations into a home for Southeast Asian art. It also features never-before-seen artefacts excavated from the Gallery’s grounds, and a commissioned sonic artwork by artist Zai Tang that draws on the historical, social and spatial memories created in the buildings.
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LONG–TERM EXHIBITIONS LAW OF THE LAND: HIGHLIGHTS OF SINGAPORE’S CONSTITUTIONAL DOCUMENTS Ongoing | Supreme Court Wing, Level 3, Chief Justice's Chamber & Office
Organised by the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) and the National Library Board (NLB), this exhibition explores the history of Singapore’s constitutional development from a British settlement in 1819 to its emergence as a sovereign republic in 1965. It presents a selection of 23 rare documents from the NAS and NLB's collections, each capturing a key moment in Singapore's legal history and journey to independence.
Third Charter of Justice, 1855 This document affirmed the reception of English law in Singapore and provided the settlement with its own professional judge (then known as a Recorder).
Left to right Courtesy of the National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board. | Yusof Ishak Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore. | Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore. | The Hebblewhite Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.
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UNREALISED Ongoing | Accessible only via the Gallery Explorer app
unrealised is a virtual experience, developed in dialogue with three artists—Heman Chong, Ho Tzu Nyen and Erika Tan. It tests the potentials of the digital image within the physical spaces of the Gallery’s long-term displays. To access unrealised, please download the Gallery Explorer app at the App Store and Google Play store or borrow a device from Visitor Services at Level B1. Made possible with the support of the Gallery’s Innovation Partner Accenture. For more information, please visit nationalgallery.sg/unrealised.
SCAN TO DOWNLOAD APP
Please note earphones are required to experience unrealised. 19
SPECIAL PROGRAMMES
1 Jun 2020–28 Mar 2021 | smallbigdreamers.com Dive into a digital playground to play, learn and create with art, and enjoy a host of content and activities inspired by the art of Singapore and Southeast Asia. New material is released throughout the festival period, so stay tuned!
Development Partner:
SCAN TO START EXPLORING
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Special Programmes
ENJOY STIMULATING ACTIVITIES ACROSS FOUR FUN-FILLED ZONES!
ARTISTS' STU DIO five Singapore Get up close and personal with the red the inspi and Southeast Asian artworks that rience. expe ing view rsive festival through an imme Choy Weng Yang. Horizontals I. 1977. Gift of the artist.
Oil on canvas, 92 x 92 cm.
PLAY AND DISCOVER Immerse yourself in interactive games based on featured artworks, where kids can use colours to express their feelings, or learn about how artists use light and shadow in their paintings!
MAKE AND CREATE Unleash little ones' creativity with a selection of downloadable activity sheets, where you'll get to craft your own paint brush, or build a 3D house!
Sudjana Kerton. Gamelan Orchestra. 1960. Oil on canvas, 89 x 127.5 cm.
Georgette Chen. Tropical Fruits. 1969. Oil on canvas, 73 x 92 cm. Gift of the artist.
WATCH AN D LISTEN Enjoy a series of guided videos featuring easy step- By artist Yeo Shih Yun by-step instructions g to make art right at home usin everyday materials.
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GALLERY TOURS Free Daily Tours, Back of House Tours and Group tours for Community Groups and Corporate or other private groups have been suspended till further notice. Please visit tickets.nationalgallery.sg/tours for the latest updates on Free Daily Tours and Back of House Tours. Please email groupenquiries@nationalgallery.sg for latest updates on Group Tours.
SELF-GUIDED TOURS You may also download the free Gallery Explorer app where you will find a variety of self-guided tours.
GALLERY EXPLORER AUDIO TOURS Download our free Gallery Explorer app to enjoy rich audio commentary on our long-term and special exhibitions. The Gallery Explorer app is developed in collaboration with our Innovation Partner Accenture.
SCAN TO DOWNLOAD GALLERY EXPLORER APP
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PERFORMANCES & TALKS Please visit nationalgallery.sg for the latest updates on programmes.
ART + LIVE Art + Live is a series of online programmes focusing on movement, music and literature. All programmes will be streamed on the Gallery's Facebook page.
AN EKPHRASTIC SERIES WITH AJ LOW Tours
Sat–Sun 11–12 Jul | 2.30–3pm Join Adan Jimenez and Felicia Low-Jimenez, the husband-and-wife writing team behind AJ Low and creators of the award-winning Sherlock Sam series of children’s books. Together, they will discuss art and video games, providing insight into how art, popular culture and literature intertwine while bringing viewers through some of the artworks in the Gallery’s long-term exhibition, Between Declarations and Dreams: Art of Southeast Asia since the 19th Century. The tour will also be interspersed with personal reflections on the video games they play.
AN EKPHRASTIC SERIES WITH NABILAH SAID Sat–Sun 1–2 Aug | 2.30–3pm Join writer Nabilah Said for this edition of An Ekphrastic Series, featuring an intimate tour of our special exhibition Latiff Mohidin: Pago Pago. Viewers will be then be invited to create their own ekphrastic responses through a special creative writing prompt at the end of the programme.
An Ekphrastic Series is a recurring, pre-recorded programme that invites Singapore’s leading writers, poets and playwrights to respond to our exhibitions. It is organised with the assistance of the literary non-profit Sing Lit Station and is filmed / edited by Sherman Ong. Please note that the programme will be broadcasted online via Facebook Live at the Gallery’s Facebook page. A live Q&A will be hosted on the comments thread during the programme. 23
PERFORMANCES & TALKS RESONATES WITH Sat 25 Jul & 29 Aug | 2.30–3pm | Gallery Facebook Our monthly concert series invites young and professional musicians to musically respond to the themes found in our artworks and exhibitions. A livestream of the sessions will also be available on our Facebook page. Upcoming concerts:
B-L Duo 25 Jul Lynnette Seah for Siapa Nama Kamu? Art in Singapore since the 19th Century 29 Aug
Photo by Makeover Inc.
DAN KAU MERANTAU LAGI // AND YOU WANDER ONCE AGAIN, Jul–Sep 2020 | Digital mixed-format symposium hosted on the Gallery’s website and via Facebook Live Conceived with the poet-painter Latiff Mohidin, this event brings together artists, activists and writers who traverse the spheres of spatial analysis, aural spatialisation and digital surveillance. Through readings, conversations, performances and film screenings, it will explore how we imagine, speculate on, and generate modes of living in a post-COVID19 Southeast Asia. Unfolding over a number of weeks, this gathering expands, echoes, and complicates the concept of merantau, which lies at the heart of Latiff Mohidin’s Pago Pago series. This Minangkabau practice, whereby one willingly leaves the familiar behind, is an act of simultaneous construction and destruction.
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Latiff Mohidin in Laos. 1968. Image courtesy Latiff Mohidin.
WORDS THAT COUNT Launching in Aug | nationalgallery.sg/wordsthatcount
Performances & Talks
Words that Count is a programme that invites everyone, particularly healthcare and frontline workers tirelessly battling the COVID-19 pandemic, to join us in creating a blackout poem with words borrowed from our artists and writers. Art is a powerful emotive platform that allows us to express ourselves while bringing people together. Blackout poems are a form of visual poetry that use an existing text to create a new piece of art. Your blackout poem can offer words of encouragement to a friend, neighbour and others in our community, or share your reflections on being a frontline worker in these challenging times.
SCAN TO VISIT
DOCENT-LED PROGRAMME Every Thu & Sat from 16 Jul–29 Aug Join our docents to explore themes from the Gallery's exhibitions from the comfort of your home! Available in English and Mandarin. Visit nationalgallery.sg/whats-on for the full schedule, and to sign up! 25
ROTUNDA LIBRARY & ARCHIVE The Rotunda Library & Archive will remain closed till further notice.
Situated in the heart of the former Supreme Court, where the legal reference library was once located, the Rotunda Library & Archive offers visitors a gateway to the Gallery’s extensive collection of reference and archival materials focusing on 19th to 20th century art of Singapore and Southeast Asia, and provides a welcoming environment for reading and research. The Library & Archive collection consists of approximately 20,000 archival and nearly 10,000 reference materials. Of these, the archives consist of artists’ primary resources such as letters, writings, interviews, recordings of performances, sketches and drawings, as well as press clippings and other exhibition-related ephemera. The resources continue to grow thanks to the generous support of artists and their families, collectors and other collaborators. For assistance or enquiries, please write to library.archive@nationalgallery.sg. You may also access a large selection of resources from our artwork and Library & Archive collections on our Collections Search Portal at collections.nationalgallery.sg/#/. OPERATING HOURS: Mon–Fri 10am–12.30pm, 2–5pm *The hours may be changed in accordance with the Government’s latest COVID-19 advisory. Please check the Gallery’s website and social media for latest information.
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KEPPEL CENTRE FOR ART EDUCATION
The Keppel Centre for Art Education will remain closed till further notice. Please visit nationalgallery.sg/gallerykids for a range of fun activities to do from home!
The Keppel Centre for Art Education is a dynamic space where art inspires new ways of learning. Experience immersive spaces that encourage imagination, creativity, and self-led exploration. The Keppel Centre also provides a lively lineup of programmes for youth, children, and families all year round.
Kids & Schools
Zainudin Samsuri. Dayinh Sampan: be your own captain on deck. 2019. Commissioned by National Gallery Singapore
Located on Level 1 of the City Hall Wing, the Keppel Centre is easily accessible to schools and families with young children. Admission is free. For more information, please visit nationalgallery.sg/discover-learn/ keppel-centre-for-art-education. The Keppel Centre for Art Education is made possible through a gift by Keppel Corporation.
Let’s keep the Keppel Centre clean and safe for everyone to enjoy, with just 3 easy steps!
3
e asy s teps
1. Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough 2. Wash your hands with soap and water 3. Tell an adult if you are not feeling well and rest at home
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KIDS’ PROGRAMMES & ACTIVITIES Every weekend, enjoy family programmes that draw on the Gallery’s collection to introduce young ones to art. Designed in collaboration with artists and art practitioners, our programmes aim to develop a sense of curiosity and imagination in children. To receive the latest programme information, sign up to our mailing list at the Keppel Centre for Art Education reception counters or visit nationalgallery.sg/gallerykids.
FAMILY PROGRAMMES 3+
YEARS
DOWNLOADABLE ART ACTIVITIES
Explore creative ways to learn about the Gallery's artworks with thematic hands-on activities that can be easily completed at home. 3–10 YEARS
STORIES IN ART
Listen as our storyteller unravels folklores and tales hidden in the treasure trove of artworks found in our Gallery and join in the fun with a song or rhyme!
4+
YEARS
ART TUTORIALS
Join a craft session with the Gallery’s facilitators where they show families how to explore different art techniques using common materials found at home. 13–18 YEARS
DIY WITH ARTISTS
Local artists take the stage, demonstrating techniques that will help teenagers understand art-making concepts and inspire them to experiment and create their own artworks at home.
OTHER KIDS’ ACTIVITIES I-SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE Ages 4–9 Children are invited to don their detective hats and challenged to spot items, colours and patterns in this I-Spy activity. For more information, please visit nationalgallery.sg/discover-learn/gallerykids. 28
ARTFUL PARENTING Want to learn how to nurture your child's curiosity and imagination? Discover tips and bite-sized information on artful parenting in a series of articles by educators and artists.
FAMILY ARTFUL CONVERSATIONS Bond with your children through discussions on thought-provoking questions based on different themes and artworks each month.
SCHOOL PROGRAMMES Our school programmes support teaching, learning and research in art and museum education with a variety of digital resources. Virtual Museum-based Learning Tours Facilitated by museum educators, these virtual tours allow students to participate in museum-based learning. Click and Play! Our thematic e-learning slide decks feature artworks and discussion points, helping teachers to facilitate meaningful discussions in classrooms.
EDUCATORS’ PROGRAMMES The Gallery offers a variety of programmes to support educators in connecting students with art. Designed to develop visual literacy, art interpretive skills and museum-based educational strategies, we encourage educators to check out the rich resources at nationalgallery.sg/ discover-learn/schools or request for e-learning packs via email. For more information, please email school.bookings@nationalgallery.sg. 29
SHOPPING & DINING
City Hall Wing, Level 1 | Tel: 6385 6683 Sat–Thu 10am–7pm; Fri 10am–9pm
MUSEUM STORE Gallery & Co. is a progressive retail and F&B concept with a bookstore, cafeteria, bar and store in a continuous space. It applies a global perspective to inspirations taken from Southeast Asian art and culture, fusing art and design into a curated retail experience. Gallery & Co.’s limited edition exhibition capsule collections are created exclusively for the Gallery. Each product is thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of an artwork, extending it into the rhythms of everyday life.
From left to right: Bookmarks $2.50 | Tote Bag $39.90 | Steak Rice Bowl $17 | Postcard $3.50 All inclusive of GST.
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GalleryandCo Gallery & Co. Museum Store and Cafeteria will remain closed till further notice.
galleryandco
For the latest updates on our Shopping & Dining outlets, please visit nationalgallery.sg/see-do/shopping-and-dining.
CAFETERIA Complementing Gallery & Co.’s retail ethos, the Cafeteria features a mash-up of vibrant Asian influences with classic favourites, and a dynamic list of collaborations with guest chefs inspired by the Gallery’s exhibitions.
Shopping & Dining
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SHOPPING & DINING ART City Hall Wing, Level 5 | Tel: 6866 1977 Daily noon–2pm, 6–10pm Art is an elegant contemporary Italian restaurant helmed by Michelin-star Chef-Restaurateur Beppe De Vito. Dining at Art is a journey, and the menu is an ever-evolving exploration of rich Italian tradition and top quality produce, elevated with technical innovation. AURA City Hall Wing, Level 6 | Tel: 6866 1977 Daily 11.30am–1am Fronted by the spectacular skyline of Marina Bay, Aura is the ultimate rooftop bar with a stunning selection of refreshing cocktail classics, wines, spirits and bites.
COURTYARD CAFÉ Supreme Court Wing, Level 1 | Tel: 6384 1874 Sat–Thu & Public Holidays 9.30am–7pm Fri & Eve of Public Holidays 9.30am–8pm Specialising in Straits Asian food, Courtyard Café serves authentic and modern interpretations of local dishes alongside a selection of traditional kuehs, cakes, toasts and beverages. COURTYARD LOUNGE Supreme Court Wing, Level 1 | Tel: 6384 1874 Sat–Thu & Public Holidays 9.30am–7pm Fri & Eve of Public Holidays 9.30am–8pm Nestled in a cosy corner of the Gallery, Courtyard Lounge serves Asian-fusion tapas in a tranquil ambience with relaxing jazz music.
HACHI RESTAURANT Supreme Court Wing, Level 1 | Tel: 6734 9622 Mon–Fri noon–2.30pm, 6–11pm; Sat 6–11pm Hachi Restaurant continues its 20-year tradition of Japanese seasonal omakase dining with its flagship at the Gallery. Expect new creations and techniques that showcase the best ingredients from the land and seas of Japan. 32
For the latest updates on our Shopping & Dining outlets, please visit nationalgallery.sg/see-do/shopping-and-dining.
NATIONAL KITCHEN BY VIOLET OON SINGAPORE City Hall Wing, Level 2 | Tel: 9834 9935 Daily noon–2.30pm, (afternoon tea) 3–5pm, 6–10.30pm Helmed by local celebrity chef Violet Oon, National Kitchen serves perennial favourites that reflect Singapore’s rich culinary heritage.
ODETTE Supreme Court Wing, Level 1 | Tel: 6385 0498 Mon 7–9pm; Tue–Sat noon–1.30pm, 7–9pm Three-Michelin star Odette reflects Chef-Owner Julien Royer’s respect for seasonality, terroir and artisanal produce. Using classic French techniques, Royer presents the world’s finest seasonal ingredients in their purest form and flavour. SMOKE & MIRRORS City Hall Wing, Level 6 | Tel: 9380 6313 Mon–Thu 3pm–1am; Fri 3pm–2am; Sat, Eve & Day of Public Holidays noon–2am; Sun noon–1am Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Marina Bay at this destination rooftop bar and indulge in progressive cocktails with imaginative presentations.
THE PUBLIC EIGHT Supreme Court Wing, Level 1 | Tel: 6242 5590 Mon–Sat 5.30pm–midnight This bar-cellar by Hachi Restaurant offers a selection of Japanese whisky and spirits, from Highball cocktails to fresh beer on tap, complemented by modern Japanese food.
YÀN City Hall Wing, Level 5 | Tel: 6384 5585 Daily 11.30am–2.30pm, 6–10.30pm Discover the heart of authentic Cantonese cuisine. Serving dishes that resonate with sincerity and nostalgia, the dining experience at Yàn is all about conviviality.
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GALLERY PUBLICATIONS The Gallery publishes books on the visual art of Singapore and Southeast Asia. Our growing range of titles includes children’s books, exhibition catalogues and albums, as well as research titles. Find them at our museum shop! For more information, please visit nationalgallery.sg/learn/publications or email us at publications@nationalgallery.sg. MATISSE & PICASSO Paperback | 196 pages | $53.50 (inclusive of GST) | ISBN: 978-06-4233-485 The extraordinary relationship between Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso is one of the most important and eventful narratives in modern art. Between them, they set the course of Western art history in the first half of the 20 th century with their artistic rivalry and collaboration. This publication examines the paths of these two artists over the years and the way they each responded to the other’s work. SUDDENLY TURNING VISIBLE: ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF SOUTHEAST ASIA (1969–1989) Softcover | 312 pages | S$53.50 (inclusive of GST) | ISBN: 978-981-14-0652-2 The expression "Suddenly Turning Visible" refers to rapid urban transformation driven by a desire for economic growth in which art had a critical role. This reader traces this story through three influential art institutions: the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Alpha Gallery in Singapore and the Bhirasri Institute of Modern Art in Bangkok. Artworks, primary documents and newly commissioned interviews reveal links between architecture, modern art and the role of institutions in Southeast Asia.
PERSPECTIVES Our online weekly magazine for views, conversations, research and behind-the-scenes insights, Perspectives is a discursive space and resource for Southeast Asian art. Read more at nationalgallery.sg/magazine. DIGITAL ACCESS ON JSTOR Access digital versions of our catalogues and research titles on JSTOR, a digital library of academic content, wherever you are. Please visit jstor.org/publisher/natlgalsing. 34
LATIFF MOHIDIN: PAGO PAGO (1960–1969) Hardback | 214 pages | $58.85 (inclusive of GST) | ISBN: 978-981-11-4517-9 Finalist for best illustrated non-fiction title at the 2019 Singapore Book Awards. Malaysian artist Latiff Mohidin’s life work has been discussed extensively within national and, to some extent, regional frameworks, yet his contribution to global modernism remains understudied. This publication seeks to address this gap, positioning the artist within Berlin art circles of the 1960s as well as the cultural, political and art historical milieus of Southeast Asia.
NG TENG FONG ROOF GARDEN COMMISSION: CAO FEI Paperback | 60 pages | $26.75 (inclusive of GST) | ISBN: 978-981-14-4941-3 In this artist’s book, short stories by the artist Cao Fei, a curatorial essay and full-colour images spotlight the newly commissioned kinetic installation, 浮槎 Fú Chá.
MODERN ART OF SOUTHEAST ASIA: INTRODUCTIONS FROM A TO Z Paperback | 280 pages | $48.15 (inclusive of GST) | ISBN: 978-981-11-4725-8 Featuring 60 concise and accessibly written accounts of key ideas and currents underlying modern art in the region, as well as over 250 beautifully reproduced artworks, this book is a rewarding resource for students and general readers. It offers an informative first encounter with art and refreshing perspectives.
AWESOME ART INDONESIA: 10 WORKS FROM THE ARCHIPELAGO EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW AWESOME ART PHILIPPINES: 10 WORKS FROM THE COUNTRY OF 7000 ISLANDS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW Paperback | 64 pages | $19.30 (inclusive of GST) each | ISBN: 978-981-14-2534-9 | 978-981-14-2533-2 Dive into the world of art history and dip your fingers into paint! The Awesome Art series introduces young readers to materials, methods and concepts behind ten iconic works of art. 35
TICKETI NG INFORMATION Tickets are required for admission into all exhibition galleries (including Law of the Land in the Chief Justice’s Office & Chamber) except the ArchiGallery and Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery. Purchase your tickets in advance at tickets.nationalgallery.sg.
TICKET TYPE
General Admission + Free Guided Tours
SCAN TO PURCHASE TICKETS
S TA N D A R D
LO C A L*
$20
FREE
$5 CONCE SSION FOR:
FREE ADMISSION FOR:
•Children aged 7–12
• Gallery Insiders
• Seniors aged 60 and above
• Children aged 6 and below
• Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs)
• Local/locally-based students and teachers^
excluding foreign personnel
• Persons with disabilities (PWD) and their caregiver
• Overseas students and teachers^
* Rates for locals apply to Singaporeans and PRs. ^From qualifying institutions only. Valid verification is required. For latest promotions and ticket prices, please visit nationalgallery.sg.
GENER AL ADMISSION TICKET ADMITS ONE TO THE SE GALLERIE S: • DBS Singapore Gallery • UOB Southeast Asia Gallery • Level 4 Gallery • Wu Guanzhong Gallery • The Ngee Ann Kongsi Concourse Gallery • Koh Seow Chuan Concourse Gallery • City Hall Chamber • Chief Justice’s Chamber & Office
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GALLERY INSIDER MEMBERSHIP
JOIN NOW TO ENJOY THE SE BENEFITS! • Unlimited access to all exhibitions • Collect rewards points and experience more • Priority access to selected exhibits • Shopping & dining privileges • Priority booking and discounts to selected programmes • Access to Gallery Insider-Only events
MEMBERSHIP TYPE
S TA N DA R D
LO C A L*
Individual
$60
$30
Concession (Students/Seniors)
$50
$25
* Rates for locals apply to Singaporeans and PRs. For more information, please email membership@nationalgallery.sg.
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Visit Us
SCAN TO SIGN UP
GENERAL INFORMATION For the latest updates on our Venues and Spaces, visit nationalgallery.sg/venue-rental.
VENUES FOR RENT Blending rich history with exciting modernity, the Gallery’s historical neoclassical architecture and unique spaces are ideal for hosting a variety of events from conferences to product launches and cocktail events.
SUPREME COURT TERRACE
THE NGEE ANN KONGSI AUDITORIUM AND FOYER
Built around the former Supreme Court’s Rotunda dome, old and new architecture merge perfectly in this captivating space. The terrace offers a sophisticated setting for events such as product launches, private receptions and seated dinners.
Nestled in the basement, this space features theatre seating layout with stateof-the-art audio visual equipment. An ideal venue for talks, seminars, screenings and recitals with a spacious foyer to host a cocktail reception.
ROOFTOP STUDIOS
PADANG DECK
Located on the Gallery’s tranquil rooftop, these versatile and air-conditioned rooms are designed to cater to a variety of events —from meetings to training and breakout sessions, or even small workshops.
Located on the rooftop, this open-air space offers spectacular panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline.
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OPENING HOURS Daily 10am–7pm General ticket sales end 30 minutes before closing time.
GETTING TO THE GALLERY BY BUS (Stops at Parliament Place) 195, 961
BY CAR Drop-off point for cars is located at Coleman Street entrance.
BY MRT 5-minute walk from City Hall MRT station via the Art Connector 10-minute walk from Clarke Quay and Raffles Place MRT stations
here are 200 parking lots on Levels T B2 and B3. Entrance to the carpark is only accessible via St Andrew's Road. Gallery Parking Rates Daily, including Public Holidays 7am–6pm $1.30 per half hour 6pm–1am $3.20 per entry $1.00 per entry for motorcycles
BY TAXI The nearest taxi stands are located at Coleman Street entrance of the Gallery and The Adelphi.
THE ARTS HOUSE
PICK-UP/ DROP-OFF POINT
NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE PARLIAMENT HOUSE SUPREME COURT LANE
THE ADELPHI
SUPREME COURT
ADDRESS: 1 St Andrew’s Road #01-01 Singapore 178957 ENQUIRIES: 6271 7000, info@nationalgallery.sg
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SUPPORT THE G ALLE RY The Gallery offers opportunities for you to enhance and cultivate your love for the arts. Your support helps us to build a world-class collection, pioneer original research, and develop our public programmes to bring art to a wider audience. ART ADOPTER Become an Art Adopter by adopting artworks that are on display in our Singapore and Southeast Asia long-term exhibition galleries. Donations go towards acquiring new artworks that strengthen our collection. Donors can also support the acquisition fund through cash contributions. Chua Mia Tee. Epic Poem of Malaya. 1955. Oil on canvas, 112 x 153 cm.
BEST FRIEND OF THE GALLERY (BFG) The BFG volunteer programme offers passionate individuals the chance to contribute meaningfully to the Gallery, and gain exposure to the workings of a major visual arts institution in a range of roles.
ARTWORK DONATIONS The Gallery accepts donations of art that enrich our collection. Donations are crucial to our mission to present Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art for generations to come. All proposed donations will be given careful consideration and gifts must be endorsed by the Gallery’s Acquisition Committee. Ng Eng Teng. Mother and Child. 1996. Bronze, 350 x 310 x 150 cm. Gift of the family of the late Dr Ng Eng Teng.
PATRONS PROGRAMME The Patrons Programme brings together a community of like-minded individuals who are looking for sustained engagement with the arts and want to support the Gallery. Our Patrons enjoy a year-long calendar of exclusive tours, artist dinners, opening receptions and behind-the-scenes access.
EXHIBITION AND PROGRAMME PARTNERSHIPS The Gallery offers opportunities to support our exhibitions and programmes, allowing partners to make art more accessible to the community while increasing their brand awareness. Partners will be able to engage clients and employees through private viewing opportunities. We are happy to tailor a package to your corporate’s specific needs. As a public art gallery and registered charity, we appreciate your support. Large or small, it makes a real difference to what we do. To find out more, please visit nationalgallery.sg/join-give or scan the QR code to contribute to Giving.SG. 40
ALL GIFTS MADE ARE ELIGIBLE FOR TAX DEDUCTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH IRAS GUIDELINES.
National Gallery Singapore would like to thank our corporate partners for their generous support. Development Partner
Founding Partners
Support the Gallery
Partner
Innovation Partner
Supported by
For details on partnership opportunities, visit nationalgallery.sg/support. 41
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nationalgallery.sg 6271 7000, info@nationalgallery.sg 42
1 St Andrew’s Road Singapore 178957