J U L–S E P 2022
ADVISORY ON COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019) The safety and well-being of our visitors and staff continue to be our top priority. • •
Necessary precautionary measures such as wearing masks are in place. Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures are in place, only fully vaccinated persons may dine in.
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The Gallery, together with its F&B establishments, has been certified SG Clean.
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.
Vincent Hoisington Entrepreneur c. 1969 Polyurethane paint on aluminium, 180 × 104 × 14 cm Gift of Agnes Hoisington
Facing page (top to bottom): S. Chandrasekaran. பூமி (Earth) #04. 1994. Terracotta, 21 × 20 × 4.5 cm. Collection of the artist. Wu Guanzhong. A Fleet of Boats In Indonesia. 1994. Oil on canvas, 48.2 × 68 cm. Gift of the artist. Yeh Chi Wei. Drummer. 1965. Oil on canvas, 112.5 × 99 cm. © Yeh Toh Ye. Image from Painting with Light: Festival of International Films on Art.
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 Jun 2022. All information is correct at time of print.
CO NTE NT S
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JUL–SEP 2022 2
About the Gallery
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Director’s Message
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Art We Love
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Your Gallery, Your Way
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#GalleryAnywhere
10 Highlights Calendar
Exhibitions
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12 Special Exhibitions 18 Long-Term Exhibitions 26
Special Programmes Tours
30 Gallery Tours 32 Performances 34 Talks and Workshops
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35 Rotunda Library & Archive
Kids & Schools 36 Keppel Centre for Art Education 40 Shopping & Dining 42 Gallery Publications
Visit Us 44 Ticketing Information 46 General Information
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48 Support the Gallery
Digital Experiences included
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 Peter Ho (Chairman) Chang Hwee Nee Chong Siak Ching Rosa Daniel Goh Kok Huat Maimoonah Hussain Shareen Khattar Lee Tung Jean Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi Doris Sohmen-Pao Professor Tan Chorh Chuan Whang Shang Ying Danny Yong
2022 O UTSTAN D I N G LEI SU R E E VENT O U T S TA N D I N G M A R K E T I N G I D E A
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DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Dear friends, At the Gallery, we are constantly looking to showcase the dynamism of art from our region and beyond, and reveal how artists have always embraced journeys of growth and change. Four new exhibitions and a film festival opening in the coming months all speak to this aspect of artistic practice, presenting exciting new avenues for our audiences to explore. Happening in July, Painting with Light, the Gallery's festival of international films on art, will present a diverse range of films and programmes that respond to the theme "Interventions in Space," examining how artists have constantly sought to interrupt established patterns in the world around them. The next chapter in our exploration of Wu Guanzhong's highly established, decades-long career likewise commences in July. This exciting new exhibition is a first for the Gallery, having been co-created by some of the Gallery’s longest serving docents. Their curatorial take on Wu’s life and work brings fresh perspectives on Wu's artistic practice, also demonstrating his continuous personal and artistic evolution. The end of July brings Nothing is Forever, the first major sculpture show in three decades. Nothing is Forever delves into the development of sculpture since the 19th century, going beyond traditional forms to explore the medium’s spiritual, performative and even participatory facets. At its heart, the show aims to surprise audiences by challenging the very definition of sculpture. August will see a new exhibition in our experimental space, Dalam Southeast Asia, located within the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery. Titled Familiar Others, the exhibition focuses on the works of three Southeast Asian modern artists who journeyed to places such as Papua in Indonesia, Cordillera in the Philippines, and Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia. By tracing their journeys, Familiar Others illustrates how these artists explored and represented cultures both familiar and unfamiliar. As September draws to a close, don't miss the chance to see the largest showcase of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in Singapore, Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia. The exhibition celebrates the vast and diverse range of artistic practices in the region and draws relations between past and present as well as Australia and Southeast Asia. Through all this and much more, we look forward to welcoming you to the Gallery for many new and illuminating journeys with art.
Eugene Tan Director, National Gallery Singapore 3
ART WE LOVE
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Blue is the colour of memory and is associated with water; it washes over me. Waanyi people are known as "running water people” because of the inherent quality of the water in their country. Artist statement, 2007. Blue is an important colour to Judy Watson and features prominently in many of her works. Watson associates blue with memory, as a conduit for the subconscious. Blue also represents the colour of the coloniser, found in both British and Australian uniforms and flags. In this work, Watson uses bright white paint to highlight three ambiguous shapes on a base of iridescent blue pigment wash. The work can be read in different ways: for example, the large vertical line could represent either a hat pin, an awl or a digging stick, depending on whether it is being viewed from an Aboriginal or colonial perspective. The blue colour used in this work also inspired the exhibition design of Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia; it appears on selected walls throughout the exhibition. On display at City Hall Wing, Level 3, Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery, Gallery 3.
Judy Watson Waanyi people stake 2010 pigment, synthetic polymer paint, aquarelle and chinagraph pencil on canvas 228.5 × 195 cm The Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art Boorloo/Perth © Judy Watson/Copyright Agency, 2022
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YOUR GALLERY, YOUR WAY
UNVEILING A NEW MUSEUM EXPERIENCE Whether you prefer to pre-plan your visit to the Gallery or simply drop by to explore, we have a suite of welcoming, guided and personalised experiences for you—the choice is in your hands. Now, with a whole new exhibition and programming space in the basement concourse, you can start your journey with an introductory art experience before exploring the rest of the building. The revamped space is designed for an inclusive art experience for everyone and that’s why we've made it free entry for all visitors. BROWSE & PLAN YOUR VISIT ANYWHERE! For ultimate flexibility, you can now search for what’s on at the Gallery, plan and pay for your visit wherever you are. Pre-plan your visit and purchase your passes before stepping into the building or choose from a range of self-service options on arrival at any of our entrances. Upon arrival at our main Coleman Entrance, you will be greeted by our Arrival Landmarks that introduce our latest exhibitions and programmes. Scan the respective QR codes to get passes and quick-start your visit. If you have already bought your passes online, skip the queues and print them directly at our Gallery Pass Dispensers. Arrival Landmark
Unsure of what to do at the Gallery? Look for inspiration at our new Activity Cube. If you see something you like, simply add them to your personal art journey on your mobile device by scanning the activity’s QR Code. Activity Cube
Our new Self-Service Kiosks located around the building can also recommend activities and issue Gallery Passes on the spot.
Self-Service Kiosks
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NEW
If you prefer a more human touch, feel free to approach our roving concierges for help. You can also head to our Visitor Services Counters at Coleman Entrance or Padang Atrium for any other services or special assistance. It’s Your Gallery, Your Way. With these new additions, you can explore art just the way you like it.
Visitor Services Counters
IN SYNC WITH YOU Prefer a more personal approach, using your own mobile device? No problem. Simply scan the QR code below to browse, plan and pay for your visit anytime, anywhere—even before you step into the building. This is also accessible via Gallery Explorer! Design your own Art Journey Pre-plan your day at the Gallery by simply adding activities or exhibitions to your Art Journey that interest you. Our easy check-out function with multiple e-payment options ensures you have the Gallery Pass that you will need.
SCAN TO LAUNCH
Or explore curated Art Journeys If you are looking for an itinerary to guide your visit, there are several curated art journeys to choose from. Whether it's your first time at the Gallery, planning a romantic date or even just here for the ’gram, there is always something for everyone! The Art Journeys function can be synced with our new digital touchpoints like the Activity Cube and Self-Service Kiosks. If you find an activity that piques your interest, simply scan the corresponding QR code to add it into your journey. Navigating around the Gallery has never been easier! Complementing the various new touchpoints at the Gallery, the Gallery Explorer mobile app (iOS & Android) remains available for visitors to build a deeper relationship with art. Listen to audio tours, adopt an artwork or play art games through the app! 7
YOUR GALLERY, YOUR WAY FREE AND EASY ART ENCOUNTERS Artist Joseph Beuys famously said: “Everything is art: every aspect of life can be approached creatively and, as a result, everyone has the potential to be an artist.” Inspired by this theory of Social Sculpture, the Galley has re-designed the basement concourse to bring out the creative spirit in everyone! The entire basement concourse level is now free for all visitors, including non-Singaporeans, to enjoy. Start off your art journey with multi-disciplinary and multi-generational exhibitions and programmes at The Spine Hall, Imagination Gallery, Ngee Ann Kongsi and Koh Seow Chuan Galleries or check out innovative, tech-enabled art experiences at the Y-Lab Art Tech Showcase and Work Space.
The Spine Hall.
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SPARK YOUR INSPIRATION AT THE SPINE HALL AND IMAGINATION GALLERY The Spine Hall is a new space within the basement concourse at the City Hall Wing that features large-scale artworks and programmes. From July, The Spine Hall will be a key venue for the first major sculpture survey in 30 years, Nothing is Forever: Rethinking Sculpture in Singapore. Explore art installations from the Gallery Children's Biennale, such as Voices from the Centers by Dinh Q. Lê, at The Imagination Gallery in the Supreme Court Wing. The artworks and programmes in these spaces will be refreshed frequently to continue to let art inspire you.
Dinh Q. Lê. Voices from the Centers. 2021. Mixed media – Plywood, prints on vinyl, computers, camera, microphones, paper and found media images. Created for Gallery Children's Biennale 2021: Why Art Matters.
#GALLERYANYWHERE www.nationalgallery.sg/galleryanywhere The Gallery offers a wide range of art experiences both in physical spaces and on #GalleryAnywhere, a one-stop portal to rich digital content and an array of virtual explorations that will keep you engaged and entertained wherever you are. Browse, watch, listen or play to discover the Gallery’s myriad offerings. 9
HIGHLIGHTS CALENDAR For the latest updates on exhibitions and programmes, please visit nationalgallery.sg.
JUL OPENING
OPENING
SPECIAL PROGRAMMES (p.26)
SPECIAL EXHIBITION (p.14)
1 FRI
9 SAT
Wu Guanzhong: Travelling with the Master
Painting with Light: Festival of International Films on Art
Wu Guanzhong. Pandas. 1992. Chinese ink and colour on paper, 122 × 247 cm. Gift of the artist.
AUG OPENING
4 THU
SPECIAL EXHIBITION (p.22)
FAMILIAR OTHERS: EMIRIA SUNASSA, EDUARDO MASFERRÉ AND YEH CHI WEI, 1940S–1970S Emiria Sunassa. Orang Irian dengan Burung Tjenderawasih (Irian Man with Bird of Paradise). 1946–1948. Oil on canvas, 67.2 × 54.5 cm.
13 SAT KIDS PROGRAMMES (p.38)
Stories in Art Other dates: Every 2nd Sat & Sun
SEP ONGOING SPECIAL PROGRAMMES (p.28)
GALLERY CHILDREN’S BIENNALE 2021: WHY ART MATTERS
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9–11 FRI–SUN PERFORMANCE (p.33)
Tactility Studies: Where Our Lost Things Live Chong Gua Khee & Bernice Lee featuring SAtheCollective & Bib Mockram
Digital Experiences included nationalgallery.sg/galleryanywhere
OPENING
28 THU
SPECIAL EXHIBITION (p.12)
Nothing is Forever: Rethinking Sculpture in Singapore
30 SAT CURATOR TOUR (p.30)
Tan Teng Kee. Fire Sculpture. 1979. Metal, wood and newspaper, dimensions variable. Normanton Estate, Singapore. Digitised by National Gallery Singapore Library & Archive with kind permission from Tan Teng-Kee. RC-M2-TTK1.1-3.
Nothing is Forever: Rethinking Sculpture in Singapore
ONGOING SPECIAL EXHIBITION (p.15)
Chua Mia Tee: Directing The Real PERFORMANCE (p.32)
Resonates with Residency REALM AKU by Syafiq Halid
10 SAT SPECIAL PROGRAMMES (p.28)
Sound Makers by LittleCr3atures™
Chua Mia Tee. Portable Cinema. 1977. Oil on canvas, 78.5 × 79.4 cm. Gift of Times Publishing Limited.
CLOSING
25 SUN
CLOSING SOON
SPECIAL EXHIBITION (p.16)
Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia Michael Riley, Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi peoples, Untitled [feather], from the series cloud, 2000, printed 2005, pigment inkjet print, 110 × 155 cm, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2005, © Michael Riley Foundation/ Copyright Agency, 2022
nationalgallery.sg/galleryanywhere
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SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS NOTHING IS FOREVER: RETHINKING SCULPTURE IN SINGAPORE Opening on 28 Jul | City Hall Wing, Level B1, Ngee Ann Concourse Gallery and The Spine Hall
Tan Teng Kee. Fire Sculpture. 1979. Metal, wood and newspaper, dimensions variable. Normanton Estate, Singapore. Digitised by National Gallery Singapore Library & Archive with kind permission from Tan Teng Kee. RC-M2-TTK1.1-3.
What defines sculpture? Step into a world of three-dimensional art in Nothing is Forever: Rethinking Sculpture in Singapore—the first exploration of Singaporean sculpture in three decades. Tracing its history since the 19th century, the exhibition presents over 70 surprising works spanning religious, participative, installative, and even performative forms. The exhibition reveals the ever-changing nature of sculpture and how ideas around making and thinking about this medium have shifted. Nothing is Forever entrenches sculpture as an essential practice as it highlights how sculpture drove new ways of thinking about art in Singapore, and the lasting impacts it has made on our artistic landscape.
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Jimmy Ong. Seamstress Raffles. 2016. Cotton and Dacron stuffing, 120 × 45 × 30 cm. Collection of the artist.
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Exhibitions
NEW
SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS WU GUANZHONG: TRAVELLING WITH THE MASTER
NEW
Opening on 9 Jul | City Hall Wing, Level 4, Wu Guanzhong Gallery
Wu Guanzhong. Pandas. 1992. Chinese ink and colour on paper, 122 × 247 cm. Gift of the artist.
Wu Guanzhong: Travelling with the Master is the first exhibition at the Gallery to be co-created by long-serving docents and Gallery. Applying their knowledge of Wu Guanzhong’s art and biography, together with personal stories about works by this modern ink master, a selection of works that were generously donated by the artist and his family to Singapore’s National Collection is featured alongside a compilation of archival materials. Organised into four thematic sections—Daydreaming, Exploring, Beyond the Horizon and Rhapsodies—this exhibition explores Wu’s conceptual, physical and emotional journeys. Visitors are invited to approach and understand this master’s works with their own senses and be inspired by his art and spirit, just like how the docent-curators have through their individual experiences as docents and museum volunteers.
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CHUA MIA TEE: DIRECTING THE REAL Ongoing | City Hall Wing, Level 4 Gallery
Chua Mia Tee Portable Cinema 1977 Oil on canvas 78.5 × 79.4 cm Gift of Times Publishing Limited
Chua Mia Tee (b. 1931) is widely regarded as one of Singapore's leading realist artists. According to Chua, “The painter assumes the role of scriptwriter, director and actor to freely shape the subject's image.” Through the lens of film and his writings, this exhibition focuses on Chua’s practice from the 1950s to 1980s, a period of contention in Singapore as the young nation developed and strove for economic success. Chua's depictions of the city and its inhabitants offer insight into Singapore’s ambition for progress and the diverse groups of people who have contributed to its story. Strategic Partner
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SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS EVER PRESENT: FIRST PEOPLES ART OF AUSTRALIA Closing on 25 Sep | City Hall Wing, Level 3, Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery
Rover Thomas [Joolama], Kukatja/Wangkajunga peoples, Cyclone Tracy, 1991, natural earth pigments and binder on canvas, 168 × 180 cm, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 1991 © Rover Thomas [Joolama]/Copyright Agency, 2022
In Partnership with
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CLOSING SOON
Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Anmatyerre people, Yam awely, 1995, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 152 × 490 × 4 cm, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, gift of the Delmore Collection, Donald and Janet Holt 1995, © Emily Kame Kngwarreye/Copyright Agency, 2022
Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia surveys historical and contemporary works by over 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across Australia—the largest exhibition of its kind to travel to Asia. Drawn from the collections of the National Gallery of Australia and The Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, the artworks show deep interconnections between past and present, as well as extraordinary artistic innovation. Ever Present celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, while also grappling with Australia’s complex histories. Art emerges as a tool of resistance, asserting deep connections to country, as well as using wit and satire to confront viewers and encourage conversations about critical issues in the world today. The works challenge stereotypes about First Nations people and what defines their art. This exhibition explores key aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander life and culture, arranged thematically to highlight connections to land, community and ceremony, as well as experiences of colonisation and resistance. The exhibition also draws out links with Southeast Asia, connecting First People’s art from Australia to the broader history of this region. Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia is presented by National Gallery Singapore in partnership with National Gallery of Australia and Wesfarmers Arts.
Touring Partner
Lead Partner
Strategic Partner
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LONG-TERM EXHIBITIONS NG TENG FONG ROOF GARDEN COMMISSION: ANTONY GORMLEY Ongoing | Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery
Antony Gormley. Horizon Field Singapore, 2021. 47 rings of 23 mm square section aluminium tube and stainless steel spigots. Ring diameter varying from 2 to 5.5m. Image credit: Joseph Nair/ Memphis West Pictures. © the artist
Antony Gormley (b. 1950, United Kingdom) is internationally renowned for his sculptures, installations and public artworks that investigate the relationship between the human body and space. The fifth Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Commission, Horizon Field Singapore, invites visitors into an immersive experience exploring space and form. A virtual Curator Tour led by Russell Storer and Qinyi Lim introduces Gormley's evolving practice and invites visitors to consider the relationship between our bodies, nature and the cosmos. The video is available on our website: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/exhibition/ antony-gormley. Series Partner
The Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery is made possible with the support of Far East Organization. 18
ANTONY GORMLEY Ongoing | Various locations Three of Gormley’s earlier sculptures—Close V, Sense and Ferment—will also be on display in the Gallery’s public spaces, activating and engaging with the architecture of the buildings.
Antony Gormley Close V 1998 Cast iron 27 × 201 × 174 cm Image credit: Joseph Nair/ Memphis West Pictures © the artist
Antony Gormley Ferment 2007 2 mm square section stainless steel bar 273 × 177 × 211 cm Image credit: Joseph Nair/ Memphis West Pictures © the artist
Antony Gormley Sense 1991 Concrete 74.5 × 62.5 × 60 cm Image credit: Joseph Nair/ Memphis West Pictures © the artist
Strategic Partner
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LONG-TERM EXHIBITIONS SIAPA NAMA KAMU? ART IN SINGAPORE SINCE THE 19TH CENTURY Ongoing | City Hall Wing, Level 2, DBS Singapore Gallery
Georgette Chen (张荔英) Hakka Family 1939 Oil on canvas, 162 × 130 cm Private collection
Hakka Family is one of Georgette Chen’s most significant works due to its impressive scale and reflection of Chen’s artistic philosophy that the purpose of art is to elevate everyday subjects. Painted while Chen was in Hong Kong, she applied the techniques that she had honed as a student in Paris in the 1920s to depict the people in and context of her surroundings—something that she would continue to develop after her move to Malaya in 1951. On display in DBS Singapore Gallery 1.
The DBS Singapore Gallery is made possible with the support of DBS Bank. 20
BETWEEN DECLARATIONS & DREAMS: ART OF SOUTHEAST ASIA SINCE THE 19TH CENTURY Ongoing | Supreme Court Wing, Levels 3–5, UOB Southeast Asia Gallery
F.X. Harsono What Would You Do If These Crackers Were Real Pistols? 1977–2018 Crackers, table, chair, instructions and notebook, dimensions variable
F.X. Harsono was a key figure in Indonesia’s New Art Movement, a group that emerged in 1975 and sought change through new art forms and contemporary practices. He created this work in 1977 as a political statement against Indonesia’s then-President Suharto’s authoritarian New Order regime. Harsono provokes the viewer to consider the infiltration of violence into everyday life with a simple question: What would you do if these crackers were real pistols? On display in UOB Southeast Asia Gallery 12.
In this painting, a familiar urban scene appears streamlined and modern. The shapes of two ships and the silhouettes of workers are simplified such that the image appears to be almost abstract. It was painted by Lai Foong Moi, the first graduate from Singapore’s Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) to study in Paris, where she also exhibited in salon exhibitions. On display in UOB Southeast Asia Gallery 7.
Lai Foong Moi. Ship. 1960. Oil on canvas, 81.5 × 65.9 cm.
The UOB Southeast Asia Gallery is made possible with the support of UOB. 21
LONG–TERM EXHIBITIONS FAMILIAR OTHERS: EMIRIA SUNASSA, EDUARDO MASFERRÉ AND YEH CHI WEI, 1940s–1970s
NEW
Opening 4 Aug | Dalam Southeast Asia, Level 3, UOB Southeast Asia Gallery
Yeh Chi Wei Drummer 1965 Oil on canvas, 112.5 × 99 cm © Yeh Toh Yen
Who are our “others”? What does it mean to represent people of a culture or ethnicity other than our own? Familiar Others explores these issues through the works of three Southeast Asian modern artists. Emiria Sunassa (1894–1964) painted images of peoples from throughout the Indonesian archipelago but had a special interest in Papua. Eduardo Masferré (1909–1995) photographed the peoples of the Cordillera region of the Philippines, where he spent his life. Yeh Chi Wei (1913–1991) travelled throughout Southeast Asia but was especially inspired by the Indigenous peoples of Sarawak and Sabah. To open up a discussion about the contemporary implications of these works, this exhibition includes commissioned responses from artists, writers, musicians and scholars who have community ties to the people represented in the artworks. Dalam Southeast Asia is an experimental project space located within the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery. Projects presented here ask critical questions and explore lesser-known narratives in Southeast Asian art while rethinking what a collections-based display is and what it may seek to achieve. The UOB Southeast Asia Gallery is made possible with the support of UOB. 22
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 potential of the digital image within the physical spaces of the Gallery’s long-term displays. To access unrealised, please download the Gallery Explorer app from the App Store and Google Play store. For more information, please visit nationalgallery.sg/unrealised.
SCAN TO DOWNLOAD APP
Please note earphones are required to experience unrealised. 23
LONG–TERM EXHIBITIONS OUTBOUND Ongoing | Various locations
nationalgallery.sg/outbound #outboundsg
(L-R): Kak Julitah, Yee I-Lann and Kak Roziah. Yee I-Lann (b. 1971, Malaysia) with weaving assistance from Bajau Sama DiLaut weavers led by Kak Roziah: Kak Anjung, Makcik Bagai, Makcik Billung, Makcik Braini, Kak Budi, Kak Ebbuh, Makcik Gangah, Kak Ginnuh, Kak Gultiam, Makcik Indah Laiha, Kak Kanuk, Kak Kinnuhong, Makcik Kuluk, Adik Lornah, Kak Norbaya and Kak Sana; and Dusun Murut weavers led by Julitah Kulinting: Lili Naming, Siat Yanau, Mohd Shahrizan Bin Rupin, Juraen Sapirin, S. Narty Abd. Hairun, Zaitun Abd. Hairun and Julia Ginasius. Tikar-A-Gagah. 2019. Pandanus weave with commercial chemical dye (front); Split bamboo weave with black natural dye (back); stitched with bamboo weave. On display at the foyer near the Holding Cells, Level 1, Supreme Court Wing.
Tikar-A-Gagah is the result of an 18-month long collaboration between artist Yee I-Lann and indigenous weavers in Sabah, a northern Borneo state in Malaysia. Commissioned for the Gallery’s OUTBOUND series, the artwork features both traditional and contemporary motifs that reveal the process of co-invention between Yee and the weavers, whose traditional motifs are passed down orally from one generation to the next. Tikar-A-Gagah features abstract, maritimeinspired patterns of the Bajau sea communities as well as graphical motifs of landscapes, fauna and communal gatherings of the Dusun and Murut land communities. By drawing on traditional weaving techniques and the symbolism of the tikar in indigenous culture, Tikar-A-Gagah generates new conversations about contemporary forms of art in this region. OUTBOUND is a series of unique commissions that imaginatively transform 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). 24
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 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.
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).
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SPECIAL PROGRAMMES
1–24 Jul Painting with Light: Festival of International Films on Art is an annual film festival presented by National Gallery Singapore, dedicated to films on artistic practices, institutions of art and moments in art history that resonate today. The theme for the 2022 edition of the festival, “Interventions in Space,” speaks about the ways in which artists interrupt established patterns of being in their worlds. Accordingly, festival programming will look at the work of artists who engage with beliefs about indigeneity, modernity, class relations, government, art and culture, and other determinants of social structure. The fifth edition will run from 1 to 24 July 2022, returning in a hybrid format with online screenings on the microsite and on-site screenings. It will present over 50 feature-length and short films both online and in various spaces across the Gallery. Visitors can also look forward to the many post-screening dialogues and guided exhibition tours with curators, filmmakers, artists and industry specialists. To find out more about the festival, please visit paintingwithlight.nationalgallery.sg.
Film still from Fifth Cinema by Nguyen Trinh Thi
Film still from Fifth Cinema by Nguyen Trinh Thi
Film still from The Daughter of Japan by Nyi Pu
Film still from Letters from Panduranga by Nguyen Trinh Thi
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FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS! Special Programmes
FILMS Among its catalogue of films, festivalgoers can expect film highlights including the world premiere of a 4K digital restoration of Conversation in Space, one of the Philippines’ earliest experimental films by artist and art historian Rod. Paras-Perez. Alongside it are the Asian premiere of Firestarter—The Story of Bangarra—a feature-length documentary on the beginnings and growth of Bangarra Dance Theatre, a company of professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers.
Film still from Conversation in Space by Rod. Paras-Perez
Audiences can look forward to screenings of these films at various locations throughout the museum, including exclusive in-gallery screenings for select films!
Film still from Firestarter–The Story of Bangarra by Nel Minchin and Wayne Blair
PROGRAMMES
Robert Zhao Renhui
Film still from Inside the Uffizi (2021) by Corinna Belz & Enrique Sánchez Lansch. © Felix Riedelsheimer
The festival’s Special Focus programming this year will spotlight the special exhibition, Chua Mia Tee: Directing the Real, with two commissions by Singapore filmmakers that speak to its key proposition—that the lens of film is a relevant to the discourse on Chua Mia Tee's realist artistic style and philosophy. They are an essay film by Singapore multi-disciplinary artist Robert Zhao Renhui, as well as talks and screenings on social realist filmmaking in Singapore by researcher and artist-filmmaker Toh Hun Ping. Audiences can enjoy free post-screening tours of exhibitions guided by Gallery curators and docents, with a focus on the art and exhibition-making processes featured in the film programmes. These exhibitions include Chua Mia Tee: Directing the Real, Antony Gormley, Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia and Between Declarations and Dreams: Art of Southeast Asia Since the 19th Century. Registration details will be released closer to the event.
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SPECIAL PROGRAMMES
REE I S F 22! N O C 20 ISSI E A D M TILL D W O N
R -EVE IRST ! UR F N RE O EDITIO O L P EX BRID
Explore the online festival here
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ENRICH YOUR BIENNALE EXPERIENCE WITH THESE PROGRAMES! Programmes
Dates
Venue
Move with Me! A SOMATIC SERIES WITH VINCENT YONG
Sun, 7 Aug 2.30–4pm, 4.30–6pm
City Hall Wing, Level 5, Rooftop Studios 3 and 4
SOUND MAKERS BY LITTLECR3ATURESTM
Sat, 10 Sep City Hall Wing, Level 5, 2.30–3pm | Ages 3–6 Rooftop Studios 1 and 2 3.30–4pm | Ages 1.5–3 4.30–5pm | Ages 0–1.5
Home in Nature, Nature in Home by LITTLECR3ATURESTM
Online
STORIES WITH KAMINI RAMACHANDRAN: • The Harimau and the Bee • The Little Toe • The Monkey God and the Mermaid • The Tree's Lesson
Online
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Visit childrensbiennale.com for more online content!
Ignite your child's curiosity by exploring participatory works while learning about the four themes—Home, Environment, Diversity, Time—in our first-ever hybrid edition!
DON'T MISS THESE HIGHLIGHTS! A Day’s Book by Joyce Ho This curious library of daily diaries is filled with intriguing stories penned by children all over the world. Pick up a book to read or contribute your own stories to the library!
Voices from the Centers by Dinh Q. Lê It’s time for our little musicians and actors to let their creative juices flow! Record unique videos here in response to a selection of artworks. Remember to check out the spectacular accompanying display at the Padang Atrium!
BEHOME by Speak Cryptic and ADDADDADD Explore the world of BB Cool Bee and his bee friends. Immerse yourself in the interactive installation or play some arcade games inspired by the process of honey-making!
Development Partner
Strategic Partner
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GALLERY TOURS DAILY TOURS Explore the rich history of our buildings and collections by joining one of our guided tours led by trained docents. To reserve a slot, register online or proceed to Visitor Services at Padang Atrium Level 1 at least 30 minutes before the tour starts. Limited slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tour participants should purchase a Pass before joining a tour with the exception of Building Highlights Tour, which does not require any passes.
BUILDING HIGHLIGHTS—FREE English Thu–Sun 11am | Mandarin Sat–Sun 11.30am | Japanese 1st & 3rd Thurs 1.30pm
DBS SINGAPORE GALLERY HIGHLIGHTS English Thu–Sun 1pm
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GALLERY English Fri–Sun 1.30pm
UOB SOUTHEAST ASIA GALLERY HIGHLIGHTS English Thu–Sun 3.30pm
HIGHLIGHTS OF CHUA MIA TEE: DIRECTING THE REAL English Thu–Sun 11.30am
HIGHLIGHTS OF EVER PRESENT: FIRST PEOPLES ART OF AUSTRALIA English Thu–Sun 2pm | Mandarin Sat–Sun 1.30pm
CURATOR TOURS Join exhibition curators and discover artwork and archival highlights, curatorial narratives and behind-the-scenes processes that went into the making of our current exhibitions.
NOTHING IS FOREVER: RETHINKING SCULPTURE IN SINGAPORE Sat 30 Jul, 5 Nov | 11am–noon Free for Nothing is Forever: Rethinking Sculpture in Singapore ticket holders, registration required
GROUP TOURS COMMUNITY GROUPS The Gallery offers guided tours for community groups at a concessionary rate. For more information, please email groupenquiries@nationalgallery.sg.
CORPORATE OR OTHER PRIVATE GROUPS Please email groupenquiries@nationalgallery.sg for more information. 30
SELF-GUIDED AUDIO TOURS Download our free Gallery Explorer app to enjoy rich audio commentary on our long-term and special exhibitions.
SCAN TO DOWNLOAD GALLERY EXPLORER APP
Tours
ART X COCKTAILS TOUR Sat 4pm, Sun 6pm | $45 per ticket, limited slots | General Admission ticket also required Add a touch of culture to happy hour with the perfect pairing of art and cocktails at the Gallery! Go on a 60-minute docent-led tour to discover the artworks that inspired craft cocktails from Smoke & Mirrors and learn about the evolution of cocktails throughout history. Note: The tour is not suitable for visitors below the age of 18. Tour ticket comes with one (1) complimentary cocktail from “The Real Art of Drinking” menu at Smoke & Mirrors, or a mocktail if desired.
BACK-OF-HOUSE TOURS FORMER SUPREME COURT: UNSEEN, UNHEARD Sat 2.30pm, 4.30pm, 5.15pm, Sun 2.30pm, 4.30pm | $15 per ticket, limited slots | General Admission ticket also required This tour offers a glimpse into restricted areas of the former Supreme Court, usually out of bounds to the public. Go behind the scenes and find out more about courtroom proceedings and the experience of persons on trial as you: • Traverse a network of hidden passageways • Climb through a trapdoor into a prisoner’s dock • Gain access to the Viewing Gallery where members of the public used to sit during court hearings • Discover stories of some of the highest profile cases in Singapore’s history since 1939, tried in these very courtrooms Note: The tour is not suitable for children below the age of 13 and visitors with limited mobility. Please wear comfortable footwear and attire. Wearing high heels is strongly not recommended due to safety reasons. 31
PERFORMANCES RESONATES WITH RESIDENCY REALM AKU BY SYAFIQ HALID Inspired by Ever Present: First People’s Art of Australia, Realm Aku by Syafiq Halid draws on the idea of “The Dreaming,” manifesting the traditions of the past to to imagine the future— where possibilities between the people of this land and its sounds dwell.
ABOUT RESONATES WITH RESIDENCY The Resonates With Residency is a three-month programme that invites local artists to respond to works and themes from the Gallery’s long-term and special exhibitions. Each Resident Artist will explore a theme—inspired by an ongoing exhibition—through a series of performances, public workshops and online content. With interdisciplinary, intercultural and international collaboration at its core, the Resonates With Residency aims to establish deep and meaningful connections between artists, audiences and art from Singapore and the region.
For more information on the Residency, please scan this QR code.
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Performances
A WALK THROUGH TIME—A WALKING TOUR OF THE SINGAPORE RIVER Aug | 2.30pm | Meet at the Singapore River Join us for a walk down memory lane as we journey along the Singapore River and other spaces depicted in the works of Chua Mia Tee, in conjunction with the special exhibition, Chua Mia Tee: Directing the Real.
TACTILITY STUDIES: WHERE OUR LOST THINGS LIVE CHONG GUA KHEE & BERNICE LEE FEATURING SATHECOLLECTIVE & BIB MOCKRAM 9–11 Sep | Time TBC | Glass Room Take a deep breath and enter an alternate world where our Lost Things live: that one missing sock, that umbrella you just can’t find, the “chouchous” or bantal busuks that got thrown away without your knowledge. These are things that we didn’t get to say a proper goodbye to—and here is our chance! In this work, we invite young families to journey with us and meet various Lost Things. How might we trace their stories by listening to the sounds they make, or exploring the way they feel and move? After the Lost Things have each had their chance to share their tale, we’ll have a little parade to celebrate the time we had together, and then it’s time for us to say our goodbyes. This programme is held in conjunction with Gallery Children's Biennale. 33
TALKS & WORKSHOPS
PODCAST: NO FLASH Welcome to our official unofficial podcast, NO FLASH. These are impossible interviews, tall tales and the strangest stories never told. This is the Gallery like you’ve never heard it. Season 1, Unstill Life, is available now on your favourite podcast platforms.
PODCAST: THE PADANG SESSIONS Join us as we chart the art of Southeast Asia and beyond, one dialogue at a time. Follow The Padang Sessions on your favourite podcast platforms to access our audio archive of lectures, panels and conversations recorded live in the Gallery, whenever and wherever you are.
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ROTUNDA LIBRARY & ARCHIVE
Photograph by Joseph Nair
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 Closed Sat 9 Jul, Tue 9 Aug
ACCESS ARTWORKS, LIBRARY AND ARCHIVAL MATERIALS ON OUR SEARCH PORTAL
*The hours may change 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 is a dynamic space where art inspires new ways of learning. Come experience the immersive spaces that encourage imagination, creativity and self-led exploration. The Centre also provides a lively line-up of programmes for youth, children and families all year round. Located on Level 1 of the City Hall Wing, the Centre is easily accessible to schools and families with young children. Admission is free.
5+
YEARS
ART IN EVERY CORNER!
Immerse yourself in Mural Play! and hands-on activities inspired by the Gallery's artworks and fuel your creativity! Imagine if the artworks came alive and started roaming freely about our Gallery. Play detective and help us find our artworks or create new compositions with magnetic elements as a storyteller!
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3+
YEARS
BECAUSE IT MAKES ME FEEL
Home is a relationship between people, a feeling of belonging. Nandita Mukand invites you to imagine different worlds, discover different homes and explore what gives you a sense of belonging.
5+ CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
YEARS
If robots could create anything, what would you want them to make and why? Children are invited to express their creativity and think about whether robots could be considered artists. They can also explore the tools used by Singapore artist Yeo Shih Yun to create her abstract ink paintings.
4+
YEARS
ART PLAYSCAPE
Run across the padded floor, clap your hands as loud as you can or move your arms in each zone! What will happen next? Surrounded by swirling brushstrokes created by artist Yeo Shih Yun, revel in the energy of ink splatters in this lively space as you embark on your own Ink-credible Adventure! Kids & Schools
For more information, please visit nationalgallery.sg/gallerykids.
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e asy s teps
The Keppel Centre for Art Education is open so that you can enjoy a safe and fun visit with family and friends. Please check our website for the latest updates on what's happening at the Centre!
Let’s keep the Centre clean and safe for everyone to enjoy, with just 3 steps! 1 Keep your mask on at all times. 2 Sanitise your hands carefully. 3 Inform an adult if you are not feeling well.
The Keppel Centre for Art Education is made possible with the support of Keppel Corporation. 37
KIDS’ PROGRAMMES & ACTIVITIES Enjoy family programmes specially designed and conducted by artists and museum facilitators to develop children’s sense of curiosity, imagination and appreciation of art. To receive the latest programme information, visit nationalgallery.sg/gallerykids.
FAMILY PROGRAMMES 3+
YEARS
DROP-IN ACTIVITY
Daily | 10am–7pm | City Hall Wing, Level 1, Keppel Centre for Art Education | Free Get creative! Experiment with different media in the Keppel Workshops to learn more about the themes explored in our artworks.
4+
YEARS
STORIES IN ART
Every 2nd Sat & Sun of the month | 2.30–3.15pm, 3.30–4.15pm | City Hall Wing, Level 1, Keppel Centre for Art Education | Free (registration required) Listen as our storyteller narrates stories inspired by the artworks found in our Gallery. Why not join in the fun with a song or rhyme?
5+ FAMILY ART TOURS
YEARS
Every 1st Sat & Sun of the month | 2.30–3.20pm, 3.30–4.20pm | City Hall Wing, Level 1, Keppel Centre for Art Education | Free (registration required) Learn about different artworks and enjoy engaging conversations with your family as our facilitator takes you on a tour to discuss art and themes relevant to life today.
OTHER KIDS’ ACTIVITIES
GALLERYKIDS! WEBSITE Online , www.gallerykids.sg Watch a storytelling session or create an artwork inspired by our art tutorials—there is always something for your children to explore at GalleryKids! Don’t forget to join us as a member to track your journey in learning about art and for updates.
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SCHOOL PROGRAMMES Our school programmes support teaching, learning and research in art and museum education. Resources such as Click and Play Packs are available for teachers who wish to engage students in learning with our artwork collection. For more information, please email school.bookings@nationalgallery.sg.
NAFA students' performance in response to the second Ng Teng Fong Rooftop Garden Commission, untitled 2018 (the infinite dimensions of smallness) by Rirkrit Tiravanija, in 2018.
Museum-based Learning Tours Facilitated by museum educators, guided tours where students can learn more about the Gallery's collection through active discussions are now available. Tours are available both virtually and on-site. For more information, please email school.outreach@nationalgallery.sg.
Travelling Art Programme The Travelling Art programme is an outreach programme, which consists of a series of mobile art education stations that will be loaned to schools to foster curiosity and learning about art in school settings. Inspired by artworks created by Singapore and Southeast Asian artists, these stations provide teachers with opportunities to engage students with activities such as role-playing and imaginative dialogue. For more information, please email school.outreach@nationalgallery.sg.
Educators’ Programmes Looking for meaningful programmes for your professional development? The Gallery offers a variety of programmes to support educators in learning and teaching about art. These programmes are designed to develop visual literacy, art interpretive skills and museum-based educational strategies. For more information, please email school.bookings@nationalgallery.sg.
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SHOPPING & DINING
For the latest updates on our Shopping & Dining outlets, please visit nationalgallery.sg/see-do/shopping-and-dining.
THE GALLERY STORE BY ABRY City Hall Wing, Level 1 Daily 10am–7pm
The Gallery Store by Abry offers an exciting and innovative range of museum and art-related merchandise and publications. It is operated by Abry Pte Ltd, an award-winning distributor and retailer of luxury, premium lifestyle and fashion brands. ART City Hall Wing, Level 6 | Tel: 6866 1977 Tue−Sun noon−2pm, 6−10pm, Alfresco Bar: 5pm till late
Art is an elegant contemporary Italian restaurant helmed by Michelin-star Chef-Restaurateur Beppe De Vito. Dining at Art will take you on a journey through an ever-evolving menu that brings together Italian tradition, topquality produce and innovative culinary techniques. Art is located at the Gallery rooftop, with indoor and alfresco seating available. COURTYARD CAFÉ & LOUNGE Supreme Court Wing, Level 1 | Tel: 6384 1874 Daily (Café) 10am−7pm Mon−Sat (Lounge) 5−10.30pm
Nestled in a cosy corner of the Gallery, relax in a tranquil ambience with soothing jazz at Courtyard Café & Lounge. Specialising in Straits Asian delights and Asian fusion tapas, dig in to authentic and modern interpretations of local dishes including a selection of traditional kuehs, cakes, toast, and beverages. GEMMA City Hall Wing, Level 5 | Tel: 8787 0977 Tue–Sun noon−2.30pm, 6−11pm
Equal parts buzzy, sophisticated and classy, GEMMA is an upscale social dining destination with a vibe-driven focus that redefines fine dining. With its contemporary Italian food and beverage program, oldworld charms and a trendy, festive atmosphere, the 68-seater restaurant leads the modern renaissance of the classic Italian steakhouse. HACHI RESTAURANT Supreme Court Wing, Level 1 | Tel: 6734 9622 Mon–Sat noon–2.30pm, 6–11pm
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Hachi Restaurant continues its 20-year tradition of Japanese seasonal omakase dining with its new flagship at the Gallery. Expect new creations and techniques that showcase the best ingredients from the land and seas of Japan.
Patrons to our F&B establishments are reminded to adhere to the prevailing VaccinationDifferentiated Safe Management Measures.
NATIONAL KITCHEN BY VIOLET OON SINGAPORE City Hall Wing, Level 2 | Tel: 9834 9935 Daily noon–3pm, High Tea 3–5pm, Dinner 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−Sat noon−1.15pm (last seating), 7−8.15pm (last seating). Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
This modern French restaurant reflects Chef-Owner Julien Royer’s respect for seasonality, terroir and the finest 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−Wed 6pm−midnight Thu−Sat 6pm−1am Sun 3−11pm
Enjoy magnificent panoramic views over the Padang and Marina Bay while savouring a drink from a meticulously curated menu that includes signature cocktails, wines and craft spirits. THE GREAT MISCHIEF City Hall Wing, Level 1 | Tel: 8721 3150 Daily 10am–5pm, 6–10pm
Inspired by Catalan culture, The Great Mischief offers a multisensory dining experience, with strong visual influences from Antoni Gaudi’s distinctive Art Nouveau and Modern style in the furniture, and even in the plating of food. THE PUBLIC EIGHT Shopping & Dining
Supreme Court Wing, Level 1 | Tel: 6242 5590 Thu–Sat 6pm–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
Yàn offers diners the best in Cantonese cuisine. Their sophisticated and innovative signature dishes promise to tantalise your taste buds with diverse ingredients and familiar flavours. 41
GALLERY PUBLICATIONS NOTHING IS FOREVER: RETHINKING SCULPTURE IN SINGAPORE Paperback | approx. 150 pages | $53.50 (inclusive of GST) | ISBN: 978-981-18-2152-3 How can we understand sculpture and its many practices? From the spiritual to the monumental and conceptual, these three-dimensional objects play a variety of roles. Featuring a curatorial essay, and new interviews with artists and historians, this publication traces the evolution of sculpture in Singapore from the 19 th century to the present, examining how objects can bridge materiality and performance. EVER PRESENT: FIRST PEOPLES ART OF AUSTRALIA Paperback | approx. 128 pages | $53.50 (inclusive of GST) | ISBN: 978-0-642-33488-6 | Published by National Gallery of Australia This beautifully illustrated catalogue features important artworks produced by the First Peoples of Australia. The catalogue highlights critical issues of identity, dispossession and land rights, experiences of colonisation and resistance, as well as the extraordinary resilience of First Peoples, through culture, Community and ceremony, and a deep ongoing connection to the land. This publication also draws out selected links connecting First Peoples art of Australia to the broader history of Southeast Asia.
“ I suspect that my empathy is temperamental; I prefer an art that has quietude and containment.”
The Artist Speaks: Kim Lim
THE ARTIST SPEAKS: KIM LIM Paperback | approx. 96 pages | $26.75 (inclusive of GST) | ISBN: 978-981-14-5178-2 Known primarily as a sculptor who produced abstract wooden pieces and stone-carved works, Kim Lim channelled natural materials into her practice which explores art and nature, drawing inspiration from her varied travels across Asia and her life in Europe. In this publication, her process of shaping materials over three decades of artistry takes centre stage. Writings, sketches and notes shed new light on her masterpieces.
The artist in her studio, c. lat
The Singapore-born British artist Kim Lim devoted her practice, spanning over four decades, to abstract sculpture and printmaking. She held an enduring interest in the qualities of light, space and rhythm, which she explored across a wide range of materials. The artist's visual lexicon was informed by the organic forms and rhythms found in nature, as well as her travels across Asia and Europe. This title sees her artistic ideas and processes from the 1950s to the 1990s take centre stage. It traces the development of Lim's practice through writings, photographs of works taken by Lim in her home studio, and an interview with her sons, offering a rare glimpse into her personal and artistic life. The Artist Speaks series presents an intimate look at artists through their words and works, tracing the ideas, influences and experiences—as told by artists themselves—that shape their practice.
The Artist Speaks series presents an intimate look at artists through their words and workings, tracing the ideas, influences and experiences—as told by artists themselves—that shape their work.
ANTONY GORMLEY Hardback | 100 pages | $32.10 (inclusive of GST) | ISBN: 978-981-18-1544-7 This catalogue for Antony Gormley�s most recent showing in Singapore features stunning full-colour plates of the installations, including the fifth Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Commission, Horizon Field Singapore. This publication also contains an artist�s interview, a curatorial essay and a text by Ackbar Abbas, who continues his study into the situatedness of Gormley�s practice. 42
Kim Lim
COVER IMAGE
Artist’s undated photograph of Day (1966 Stainless steel, enamel paint and zinc coating; 216 x 106.5
I WANT TO PLAY HOUSE Board book | 36 pages | $16.05 (inclusive of GST) | ISBN: 978-981-18-2975-8 What makes a house a home? Play house with 14 Southeast Asian artworks from the National Gallery Singapore and discover the magic of a home. Then, share your dream house with a friend or two! From our Art for Tinies series for little art lovers and their grown-up companions.
THE MODERN IN SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART: A READER Paperback | 2 volumes | $90.95 (inclusive of GST) | ISBN: 978-981-14-0664-5 Who spoke of the modern in Southeast Asia? When and where was the modern written? How was it written? How was it received? This collection brings together more than 300 texts that were originally published between the late 19 th to late 20 th centuries, produced chiefly in various locations in the region, selected by a group of scholars as responses to questions such as these. The texts were written by artists, critics, historians and curators in 13 languages, many of which had never before been translated into the English language. Years in the making, this publication is the first to present such breadth and depth of art writing in the region of Southeast Asia, and will be a valuable resource to students, teachers and scholars of Southeast Asian studies and art history.
THE HONEST GUIDE TO SEEING ART #1 AND #2 Available at Visitor Services Counter Packed with questions you have always wanted to ask in a gallery but just never did.
FREE
PERSPECTIVES Our online weekly magazine for views, conversations, research and behind-thescenes insights. Visit nationalgallery.sg/magazine. ANOTHER INITIAL IMPETUS Our new mobile-friendly zine series explores the legacies of the Alpha Gallery in Singapore, an arbiter of its time. Visit nationalgallery.sg/zines. FAMILIAR OTHERS: EMIRIA SUNASSA , EDUARDO MASFERRÉ AND YEH CHI WEI, 1940S-1970S This digital exhibition publication is the second in a series covering our new project space, Dalam Southeast Asia (see p. 22).
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TICKETI NG INFORMATION FREE AND EASY ART ENCOUNTERS FOR ALL Entry is free for everyone at: • Basement Concourse (Ngee Ann Kongsi and Koh Seow Chuan Galleries) • ArchiGallery • Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery • Keppel Centre for Art Education • Gallery Children's Biennale • Padang & Coleman Deck
Purchase your Gallery Passes online or onsite from our Self-Service Kiosks.
TICKET TYPE
SCAN TO PURCHASE TICKETS
S TA N D A R D
LO C A L*
CONCESSION
$20
FREE
$5 OFF
General Admission + Free Guided Tours
CONCE SSION COVERS:
FREE ADMISSION FOR:
• Children aged 7–12
• Gallery Insiders
• Seniors aged 60 and above
• Children aged 6 and below
• Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) excluding foreign personnel
• Local/locally-based students and teachers^
• Overseas students and teachers^
• Persons with disabilities (PWD) and their caregivers
GENER AL ADMISSION TICKET ADMITS ONE TO THE SE E XHIBITIONS: • Between Declarations and Dreams: Art of Southeast Asia Since the 19h Century • Chua Mia Tee: Directing the Real • Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia • Law of the Land: Highlights of Singapore's Constitutional Documents • Siapa Nama Kamu? Art in Singapore Since the 19th Century • Wu Guanzhong: Travelling with the Master
* 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.
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GALLERY MEMBERSHIP Experience the best of art as a member. Enjoy unlimited access to all exhibitions, first dibs at selected programmes as well as special dining and retail discounts. It's the perfect way to stay connected with the Gallery!
MEMBERSHIP TYPES EXPLORER Sign up for an Explorer account for free and be the first to know about exhibitions and programmes at the Gallery. Also, unlock new functions on the Gallery Explorer app to enhance your visits!
INSIDER From just $25, enjoy $200 worth of dining and retail vouchers, and unlimited access to all exhibitions, all year. Get invited to Insiders-only events and connect with fellow art enthusiasts!
GET $200 WORTH OF SHOPPING AND DINING VOUCHERS WITH INSIDER SIGN UPS OR RENEWAL S! Yan $50 off
Gemma $50 off
Art $50 off
National Kitchen $30 off
Total Value $200
Min. $120 spend
Min. $200 spend
Min. $200 spend
Smoke & Mirrors $10 off
Gallery Store $5 off
Courtyard Cafe $5 off
Min. $50 spend
Min. $50 spend
Min. $35 spend
Min. $100 spend
* Offers are accurate at time of print. For more information, please scan the QR code or email membership@nationalgallery.sg. MEMBERSHIP TYPE
SCAN TO SIGN UP
LO C A L*
-
-
Insider
$60
$30
Insider Concession^
$50
$25
Explorer
^Concessions are available for students, children 7-12 years, and seniors 60 years and above. *Rate for locals apply to Singaporean and PR.
Visit Us
S TA N DA R D
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GENERAL INFORMATION For the latest updates on our Venues and Spaces, please 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.
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 with state-of-theart audiovisual 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.
SCAN HERE TO BROWSE ALL VENUES
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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.
Y MRT B 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 accessible via St Andrew's Road and Coleman Street.
Y TAXI B The nearest taxi stands are located at Coleman Street entrance of the Gallery and The Adelphi.
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
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. BEST FRIENDS OF THE GALLERY (BFG) Contribute meaningfully to the Gallery and gain exposure to a wide range of roles in a visual arts institution by joining our BFG family. ARTWORK DONATIONS Artwork donations are crucial to the Gallery's mission to present Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art. All proposed donations will be carefully considered and endorsed by our Acquisition Committee. Ng Eng Teng. Mother and Child. 1996. Bronze, 350 × 310 × 150 cm. Gift of the family of the late Dr Ng Eng Teng.
ART ADOPTION AND ACQUISITION PROGRAMME Adopt artworks that are on display in our Singapore and Southeast Asian long-term exhibition galleries. We also welcome monetary donations to our acquisition fund. Donations go towards acquiring new artworks that strengthen our collection. Raden Saleh. Wounded Lion. c. 1838. Oil on canvas, 88 × 108.5 cm.
[ADOPT NOW] From just $50, you can “own” an artwork together with a group of like-minded art enthusiasts and build our National Collection for future generations. In addition to being acknowledged online for your contributions in perpetuity, you will also receive a digital artwork digital badge for every contribution made. Chua Mia Tee. Epic Poem of Malaya. 1955. Oil on canvas, 107 × 125.5 cm. This work has been collectively adopted by [Adopt Now] supporters. © Chua Mia Tee and family
PATRONS PROGRAMME Become part of 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 Our exhibition and programme partners make art more accessible to the community while also increasing their brand awareness. Partnership packages can be tailored to your needs and include privileges like private viewings that are perfect for engaging clients and staff.
To find out more, please visit nationalgallery.sg/join-give or scan the QR code to contribute to https://donate.nationalgallery.sg/ All gifts made are eligible for tax deductions in accordance with IRAS guidelines. 48
National Gallery Singapore would like to thank our corporate partners for their generous support. Development Partner
Founding Partners
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For details on partnership opportunities, visit nationalgallery.sg/support. 49
nationalgallerysg nationalgallerysingapore natgallerysg nationalgallerysg 新加坡国家美术馆
nationalgallery.sg 6271 7000, info@nationalgallery.sg
1 St Andrew’s Road Singapore 178957
