PUBLISHED June 10th, 2016 02:09 pm
In the midst of this unrelenting summer heat, it’s easy to pop into a shopping mall for some air-conditioned respite. Well, why not head to Singapore Art Museum instead? The cool (in more ways than one) building is home to one of the most important public collections of Southeast Asian contemporary artworks; and this summer, they have two enthralling exhibitions for your visual pleasure:
Imaginarium: Over the Ocean, Under the Sea
From now till 28 August 2016, Imaginarium tells us the stories of seascapes through the eyes of contemporary artists, through tactile and interactive works. Geared towards kids (and the young at heart), one can look forward to sensory play with artworks like ADA — a giant helium balloon, or getting touchy-feely with Dimana Mogus? (Where is Mogus?) a colourful dream seascape with whimsical crocheted octopus monsters! Join the Imaginarium Toddler Art Workshop after, where the tots can channel inspiration from the exhibition into creating their very own artwork.
The Imaginarium Toddler Art Workshop is available 14, 21, and 28 June, 10.30am – 11.30am, tickets are priced at $35 per toddler (accompanied by an adult). All materials will be provided; suitable for kids aged 18 months to 3 years old.
Also, be sure to drop by Plastic Ocean by Tan Zi Xi, exhibit at Imaginarium, a work which simulates the sensation of floating in a sea of trash, to highlight the impact that humans have on the ocean environment. Join a workshop with the artist Tan Zi Xi, also known as messymsxi, and contemplate these issues while creating a mural painting with her.
The Illustration Workshop with Tan Zi Xi is on Saturday, 30 July at 2pm – 3.30pm and Tuesday, 9 August at 10.30am – 12pm. Tickets are priced at $35 per person.
Before the exhibition closes in August, museum goers can also look forward to a special performance of Suara Muara (The Sounds of the Estuary) by the Papermoon Puppet Theatre. Bringing the sounds of the past to life with the story of the tiny town of Lasem on Friday, 26 August 2016, with 3 showings at 3pm, 5pm, 7pm. Visit www.
Odyssey: Navigating Nameless Oceans
In line with the nautical theme, Odyssey will be putting the spotlight on 11 artists’ explorations and expressions of the oceans from now till 28 August 2016.
The themes explored range from the idealised notions of seascapes, the Anthropocene, origins of life and personal histories and identities. Those seeking a deeper insight regarding the artworks can join SAM curator John Tung on the Curator Tour of Odyssey: Navigating Nameless Oceans. In addition to discussing the artworks, the tour will also delve into the curatorial process of the exhibition.
The Curator Tour of Odyssey: Navigating Nameless Oceans is happening Wednesday, 29 June at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at $15 per person.
SAM has plenty more to offer, but Imaginarium and Odyssey are definitely the highlights of their summer programme. Check out SAM’s Facebook and Instagram page to learn more. See you there!
Singapore Art Museum is located at 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555. Open Mon-Thu, 10am-7opm (last entry 6.15pm), Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm. Free entry for Singaporeans and permanent residents.
Left Image: “Odyssey: A Short History of Man and Animal, Richard Streitmatter Tran (2015)”
Top Image: Don’t They Know It’s The End of the Whale, Yuree Kensaku, 2016.
This article is sponsored by Singapore Art Museum.