DOCSLIB.ORG

Nº18 INSIDE January-March 2012 EDITOR’S MUSEINGS Volume 5, Issue 1

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Nº18 INSIDE January-March 2012 EDITOR’S MUSEINGS Volume 5, Issue 1 VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1 ISSN: 1793-5261 JANUARY - MARCH 2012 Nº18 Nº18 INSIDE January-March 2012 EDITOR’S MUSEINGS Volume 5, Issue 1. HOW INDIAN TEXTILES SHAPED HISTORY editor-in-chief It is the start of a new year, and a very special one indeed as it Thangamma Karthigesu » p.06 marks the passing of 70 years since the start of World War II in Southeast Asia and the fall of Singapore to the Japanese. While editor Cheryl Sim THE NEW COLLECTION we have came a long way since then, vivid memories of this OF SARONG KEBAYA pivotal phase in Singapore’s history lives on. project co-ordinator AT THE PERANAKAN Lim Huey Wen, Amelia This issue of BeMUSE commemorates this important chapter MUSEUM of the Singapore story by bringing readers through a journey into senior designer » p.14 the past. We will show you monuments where wartime events Ridzwan Ali took place and the memorial sites to honour the war dead. There contributors TECHNOLOGY you will see the many other deep imprints left on the landscape David Chew, Foo Min Li, David MEETS ART by the battle for Singapore and the three years eight months of Henkel, Iskander Mydin, Soh Gek » p.16 Han, Cheryl Sim, Jackie Yoong Japanese Occupation, as well as the contribution of this darkest chapter in Singapore’s history to the nation’s independence in front cover THERE’S NO PLACE Japanese Occupation - The War in 1965. progress. Military Allied Defence. LIKE HOME At the same time, as we welcome 2012, we hope all our National Museum of Singapore » p.22 readers will take a little time off their busy schedules to explore Collection. the many hidden treasures in Singapore’s heritage landscape. A 68 CAIRNHILL ROAD: back cover good starting point will be to take part in the events organised Japanese Occupation - The War in A NEW LEASE OF LIFE by the National Heritage Board and various partners, in com- progress. Military Allied Defence. » p.38 memoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Battle for Singapore. National Museum of Singapore Collection. Take a guided tour through a pre-war air raid shelter in Tiong STORIES THEY TELL: Bahru, and make a journey through the World War II Trail. Visit printed and bound by MONUMENTS AND Oxford Graphic Printers Pte Ltd the exhibition at the National Library Gallery to view World War SINGAPORE DURING II artefacts uncovered during an archaeological excavation at THE JAPANESE Adam Park. Over a hundred pieces of artwork depicting life in OCCUPATION the prisoner-of-war camps, will also be on display at the National » p.44 Library Gallery. These works from the National Archives of Singapore’s Haxworth Collection were created by ex-prisoner-of- 1942 AND THE FALL war and accomplished artist William Haxworth. OF SINGAPORE: For the generation who has lived through 1942 and the Japa- 70 YEARS LATER nese Occupation, emotions are raw and memories are deep. And » p.54 for the many readers who are born well after this darkest period in Singapore, we hope that the monuments, shared memories, and numerous other forms of remembrance are more than just history lessons; but serve as valuable resources to explore and engage in this important past at an emotional level, deepening MUSELIFE our appreciation of what Singapore is today while preserving this » p.03 vital part of Singapore’s heritage. On the lighter side of things, the 2012 calendar will be filled MUSESHOP with numerous interesting exhibitions and exciting events by the BeMuse is published by the » p.33 Education and Outreach National Heritage Board and its museums. Take a journey back in Division of the National time at the Asian Civilisations Museum to the era when superior Heritage Board. MUSECALENDAR quality India textile dominated the world. Be intrigued by » p.35 If you have any feedback or artworks of an emerging generation of Singapore contemporary wish to contribute an article, artists at The Singapore Show: Future Proof held at the Singapore please email: Art Museum. [email protected] or We hope that the contents offered by BeMUSE, together with go to www.nhb.gov.sg the many exhibitions and events by the National Hertiage Board and its museums, will enrich the life of every reader in this new year. Last but not least, all of us at BeMUSE would like to wish all our readers a peaceful, rewarding and happy 2012! Thangamma Karthigesu © National Heritage Board, 2012. editor-in-chief All rights reserved. View of writers and contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior permission in writing from the Publisher and copyright owner. Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy of the information in this publication, the Publisher accepts no liability for damages by misinterpretation of information, expressed or implied, within the pages of the magazine. NODDING HEAD PARSI CHINA, PROBABLY GUANGZHOU ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MERCHANT (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CANTON), MUSEUM 19TH CENTURY PAINTED CLAY HEIGHT: 39.4CM LEE FOUNDATION ATRIUM Heritage Hop-About at 2011-01505 AT THE SINGAPORE Explore Singapore! 2011 . E PHILATELIC MUSEUM Visitors explored and discovered F Singapore’s colourful past, rich I This moustached figure has been appearance of the face indicates that it L heritage, exciting art and vibrant identified as a Parsi – possibly a was modelled on a real person. Miniature cultures through 17 museums, 27 merchant – because of his paghri, a figures like these became popular in the Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State for Information, Com- national monuments and over 20 traditional male Parsi headgear. He mid-18th century. They were produced munications and the Arts, officiated the Naming Ceremony activities, island-wide, in just two RY. of the Lee Foundation Atrium at the Singapore Philatelic wears a belted tunic and pantaloons mainly in Guangzhou, the mandatory MUSE weeks! E under his coat, a common outfit for men base for most foreign merchants in Museum on 7 October 2011. The atrium was named after the Explore Singapore! 2011 started from the late-17th century onwards. The those days, either for the export market Lee Foundation, in recognition of its $1.2 million donation to on 21 November 2011 with a hop, weighted head rests on the neck, and or on commission from interested the museum from 2007 to 2010. The donation enabled the skip and jump! For the first time, nods when the figure is moved. buyers. Figures portraying European and museum to organise 24 exhibitions during this period, includ- GALL the Preservation of Monuments Asian traders, or Chinese merchants, ing “Dragons, Treasures and Masterpieces” and “Comics and Board (PMB) worked with both The figure was modelled by hand from officials, and workers have survived in Superheroes”. The museum also organised school programmes public and private monument own- clay, fired, and then painted. The life-like large numbers, but depictions of Parsi which benefited 77,000 students, as well as free programmes on ers to open up 27 historical build- open house days which attracted 296,000 visitors from 2007 MUSE merchants are rare. These portraits of ings that have been designated workers and artisans in their everyday to 2010. by PMB as national monuments. life were popular souvenirs bought Special tours were conducted by by foreign travellers. Many of these (Below from left to right) Mr Michael Koh, CEO, National Heritage Board; heritage ambassadors, Mark Lee figures are humorous, often bordering Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State for Information, Communications and and Suhaimi Yusof, who infused the Arts; Mr Daniel Teo, Chairman, Singapore Philatelic Museum; on caricature, which was and still is an Ms Tresnawati Prihadi, General Manager, Singapore Philatelic Museum fun and excitement into this learn- essential part of their appeal as novelty ing journey. collectibles. At the same time, interactive educational tours were conducted The Parsis descend from the by members of the Museum Round- Zoroastrians, who as early as the eighth table such as Sentosa, Singapore City century left Islamic Iran for India to Gallery and the IRAS (Inland Rev- avoid religious persecution. Both groups enue Authority of Singapore) Gal- followed Spitaman Zarathushtra, the lery. Heritage enthusiasts enjoyed Iranian prophet also known as Zoroaster, night tours at Fort Siloso, and were who lived some time between 6000 brought on a journey through the and 600 BCE. During the 17th century, clans in Chinatown. The public was many Parsis migrated to Bombay also entertained by interactive tours (Mumbai) at the invitation of the East on tax matters and its evolution over India Company. There they prospered as the past 20 years, and were given a shipping tycoons, international traders glimpse into Singapore’s history at and brokers. Parsi families arrived in the National Museum of Singapore Singapore by the mid-19th century. As through the eyes of a ‘visiting foreign merchants and philanthropists, they journalist’. contributed to the country’s prosperity. Families enjoyed two weeks of Some of their names and legacies non-stop fun-filled heritage and remain familiar to many Singaporeans cultural activities. today. Explore Singapore! 2011 ended with a big bang on 4 December 2011, as the public enjoyed open house on that weekend at the Asian Civilisations Museum, the Singapore Philatelic Museum, the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall and the Singapore Art Mu- seum. A wide range of programmes and activities, with Singapore’s yesteryears as themes, were held at these museums, including movie screenings, a showcase of vintage cars, gallery viewings, musical performances, as well as old time games such as five stones and chap-teh.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Media Release Singapore Art Museum Reveals Singapore
    Media Release Singapore Art Museum Reveals Singapore Biennale 2016 Artists and Artwork Highlights ‘An Atlas of Mirrors’ Explained Through 9 Curatorial Sub-Themes Singapore, 22 September 2016 – The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) today revealed a list of 62 artists and art collectives and selected artwork highlights of the Singapore Biennale 2016 (SB2016), one of Asia’s most exciting contemporary visual art exhibitions. Titled An Atlas of Mirrors, SB2016 draws on diverse artistic viewpoints that trace the migratory and intertwining relationships within the region, and reflect on shared histories and current realities with East and South Asia. SB2016 will present 60 artworks that respond to An Atlas of Mirrors, including 49 newly commissioned and adapted artworks. The SB2016 artworks, spanning various mediums, will be clustered around nine sub-themes and presented across seven venues – Singapore Art Museum and SAM at 8Q, Asian Civilisations Museum, de Suantio Gallery at SMU, National Museum of Singapore, Stamford Green, and Peranakan Museum. The full artist list can be found in Annex A. SB2016 Artists In addition to the 30 artists already announced, SB2016 will include Chou Shih Hsiung, Debbie Ding, Faizal Hamdan, Abeer Gupta, Subodh Gupta, Gregory Halili, Agan Harahap, Kentaro Hiroki, Htein Lin, Jiao Xingtao, Sanjay Kak, Marine Ky, H.H. Lim, Lim Soo Ngee, Made Djirna, Made Wianta, Perception3, Niranjan Rajah, S. Chandrasekaran, Sharmiza Abu Hassan, Nilima Sheikh, Praneet Soi, Adeela Suleman, Melati Suryodarmo, Nobuaki Takekawa, Jack Tan, Tan Zi Hao, Ryan Villamael, Wen Pulin, Xiao Lu, Zang Honghua, and Zulkifle Mahmod. SB2016 artists are from 18 countries and territories in Southeast Asia, South Asia and East Asia.
    [Show full text]
  • Performance Art
    (hard cover) PERFORMANCE ART: MOTIVATIONS AND DIRECTIONS by Lee Wen Master of Arts Fine Arts 2006 LASALLE-SIA COLLEGE OF THE ARTS (blank page) PERFORMANCE ART: MOTIVATIONS AND DIRECTIONS by Lee Wen Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Degree Master of Arts (Fine Arts) LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts Faculty of Fine Arts Singapore May, 2006 ii Accepted by the Faculty of Fine Arts, LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts, In partial fulfillment of the requirements For the degree Master of Arts (Fine Arts). Vincent Leow Studio Supervisor Adeline Kueh Thesis Supervisor I certify that the thesis being submitted for examination is my own account of my own research, which has been conducted ethically. The data and the results presented are the genuine data and results actually obtained by me during the conduct of the research. Where I have drawn on the work, ideas and results of others this has been appropriately acknowledged in the thesis. The greater portion of the work described in the thesis has been undertaken subsequently to my registration for the degree for which I am submitting this document. Lee Wen In submitting this thesis to LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts, I understand that I am giving permission for it to be made available for use in accordance with the regulations and policies of the college. I also understand that the title and abstract will be published, and that a copy of the work may be made available and supplied to any bona fide library or research worker. This work is also subject to the college policy on intellectual property.
    [Show full text]
  • Download SB2016 Exhibition Guide
    ORGANISED BY COMMISSIONED BY SUPPORTED BY SINGAPORE SINGAPORE BIENNALE 2016 BIENNALE 2016 ARTISTS AHMAD FUAD OSMAN 59 KENTARO HIROKI 21, 49 SHARMIZA ABU HASSAN 27 MALAYSIA THAILAND/JAPAN MALAYSIA MARTHA ATIENZA 31 HTEIN LIN 46 DO HO SUH 28 PHILIPPINES/NETHERLANDS MYANMAR SOUTH KOREA/UNITED STATES/ UNITED KINGDOM AZIZAN PAIMAN 41 JIAO XINGTAO 59 MALAYSIA CHINA ADEELA SULEMAN 49 PAKISTAN RATHIN BARMAN 51 SAKARIN KRUE-ON 61 INDIA THAILAND MELATI SURYODARMO 23 INDONESIA HEMALI BHUTA 26 MARINE KY 57 SEA OF INDIA CAMBODIA/FRANCE EDDY SUSANTO 25 JAPAN INDONESIA SOUTH KOREA JAPAN BUI CONG KHANH 50 PHASAO LAO 35 VIETNAM TCHEU SIONG NOBUAKI TAKEKAWA 48 LAOS JAPAN YELLOW SEA DAVID CHAN 54 CHINA SINGAPORE H.H. LIM 21 JACK TAN 47 MALAYSIA/ITALY SINGAPORE/UNITED KINGDOM CHIA CHUYIA 41 MALAYSIA/SWEDEN LIM SOO NGEE 20 MELISSA TAN 42 PAKISTAN SINGAPORE SINGAPORE CHOU SHIH HSIUNG 29 TAIWAN MADE DJIRNA 27 TAN ZI HAO 28 EAST INDONESIA MALAYSIA CHINA SEA ADE DARMAWAN 48 TAIWAN BANGLADESH INDONESIA MADE WIANTA 25 TITARUBI 34 HONG KONG INDONESIA INDONESIA DENG GUOYUAN 34 INDIA TROPIC OF CANCER MYANMAR CHINA MAP OFFICE 23 TUN WIN AUNG & WAH NU 32 LAOS HONG KONG/FRANCE MYANMAR DEBBIE DING 55 SINGAPORE/UNITED KINGDOM MUNEM WASIF 42 RYAN VILLAMAEL 36 BANGLADESH PHILIPPINES 3 PAGE THAILAND PHILIPPINES PATRICIA PEREZ EUSTAQUIO 22 PHILIPPINE SEA PHILIPPINES PHUONG LINH NGUYEN 33 WEN PULIN 43 VIETNAM BAY VIETNAM ZANG HONGHUA OF SOUTH BENGAL FAIZAL HAMDAN 47 CHINA CAMBODIA CHINA SEA BRUNEI NI YOUYU 30 CHINA WITNESS TO PARADISE 2016: 44 ANDAMAN DEX FERNANDEZ 26 NILIMA SHEIKH, PRANEET SOI, SRI LANKA SEA PHILIPPINES PERCEPTION3 55 ABEER GUPTA & SANJAY KAK SINGAPORE INDIA MALAYSIA BRUNEI FYEROOL DARMA 33 SINGAPORE PALA POTHUPITIYE 24 XIAO LU 20 SRI LANKA CHINA SINGAPORE SUBODH GUPTA 54 INDIA QIU ZHIJIE 29 PANNAPHAN YODMANEE 31 EQUATOR CHINA THAILAND GREGORY HALILI 30 PHILIPPINES NIRANJAN RAJAH 50 HARUMI YUKUTAKE 22 MALAYSIA/CANADA JAPAN HAN SAI POR 37 SINGAPORE ARAYA RASDJARMREARNSOOK 36 ZULKIFLE MAHMOD 24 INDONESIA JAVA FLORES SEA SEA THAILAND SINGAPORE AGAN HARAHAP 32 INDONESIA S.
    [Show full text]
  • Introducing the Museum Roundtable
    P. 2 P. 3 Introducing the Hello! Museum Roundtable Singapore has a whole bunch of museums you might not have heard The Museum Roundtable (MR) is a network formed by of and that’s one of the things we the National Heritage Board to support Singapore’s museum-going culture. We believe in the development hope to change with this guide. of a museum community which includes audience, museum practitioners and emerging professionals. We focus on supporting the training of people who work in We’ve featured the (over 50) museums and connecting our members to encourage members of Singapore’s Museum discussion, collaboration and partnership. Roundtable and also what you Our members comprise over 50 public and private can get up to in and around them. museums and galleries spanning the subjects of history and culture, art and design, defence and technology In doing so, we hope to help you and natural science. With them, we hope to build a ILoveMuseums plan a great day out that includes community that champions the role and importance of museums in society. a museum, perhaps even one that you’ve never visited before. Go on, they might surprise you. International Museum Day #museumday “Museums are important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.” — International Council of Museums (ICOM) On (and around) 18 May each year, the world museum community commemorates International Museum Day (IMD), established in 1977 to spread the word about the icom.museum role of museums in society. Be a part of the celebrations – look out for local IMD events, head to a museum to relax, learn and explore.
    [Show full text]
  • INTRODUCTION the Story of Singapore and Her People Has Always Been One of Resilience Amid Change
    Sungei Rd 1 INTRODUCTION The story of Singapore and her people has always been one of resilience amid change. From the early pioneers who came to make a living, to later generations who overcame the war and struggled to build a modern, sovereign nation, Singapore’s success over the past 50 years owes much to the indomitable spirit, fortitude and resourcefulness of her people. National Day Parade, 2015 This national resilience continues to be a hallmark of independent Singapore. It has allowed the nation to weather periods of crisis, defend and strengthen herself on all fronts, and for her people to work together to transform the island into a global hub for commerce and culture. Today, this same Singapore spirit is driving a new phase of development as the nation strives to create a liveable and sustainable city; a home like no other with ample room to grow and opportunities for different communities to flourish and build a better future together. This collective resilience, which defines Singapore’s journey from 14th century trading hub, to colonial port to independent nation and global city, is the theme of the Jubilee Walk. Created in 2015 to mark Singapore’s Golden Jubilee, the Jubilee Walk is a specially curated trail of iconic locations that recall Singapore’s historic beginnings, her path towards nationhood, and show the way forward to Singapore’s present and future as a global city. 2 In this 1570 map by Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius, the Malay Peninsula appears as an elongated extension of mainland Southeast Asia, and Singapore as an appendix, marked “Cincapura” 3 4 The Jubilee Walk celebrates how far we have arrived after 50 years of independence and looks back in time to situate the island’s current progress within a maritime legacy spanning over 700 years.
    [Show full text]
  • 16 27 January 2019
    16 27 January 2 019 CONTENTS FRINGE CALENDAR FRINGE FOREWORD MESSAGE FROM M1 LIMITED FRINGE 2019: STILL WATERS FRINGE HIGHLIGHTS LIVE FRINGE FRESH FRINGE FRINGE ACTIVITIES TICKETING INFO & SCHOOL BOOKINGS ABOUT THE FRINGE & FRINGE TEAM ABOUT THE NECESSARY STAGE ABOUT THE DESIGN CONCEPT KUDOS FRINGE MAPS FRINGE 2020: MY COUNTRY AND MY PEOPLE M1 SINGAPORE FRINGE FESTIVAL 2019: FRINGE STILL WATERS HIGHLIGHTS WORKS This is Where JOGGING: ANGKAT: A Definitive, Alternative, Sean Cham (Singapore) Theatre in Progress Reclaimed Narrative of a Native Hanane Hajj Ali Nabilah Said & Noor Effendy Ibrahim (Lebanon | France) (Singapore) VENUE Selected JCDecaux Esplanade NAFA bus shelters Theatre Studio Studio Theatre From 26 Dec 2018 12 SAT 13 SUN 14 MON 15 TUE 16 WED 17 THU 18 FRI 19 SAT 20 SUN 21 MON 22 TUE 23 WED 24 THU 25 FRI 26 SAT 27 SUN * Refer to Fringe Maps for more information M1 SINGAPORE FRINGE LIVE FESTIVAL 2019: FRINGE STILL WATERS WORKS A Fortunate Man Above the Mealy- Q&A (the 36 questions) New Perspectives (UK) Mouthed Sea Rachel Erdos and Dancers (Israel) Unholy Mess (UK) VENUE Esplanade Esplanade Esplanade Theatre Studio Theatre Studio Theatre Studio 12 SAT 13 SUN 14 MON 15 TUE 16 WED 17 THU 18 FRI 19 SAT 20 SUN 21 MON 22 TUE 23 WED 24 THU 25 FRI 26 SAT 27 SUN * Refer to Fringe Maps for more information M1 SINGAPORE FRINGE LIVE FESTIVAL 2019: FRINGE STILL WATERS WORKS precise purpose Kaspar Ayer Hitam: Catamite of being broken Edith Podesta & Nanyang A Black History Loo Zihan Koh Wan Ching Academy of Fine Arts of Singapore (Singapore)
    [Show full text]
  • Art of Tang Da Wu
    This document is downloaded from DR‑NTU (https://dr.ntu.edu.sg) Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Body and communication : the ‘ordinary’ art of Tang Da Wu Wee, C. J. Wan‑Ling 2018 Wee, C. J. W.‑L. (2018). Body and communication : the ‘ordinary’ artof Tang Da Wu. Theatre Research International, 42(3), 286‑306. doi:10.1017/S0307883317000591 https://hdl.handle.net/10356/144518 https://doi.org/10.1017/S0307883317000591 © 2018 International Federation for Theatre Research. All rights reserved. This paper was published by Cambridge University Press in Theatre Research International and is made available with permission of International Federation for Theatre Research. Downloaded on 27 Sep 2021 10:02:22 SGT Accepted and finalized version of: Wee, C. J. W.-L. (2018). ‘Body and communication: The “Ordinary” Art of Tang Da Wu’. Theatre Research International, 42(3), 286-306. C. J. W.-L. Wee [email protected] Body and Communication: The ‘Ordinary’ Art of Tang Da Wu Abstract What might the contemporary performing body look like when it seeks to communicate and to cultivate the need to live well within the natural environment, whether the context of that living well is framed and set upon either by longstanding cultural traditions or by diverse modernizing forces over some time? The Singapore performance and visual artist Tang Da Wu has engaged with a present and a region fractured by the predations of unacceptable cultural norms – the consequences of colonial modernity or the modern nation-state taking on imperial pretensions – and the subsumption of Singapore society under capitalist modernization. Tang’s performing body both refuses the diminution of time to the present, as is the wont of the forces he engages with, and undertakes interventions by sometimes elusive and ironic means – unlike some overdetermined contemporary performance art – that reject the image of the modernist ‘artist as hero’.
    [Show full text]
  • From Orphanage to Entertainment Venue: Colonial and Post-Colonial Singapore Reflected in the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus
    From Orphanage to Entertainment Venue: Colonial and post-colonial Singapore reflected in the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus by Sandra Hudd, B.A., B. Soc. Admin. School of Humanities Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the qualification of Doctor of Philosophy University of Tasmania, September 2015 ii Declaration of Originality This thesis contains no material which has been accepted for a degree or diploma by the Universityor any other institution, except by way of backgroundi nformationand duly acknowledged in the thesis, andto the best ofmy knowledgea nd beliefno material previously published or written by another person except where due acknowledgement is made in the text oft he thesis, nor does the thesis contain any material that infringes copyright. �s &>-pt· � r � 111 Authority of Access This thesis is not to be made available for loan or copying fortwo years followingthe date this statement was signed. Following that time the thesis may be made available forloan and limited copying and communication in accordance with the Copyright Act 1968. :3 £.12_pt- l� �-- IV Abstract By tracing the transformation of the site of the former Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, this thesis connects key issues and developments in the history of colonial and postcolonial Singapore. The convent, established in 1854 in central Singapore, is now the ‗premier lifestyle destination‘, CHIJMES. I show that the Sisters were early providers of social services and girls‘ education, with an orphanage, women‘s refuge and schools for girls. They survived the turbulent years of the Japanese Occupation of Singapore and adapted to the priorities of the new government after independence, expanding to become the largest cloistered convent in Southeast Asia.
    [Show full text]
  • After Utopia Premises the Idea of Utopia on Four Prospects
    1 May – 18 Oct 2015 Organised by Supported by In celebration of © 2015 Singapore Art Museum © 2015 Individual contributors All artworks are © the artists unless otherwise stated. Information correct at the time of the publication. Exhibition Curators: Tan Siuli Louis Ho Artwork captions by: Joyce Toh (JT) 1 May – 18 Oct 2015 Tan Siuli (TSL) Louis Ho (LH) All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for purposes of private study, research, criticism, or review, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior consent from the Publisher. Printer: AlsOdoMinie, Singapore Cover Image: H. Eichhorn, Tropic Woods (detail), issued by Meyers, lithographed by Bibliographisches Institut Leipzig, 1900, as featured in Donna Ong, The Forest Speaks Back (I), 2014. Photograph by John Yuen. Image courtesy of the Artist. Inside Cover Image: Maryanto, Pandora’s Box (detail), 2013, 2015. Image courtesy of the Artist. n naming his fictional island ‘Utopia’, writer Thomas More conjoined the Greek words for ‘good place’ and ‘no place’ – a reminder that the idealised society he conjured was fundamentally phantasmal. And yet, the search and yearning for utopia is a ceaseless humanist endeavour. Predicated on possibility and hope, utopian principles and models of worlds better than our own have been perpetually re-imagined, and through the centuries, continue to haunt our consciousness. Where have we located our utopias? How have we tried to bring into being the utopias we have aspired to? How do these manifestations serve as mirrors to both our innermost yearnings as well as to our contemporary realities – that gnawing sense that this world is not enough? Drawing largely from SAM’s permanent collection, as well as artists’ collections and new commissions, After Utopia premises the idea of Utopia on four prospects.
    [Show full text]
  • Stay Fit & Feel Good Memorable Events at The
    INTEGRATED DINING DESTINATION SINGAPORE ISLAND MAP STAY FIT & FEEL GOOD Food warms the soul and we promise that it is always a lavish gastronomic experience Relax after a day of conference meeting or sightseeing. Stay in shape at our 24-hour gymnasium, at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. have a leisurely swim in the pool, challenge your travel buddies to a game of tennis or soothe your muscles in the outdoor jacuzzi. MALAYSIA SEMBAWANG SHIPYARD NORTHERN NS11 Pulau MALAYSIA SEMBAWANG SEMBAWANG Seletar WOODLANDS WOODLANDS SUNGEI BULOH WETLAND CHECKPOINT TRAIN CHECKPOINT RESERVE NS10 ADMIRALTY NS8 NS9 MARSILING WOODLANDS YISHUN SINGAPORE NS13 TURF CLUB WOODLANDS YISHUN Pulau SARIMBUN SELETAR RESERVOIR EXPRESSWAY Punggol KRANJI NS7 Barat KRANJI Pulau BUKIT TIMAH JALAN Punggol NS14 KHATIB KAYU Timor KRANJI Pulau Pulau LIM CHU KANG RESERVOIR SELETAR PUNGGOL Serangoon Tekong KRANJI SINGAPORE RESERVOIR PUNGGOL (Coney Island) WAR ZOO AIRPORT Pulau Ubin MEMORIAL NEE LOWER SELETAR NE17 SOON RESERVOIR PUNGGOL Punggol EXPRESSWAY UPPER NIGHT TAMPINES EXPRESSWAY (TPE) LRT (PG) NS5 SAFARI SELETAR YEW TEE RESERVOIR MEMORABLE EVENTS AT THE WATERFRONT (SLE) SERANGOON NE16 RESERVOIR Bukit Panjang SENGKANG RIVER Sengkang LRT (BP) SAFARI With 33 versatile meeting rooms covering an impressive 850 square metres, SENGKANG LRT (SK) CAFHI JETTY NS4 CHOA CHU YIO CHU CHOA CHU KANG KANG CHANGI the Waterfront Conference Centre truly offers an unparalleled choice of meeting KANG NE15 PASIR NS15 BUANGKOK VILLAGE EASTERN DT1 BUKIT YIO CHU KANG TAMPINES EXPRESSWAY (TPE) BUKIT PANJANG (BKE) RIS Boasting a multi-sensory dining experience, interactive Grissini is a contemporary Italian grill restaurant spaces with natural daylight within one of the best designed conference venues PANJANG HOUGANG (KPE) EW1 CHANGI PASIR RIS VILLAGE buffet restaurant, Food Capital showcases the best specialising in premium meats and seafood prepared in DT2 LOWER NS16 NE14 in the region.
    [Show full text]
  • Early Contemporary Art Activities in Singapore (1976 – 1996), Documentation from the Koh Nguang How Archive Collection
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE On the Cusp: Early Contemporary Art Activities in Singapore (1976 – 1996), Documentation from the Koh Nguang How Archive Collection Selection of Art Ephemera, 1986 to 1996. Photographed by Koh Nguang How. SINGAPORE, 29 JANUARY 2018 – Launching on 1 February 2018, On the Cusp: Early Contemporary Art Activities in Singapore (1976 – 1996), Documentation from the Koh Nguang How Archive Collection, is an archival presentation curated by and seen from the perspective of Singaporean artist and archivist Koh Nguang How. The exhibition pivots around Koh’s involvement, activities, collection and recollection as Curatorial Assistant at the National Museum Art Gallery (NMAG) from October 1985 to February 1992, a position that launched his interest and commitment in documenting and archiving art activities in Singapore. Koh’s extensive archival collection is widely acknowledged as the most comprehensive on Singapore early contemporary to contemporary art. Using material which Koh personally documented or collected, the presentation explores early contemporary art activities through two lenses. The first gathers events, people and activities in a chronological order that, in Koh’s view, were leaning towards the ‘contemporary’ in the 20-year period between the establishment of NMAG and SAM. The second offers a closer look at the events in, around and connected to NMAG and the former St Joseph’s Institution (SJI) building. Navigating around these two trajectories produces both expansive and specific insights - from the groundswell within the Singaporean art scene as it transitioned from the modern to the contemporary, eventually contributing towards the establishment of Singapore’s first dedicated visual arts museum; to the relationships between artists, curators, organisers, collectives and communities in and around NMAG and the SAM-SJI building.
    [Show full text]
  • WARTIME Trails
    history ntosa : Se : dit e R C JourneyWARTIME into Singapore’s military historyTRAI at these lS historic sites and trails. Fort Siloso ingapore’s rich military history and significance in World War II really comes alive when you make the effort to see the sights for yourself. There are four major sites for military buffs to visit. If you Sprefer to stay around the city centre, go for the Civic District or Pasir Panjang trails, but if you have time to venture out further, you can pay tribute to the victims of war at Changi and Kranji. The Japanese invasion of February 1942 February 8 February 9 February 10 February 13-14 February 15 Japanese troops land and Kranji Beach Battle for Bukit Battle of Pasir British surrender Singapore M O attack Sarimbun Beach Battle Timah PanjangID Ridge to the JapaneseP D H L R I E O R R R O C O A H A D O D T R E R E O R O T A RC S D CIVIC DISTRICT HAR D R IA O OA R D O X T D L C A E CC1 NE6 NS24 4 I O Singapore’s civic district, which Y V R Civic District R 3 DHOBY GHAUT E I G S E ID was once the site of the former FORT CA R N B NI N CC2 H 5 G T D Y E LI R A A U N BRAS BASAH K O O W British colony’s commercial and N N R H E G H I V C H A A L E L U B O administrative activities in the C A I E B N C RA N S E B 19th and 20th century, is where A R I M SA V E H E L R RO C VA A you’ll find plenty of important L T D L E EY E R R O T CC3 A S EW13 NS25 2 D L ESPLANADE buildings and places of interest.
    [Show full text]