These days, it’s never a question of how are you, but how are you, really? We’re all going through our own struggles – never mind if it’s just a headache over a difficult client or an argument with your bestie. If sold-out Pikachu carriers at McDonald’s is what tips the scale for a full-blown breakdown, that’s all right too.
MENTAL: Colours of Wellbeing is an exhibition at the ArtScience Museum that validates and explores the spectrum of mental well-being. It’s wholesome, but we love that it’s super aesthetically pleasing to the eye too, with rainbow-coloured and pretty-pink installations to lift the spirits.
Visit before it ends on 26th February 2022 and try to come off-peak to avoid the crowds!
As expected from any exhibit by ASM, this is anything but a small-scale affair. MENTAL: Colours of Wellbeing features interactive exhibits and large-scale installations you should get your cameras ready for. After stepping into an introduction gallery, wander free and explore the 24 colour-filled artworks.
Image credit: Marina Bay Sands
Folks who’ve ever wanted a human-sized hamster wheel, you’ll find it here. Embellished with all the colours of the rainbow, this artwork exemplifies a message we’ve heard time and again from our parents: “just go exercise and you’ll feel better”. Science says workouts help you live longer too. Hop on for a spin to clear your mind.
Image credit: Marina Bay Sands
“Pressure, that is what you are.” Perhaps Bruno Mars meant “treasure”, but if you hear “pressure”, you’re probably much like this pink weather balloon that’s stuck in a cage. It inflates till it looks like it’s much like your 9-month-pregnant friend: about to pop.
We hear it does burst after rounds of inflating and deflating so those afraid of balloons might want to stay a good distance away.
Image credit: Marina Bay Sands
Mega-sized balloons aside, the photographers among us will also find a pretty backdrop for photos at Mirror Ritual. There’s a “money shot” in every exhibit that eventually floods social media. For this exhibit, our money’s on this pink-flushed mirror-centric piece that uses technology to generate a poem when you stand in front of it.
Image credit: Marina Bay Sands
Instead of putting on your thinking caps at this station, don an EEG headset instead. This records your “thought data”, prints it out into 3D form, and will be used for another artwork later on. Be prepared to queue for this since it’s a highly popular station!
Image credit: Marina Bay Sands
Reminisce the era of the old school landline at Hello Human, Hello Machine, which puts you on the phone with another stranger. Kinda like Tinder, but museum edition.
Image credit: Marina Bay Sands
The nostalgia continues at Kind Words, a throwback to the days we passed paper notes around to communicate in the classroom. Leave an encouraging message for a stranger here, or take a message home if it resonates with you.
Image credit: ArtScience Museum
Not your regular self-photo booth is the Echo, channelling back-alley vibes. Step in and snap a picture of yourself for a surprise – we won’t spoil too much but if you’d like a hint, your face won’t be the only face that appears. Don’t worry, it isn’t one of the 13 different types of hantus in Singapore either.
Image credit: Marina Bay Sands
Before leaving, poke your heads – literally – into the large inflatable characters of Telly, Birdie and Teddy at the surrealist Go Mental installation. It’ll be an immersion into colour, sounds and textures, with beanbags by your side if you need a quick break.
Image credit: @briarfong
Take a mental step back from reality at the Art Science Museum. If yoga and meditation haven’t been cutting it for you, perhaps these dedicated installations might shine new light on what’s been going on inside that mind. At the very least, you’ll walk away with cute photos!
Admission (Singaporeans & PR): $18/adult | $14/child
Admission (Standard): $21/adult | $14/child
Date: Until 26th February 2022
Time: 10am-7pm, Daily
Venue: 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974
Contact: 6688 8888 | MENTAL: Colours of Wellbeing website
Cover image adapted from: Marina Bay Sands
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