New exhibitions at SAM @ Tanjong Pagar Distripark
There are plenty of things to do in Singapore to keep your weekends occupied – from the new Bird Paradise to exploring mysterious locations such as the Marsiling Tunnels and Bunker. But with the weather these days, all we wanna do is stay indoors. Well, if you’re looking for a new date idea away from the heat, SAM @ Tanjong Pagar Distripark has 3 new exhibitions.
But before you run there, relax lah, the exhibitions aren’t going anywhere any time soon. They’ll be taking place from 18th May-24th September 2023 – lots of time to check them out.
Retro sci-fi “movie room”
This installation by Hito Steyerl is Venice Biennale-approved.
Image credit: Singapore Art Museum
Now, one of the coolest installations here is by German filmmaker Hito Steyerl. Her video installation Factory of the Sun looks like it’s right out of Tron: Legacy.
Feel free to take a seat on one of the chairs available and watch as a montage of YouTube dance videos, drone surveillance footage, video games, and both fictitious and actual news segments flash right before your eyes. You’ll feel like a main character in a retro sci-fi movie.
Factory of the Sun by Hito Steyerl.
Image credit: Singapore Art Museum
This art installation was presented at the 2015 Venice Biennale, one of the world’s biggest international cultural exhibitions – so here’s your chance to get cultured without travelling out of Singapore.
SAM Contemporaries – Art installations & massive paintings
From Silver to Steel by Anthony Chin.
Image credit: Singapore Art Museum
Talking about getting cultured, who says art can’t be educational? Look out for 2 new works by Singapore artist Anthony Chin: From Silver to Steel and South Sea Ore, as part of a group exhibition called SAM Contemporaries.
Through his art, the artist investigates the history of iron ore mining in British Malaya and how it’s related to 20th-century Imperial Japan. Hint: it involves the shin guntō, a military sword made using steel imported from Malaya.
South Sea Ore uses AR technology.
Image credit: Singapore Art Museum
The artist also uses augmented reality (AR) technology to visualise the historical passage of iron ore through Singapore ports – against the backdrop of the Tanjong Pagar port right behind SAM @ Tanjong Pagar Distripark.
A Collisional Accelerator of Everydays (A.C.A.E.) by Yeyoon Avis Ann.
Image credit: Singapore Art Museum
Back to the present day, you’ll also see everyday objects being used in other artworks. Think cups, toothbrushes, and chairs, all used in a work by Yeyoon Avis Ann called A Collisional Accelerator of Everydays (A.C.A.E.). It’s meant to be an immersive experience – so walk around the artwork to hear snippets of familiar sounds.
Moses Tan explores the topic of identity and queerness through a variety of symbols.
Image credit: Singapore Art Museum
There’s also caveat, a score by Moses Tan, a mixed-media installation featuring objects he found such as furniture, photographic prints, video, polymer clay sculptures, and even a construction site barricade.
Through the use of these materials that are so accessible to the everyday Singaporean, perhaps you’ll be reminded that art isn’t just for a select few.
Landscape Palimpsest by Khairulddin Wahab.
Image credit: Singapore Art Museum
If you’re more of an aesthete, one that will catch your eye is Landscape Palimpsest by local artist Khairulddin Wahab. It’s a series of large-scale colourful paintings of Southeast Asian landscapes, inspired by the history of our land. Take a moment to slow down and contemplate what these visuals mean to you – after all, art is subjective.
If you’re thinking “contemplate simi sai?” – hey, there’s also no shame in just walking around and taking pics for the ‘Gram. Different strokes for different folks.
Lila: Unending Play by Jane Lee
Lila (The Ultimate Play) by Jane Lee.
Image credit: Singapore Art Museum
The last of the 3 exhibitions is located in Gallery 1 – and it’s a solo one by Singaporean artist Jane Lee. The artist is known for her photo-worthy tactile works that combine the use of space, light, reflection, and shadows. This is the gallery to go to if you just wanna look at pretty things without engaging in much discourse – each artwork here is just satisfying to look at.
This work is titled “Hollow and Empty”, like my heart.
Image credit: Singapore Art Museum
The artworks are installed in a few connecting rooms, inviting visitors to wander around and appreciate their beauty.
Outdoor artworks along Bras Basah Road & Queen Street
Image credit: Singapore Art Museum
And lastly, if you’d like to take a walk outside or happen to be around the OG Singapore Art Museum, look out for public art surrounding the building. The hoardings along Bras Basah Road and Queen Street have been refreshed with 2 artworks by Yeyoon Avis Ann and Fyerool Darma. New OOTD spot? Say no more.
Free admission for Singaporeans & PRs
Ok, so most of you are always on the hunt for new free things to do in Singapore – and we’re happy to report that there’s free admission to SAM @ Tanjong Pagar Distripark for Singapore residents. If you’ve got friends visiting from overseas, standard rates are still affordable at $10/adult and $5/student or seniors.
Whether you’re looking for a respite from the heat, impress your crush, or simply take yourself out on a solo date, it’s worth heading down to check it out.
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Cover image adapted from: Singapore Art Museum