National Gallery Singapore

Are you a Gallery Insider yet? 🏛

Our Insider community had a fantastic time at our recent get-together for a special conservation workshop led by conservator Dr. Diana, as part of the “Cheong Soo Pieng: Layer by Layer” exhibition.

The night was filled with tasty food, painting personal masterpieces and an after-hours tour of the show. An eventful evening filled with lots of learning and fun, we are thankful to all our Insiders for always showing up to our gatherings with much enthusiasm ❤

Become a Gallery Insider for more exclusive events, experiences and perks including unlimited access to all our exhibitions: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/support/join/membership

Are you happy? 😊

Teo Eng Seng’s “We’re Happy. Are You Happy?” opens today and we’re over the moon! With close to 70 artworks from his illustrious seven-decade-long career, explore the Cultural Medallion recipient’s socially engaged practice with a cheeky, humorous twist.

A keen inventor and spontaneous creator, see how Teo transforms everyday materials into vibrant artworks, including an in-depth look into his invention of paperdyesculp.

On display till 2 Feb 2025.

📍 Singtel Exhibition Gallery 1 and The Spine Hall

Purchase your Gallery Passes: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/TeoEngSeng2024

Insiders go for free: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/support/join/membership

This September, we’re all about creating and using our hands! From learning how to weave traditional Māori headbands and bracelets with flax to using our bodies to move like our favourite sculptures, there’s a packed lineup of activities for you to choose from!

Head to the ‘Events’ section of our page for our full list of programmes.

🗿 Workshop | [Family Programmes] Art Alive!: Sculpture
Sat, 14 September | 11:00am & 2:00pm
https://bit.ly/ArtAliveSculpture

🧵 Workshop | Weaving Sundays: Weaving Narratives by Natalia Tan
Sun, 15 September | 2:00pm
https://bit.ly/WeavingSundaysNGS

✂️ Film Screening & Talk | "Objects for Thriving"
Sat, 21 September | 2:00pm
https://bit.ly/ObjectsForThriving_catch

🧶 Talk | Weavers, Mediators: A Panel on Textile Materiality
Sat, 28 September | 3:30pm
https://bit.ly/weaversmediators

🌿 A Flax Weaving Workshop | “Whiria te harakeke!” (Plait the harakeke!)
Sun, 29 September | 2:00pm
https://bit.ly/KLharakeke

🌈 On the other side of the rainbow lies… a whole lot of fun!

Enter a magical world of dreams and colour at the Keppel Centre for Art Education where your tiny tots can 3D print their wildest creations, paint with special brushes and go wherever their imagination takes them!

Seven interactive spaces for the family to explore, play and create together. Add us to your school holiday plans: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/gallerykids/keppelcentre 🖌

This child-friendly space is free for all and open daily from 10am to 7pm.

📸: Singapore Tourism Board VisitSingapore Farah Nabilah

We are proud to unveil our special collaboration with the National Library Board, Singapore titled "Book Bugs", a bug-themed collectible card game to encourage children to read in English and Mother Tongue languages.

Together with the team, the Gallery has designed a unique red-winged character armed with a paintbrush named Art-terfly as part of this special card release.

Visitors can borrow books to earn reward points, redeem Book Bugs cards for play and exchange, and collect unique stamps at different public libraries.

For more information on this reading initiative: https://go.gov.sg/nlb-bookbugs 🦋

To photograph or to be photographed? 📸

We’re rummaging through our archives this , and are charmed by these photos of artists Kim Lim and Teo Eng Seng in their youth.

Two acclaimed artists. Two completely different styles. Two breathtaking shows to come. Opening next month in September.

Get your Gallery Passes at an early bird rate now: https://bit.ly/SpecialExhibitionGalleryPasses

Insiders go for free: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/support/join/membership

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🛠️ Kim Lim in her studio. c. late 1960s. © Estate of Kim Lim. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2023. Photo: Jorge Lewinski

👔 Photograph of Teo Eng Seng in London, c. 1961. Collection of the artist.

We're bringing the arts to the coffee shop! ☕💭

Presenting "TAV S24: For a night, we are all a village… Let’s head to the coffee shop!", a project by The Artists Village (TAV) and the Gallery. Join us at a Geylang rest stop after dusk to experience our kopitiam rituals, connect with artists, meet new friends and create new art pathways. Kicking off with a community dinner, we descend into a festive night filled with games, sonic activations, and conversations in this creative gathering.

Come chit chat, lim kopi and connect with the arts community in this unique experience!

Tickets going fast: https://bit.ly/TAVS24

📍 Mountain Coffee. 2 Geylang Lorong 29, Yinchuan Building, Singapore 388058
📅 Sat, 24 August | 7.00pm to midnight

Seng Yu Jin Goh Beng Kwan Kai Lam

Congratulations to our Chairman, Mr Peter Ho Hak Ean, on being awarded the Order of Nila Utama (with High Distinction) - the highest of three grades for the Order - as part of the National Day Awards 2024! This prestigious honour reflects his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing Singapore's cultural and educational landscape.

Since Mr Ho assumed the role of the Gallery's Chairman in 2021, his guidance has propelled us to new heights, deepening our impact on both local and regional communities. Under Mr Ho's stewardship, the Gallery has achieved remarkable milestones, including improved global rankings, prestigious awards, and significant recognition for our contributions to art, education, and social impact.

We are truly privileged to have such an inspiring leader at the helm. Here's to continued excellence and growth under his stewardship!

Read more here: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/national-day-awards-order-nila-utama-high-distinction-ura-peter-ho-hak-ean-4527051

Paint the town red ❤️🇸🇬

Happy National Day! We’re celebrating our nation’s 59th birthday with exhibitions spotlighting four very different but unique Singaporean artists, as part of the "SG Artist Series". Have you seen the first one by Cheong Soo Pieng that’s already on display?

Get your early bird tickets to see our upcoming shows on visionary artists Teo Eng Seng, Kim Lim, and Lim Tze Peng. Opening just around the corner in September and October.

Tickets here: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/sgartistseries

Gallery Insiders go for free: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/support/join/membership

💋 Cheong Soo Pieng. “A Corner of Art Studio”. 1947. Oil on wood, 31 × 41cm. Private Collection. © Family of Cheong Soo Pieng.

💡 Teo Eng Seng. "The Mind". 1975. Mixed media construction. Collection of the Estate of Teo Eng Seng.

🧱 Kim Lim. “Borneo I”. 1964. Wood. 160 cm. Kim Lim Estate/Turnbull Studio, London. © Estate of Kim Lim. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2024

🌊 Lim Tze Peng. Detail of “Singapore River (Coleman Bridge) / Singapore River (Elgin Bridge) / Singapore River 新加坡河”. 1979. Chinese ink and colour on paper, 68 × 139cm. Collection of Istana.

We deeply mourn the passing of Dr Baharudin Mohd Arus. Born 1951 in Malaysia, Baharudin is one of the pioneering media artists of Southeast Asia and among the first to experiment with video in the region.

Interested in motors from a young age, Baharudin started making robotic sculptures and kinetic artworks in 1989. He said to the curators in an interview, “I want to do something new. To me, art is moving…. Art is not static, staying in one place. We have to move, move, move, move.”

He remade his 1989 work, "The Medium is the Message (After Marshall McLuhan)", for the Gallery's recent exhibition, "See Me, See You: Early Video Installation of Southeast Asia". The work involves an automaton, equipped with a video camera, encircling two televisions playing the camera’s live feed and video footage referring to the orbital flows of life. This innovative work is now in the museum collection and the Gallery is deeply grateful to Baharudin for entrusting this work to the museum for posterity.

For more on Baharudin and his work, visit the links below:

Meet the Artist: https://bit.ly/MeetTheArtistDrBaharudin
Baharudin Mohd Arus and Jean Marie Syjuco in conversation with National Gallery Singapore curators: https://bit.ly/InConversationWithSMSY
Documentation of his work The Medium is the Message (After Marshall McLuhan): https://bit.ly/SMSYDocumentation

In partnership with CapitaLand Malls SG, the Gallery presents the whimsical world of "It Takes A Village"!

The brainchild of illustrator Priscilla Tey, this enchanting cardboard neighborhood brings Singapore's urban landscape and beloved folktales to life, featuring familiar buildings, charming furniture, and vibrant flora and fauna. 🌿🏙️

Wander through this immersive installation at these locations:
📍 Raffles City Singapore
Ongoing until 11 August, Level 3 (In front of P.S. Cafe)
📍 Plaza Singapura
12 August to 18 August, Level 1 (The Alley)
📍 CQ @ Clarke Quay
19 August to 26 August, Fountain Square

Join us in fun hands-on activities during your visit*:
🌸 Paper Flower Making workshop by Pei Per Flowers
📦 Cardboard Shelf Making workshop by Trio Packaging
📚 Storytelling: Legends of Singapore

*Spend a minimum of $20 in a single, same-day receipt and present your receipt at the exhibition to secure a spot in one of our workshops. Redemptions are limited. T&Cs apply.

More about this unique celebration of Singapore's heritage and creativity: https://www.capitaland.com/sg/malls/rafflescity/en/events/it-takes-a-villagebypriscillateyanimmersiveinstallationonlevel3o.html

CapitaLand

Where others saw only dirt, he saw treasure ✨

Drawn to the interactions of the sun, rain and soil, Singaporean artist Tang Da Wu transformed what people trod on into sublime creations.

Discover how artists like Tang responded to the environment through their art. More captivating stories in our latest online course, "Art and the Environment in Southeast Asia: Environment as Contested Space".

Sign up and join the community: https://bit.ly/ArtEnvironment 👈

🟤 Tang Da Wu. "One hundred percent Old Earth 《100% 老 土》". 1979. Mineral pigment on paper, Collection of National Gallery Singapore.

🏛️ Coming to the Gallery this weekend?

Thank you for stopping by and tagging us in your visit!

📷: and on Instagram.

📍 UOB Southeast Asia Gallery: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/southeastasia-between-declarations-dreams-art

Spectacular artworks ✅ Fabulous outfits ✅

Over the past few months, eight of our National Collection works by Southeast Asian artists have been settling nicely into their new home at the . A big hello to everyone around the world who has stopped by so far!

Did you know that you can “own” one of these artworks? Adopt “Labourer (Lunch Break)” by Lai Foong Moi as part of our [Adopt Now] programme from just $50, with your contributions going towards building our National Collection for future generations with the acquisition of more significant artworks.

Adopt an artwork and explore how you can help make art more accessible with the Gallery: https://donate.nationalgallery.sg/all/adoptnow 👈

The La Biennale di Venezia runs till 24 November: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/venice-biennale-2024

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Exhibition view of “Nucleo Storico” section in the Main Exhibition of Venice Biennale 2024:

🤍 1. Lê Phổ’s Jeune fille en blanc (Young Girl in White) (1931). Pictured at the bottom left.
🎀 2. Georgette Chen’s Self Portrait (c. 1946). Pictured at the bottom left.
🧱 3. Chua Mia Tee’s Road Construction Worker (1955). Pictured in the middle.
👷 4. Lai Foong Moi’s Labourer (Lunch Break) (1965). Pictured on the left.
✨ 5. Hendra Gunawan’s My Family (1968). Pictured on the right.
👨 6. Lim Mu Hue’s Self-Expression (c. 1957/ 1963). Pictured in the middle.
💛 7. Affandi’s Self-Portrait (1975). Pictured on the left.
🌺 8. Emiria Sunassa’s Orang Irian dengan burung tjenderawasih (Irian Man with Bird of Paradise) (1948). Pictured at the bottom left.

📜Now open📜 "Laws of Our Land: Foundations of a New Nation"

In this latest exhibition organised by the National Library Board, Singapore and situated at the former Chief Justice's Chamber and Office, visitors will have the opportunity to view 37 artefacts spotlighting laws that have been pivotal in shaping modern-day Singapore.

Learn more about the historical circumstances that led to the enactment of the Citizenship Ordinance, the Women's Charter, and the Employment Act through a digital rack of trade union publications, video screenings of key moments in Singapore's journey to nationhood, interactive games, and augmented reality offerings.

Singaporeans and PRs visit for free! Guided tours are available on the third Friday of every month.

📍 Level 3, Supreme Court Wing, Former Chief Justice's Chamber and Office

📸 Photo credit: National Library Board

National Archives of Singapore

Keen on a little wellness boost?

It’s self-care season and we all deserve a little something special. Join us in nourishing your mind, body and soul through curated programmes at the Gallery Wellness Special, running till 21 July! 😌

Entry is free for all with select ticketed programmes happening this weekend (only a few slots left for Slow Art X)!

Our full wellness menu: https://bit.ly/NGSGalleryWellnessSpecial2024 👈

As part of a broader collaboration to extend the reach of modern Southeast Asian art beyond the Gallery’s walls and integrating it into our daily lives, the Gallery and Frasers Property Singapore are teaming up for the second consecutive year with "A Stroll in the Painting," a vibrant and interactive art installation by renowned Singaporean artist, Yip Yew Chong!

Inspired by the iconic works of Cheong Soo Pieng, step back in time to the bustling Southeast Asian marketplaces of the 1960s and 1970s roving across four of Frasers Property Retail malls in July! Immerse yourself in a series of fun interactive activities (live painting, artist meet-and-greets and more) at selected malls in the month of July! 🖌️✨

🗓️ When & Where:
2 - 7 July: Northpoint City, Singapore, Level 1, North Atrium
9 - 14 July: Waterway Point, Basement 2, Cove
16 - 21 July: Tampines 1, Level 1, Main Atrium
23 - 28 July: The Centrepoint, Level 1, Atrium

🕛 Time: Open from 12pm to 8pm. Don't miss out on the fun! Find out more: https://bit.ly/NGS_2024

🏛️ Visiting the Gallery in July? Add these programmes to your plans!

Slow down and reconnect with yourself through a series of mindful exercises conducted in our beautiful galleries. Inspired by the “Cheong Soo Pieng: Layer by Layer” exhibition, learn more about textile conservation and how to care for clothing in our local hot and humid climate. See an iconic artwork come to life in energetic storytelling sessions. And lastly, join us for a send-off party for the Gallery’s very first exhibition where we say farewell for a bit while it undergoes a revamp.

Whether you’re a wellness enthusiast, a parent with kids, or just looking for a fun place to be at, we’ve got something for you!

💆🏻‍♀️ Workshop | Slow Art X (Gallery Wellness Special)
Sat & Sun, 6 & 7 July, 10:30am
https://bit.ly/GWSSlowArtX

🧵 Workshop | A Stitch in Time: Textile Conservation in Sunny Singapore
Sun, 7 & 14 July | 3:00pm
https://bit.ly/CSPTextileConservationInJuly

🖼️ Workshop | Art Alive! : National Language Class
Sat, 13 July | 11:00am & 1:00pm
https://bit.ly/ArtAliveInJuly

🥳 Party | Kolektif Chills: BRB
Thu, 18 July | 6:00pm
https://bit.ly/KolektiffChills

☁️ On cloud nine ☁️

In this playful and organic artwork by Filipino artist David Medalla, the foam interacts with the environment to move in fluid ways and create an ever-evolving sculpture, reminding us of the ways that art, very much like people, can find beauty in fluidity.

🫧 David Medalla. "Cloud Canyons No. 24". 2015, first version in series 1964. Wood, Perspex, compressors, timer, water and detergent, 310 x 150 x 150cm. Collection of National Gallery Singapore. Installation view, "Tropical: Stories from Southeast Asia and Latin America", 2023.

On Wednesdays we wear pink! 💅

🦩 Manit Sriwanichpoom. “Shocking Pink Collection: Globalizing Pink Man”. 1998. Duratrans prints in light box, 150 x 100 cm. Collection of National Gallery Singapore

Durian season is upon us 🤤

In this Liu Kang painting, he paints the various phases of the durian’s journey. It shares space with the mangosteen, is gathered for the market, pried open, prepared for sale, placed on shoulder pole baskets and then eaten.

Are you a fan of the “King of Fruits”?

🌳 Liu Kang’s “Durian Vendor”, on display in the “Figuring a Scene” exhibition at the Level 3 UOB Southeast Asia Gallery

Exhibition is free for Singaporeans and PRs: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/FiguringAScene

The Gallery is thrilled to announce the launch of the Art & Family Preschool Learning Journey, in collaboration with Families for Life. A heartfelt thank you to Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development, for gracing the opening event.

Through the Art & Family Preschool Learning Journey at the Gallery, preschoolers will have the opportunity to interact with key artworks and artforms from our National Collection. This experience will foster their creative and critical thinking abilities while instilling family values such as Love, Care & Concern, Commitment and Respect in a meaningful and impactful way.

With this initiative, preschools and educators can enrich their family education curriculum and cultivate children’s love for art with more diverse and engaging lessons, outside of the classroom.

Interested preschools and educators can register for the Learning Journey via the BookMuseums website.

🌟Kindergarten 1 & 2: https://www.bookmuseums.nhb.gov.sg/programmepreview/a8f96e8f-34eb-4eed-b3a1-d0571e416899

🌞Nursery 2: https://www.bookmuseums.nhb.gov.sg/programmepreview/bc09aa5f-f078-4f9e-8258-1da23b01b241

Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha! 🕌🌙✨

Celebrate with mesmerising art from Jaafar Latiff, acclaimed Singaporean artist known for his innovation in the medium of batik.

May this festive season bring joy, peace, and inspiration to all!

💚 Jaafar Latiff. “Batik 9 - 87/88”. 1988. Batik, 85 x 85cm. Collection of National Gallery Singapore. © Jaafar Latiff family.

Shining. Shimmering. GLISTENing. ✨

Our new Roof Garden Commission by Aotearoa New Zealander artist Lisa Reihana opens today! With over 114,000 shimmer discs beautifully reflecting our tropical sun and the accompanying soundscape of a wind chime, “GLISTEN” is an enchanting three-sided sculpture activated by nature and responds playfully to its surrounding natural environment.

Inspired by the rich traditions of Southeast Asian Songket and Māori Taniko weaving, this striking kinetic sculpture presents a vibrant tapestry with intricate patterns that pay homage to the traditions and craft of Indigenous women weavers from Māori and Southeast Asian cultures.

Take a relaxing walk up to our Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery and experience how “GLISTEN” makes the whole place shimmer. Now till 30 March 2025. Entry is free for all: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/GLISTEN ☀️

❗ Important Notice ❗

As the Gallery gears up for the upcoming National Day Parade at the Padang, there will be some changes to our opening hours.

The Gallery will be fully closed on the following dates:
⛔ 27 July
⛔ 2 to 4 August
⛔ 8 to 12 August

The Gallery will also close earlier at 3:00pm on:
✋ 15, 22 and 29 June
✋ 6, 13 and 20 July

We remain open daily from 10am to 7pm on unaffected dates, and hope to continue welcoming you to the Gallery for our exhibitions and programmes. See you soon!

For the latest details on opening hours: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/admissions

🧡 This is your sign to slow down and treat yourself to something special.

From 21 June to 21 July, join us for a month of self-care and mindfulness at the Gallery Wellness Special! With the theme “Your Canvas”, choose from a range of carefully curated programmes and immerse yourselves in a transformative experience of reflection and growth through art.

From crowd favourite self-guided activities like “How to Art with Friends” and “Namjooning” (yes, inspired by BTS’ RM 😉) to rejuvenating ones like “Slow Art X”, pick whatever you need to fill your canvas.

Entry is free for all, with select ticketed programmes. We’ll catch you at the Gallery real soon: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/gws2024 😌

🎨 Workshop | Slow Art X
Sat & Sun, 23 June & 6, 7 July | 10:30am & 2:00pm
https://bit.ly/GWSSlowArtX