Five masterpieces not to miss at Singapore Biennale

With the Singapore Biennale in full swing for the next four months, there are a number of talks, performances, and exhibits to take in over the sprawling Singapore Art Museum and several other auxiliary sites. This year’s event focuses on artists exclusively from Southeast Asia, illuminating the special insights and skills art from this region has to contribute to the rest of the art world. This year’s theme, “An Atlas of Mirrors,” is repeated throughout the works on display, from use of literal mirrors to an actual representation of the god Atlas, the one consigned to forever lift the world on his shoulders. Other references to atlases slip in, also, through depictions of maps of the region and the countries in it.
Still others, however, take the theme and go running with it. Examinations of myths and beliefs throughout the region, as well as politics and cultural considerations, take center stage with depictions of mythical beasts of legend as well as historical arrivals of explorers reimagined in the lens of rumor and mystery. All of these exhibitions combine to create a conversation about topics important to Southeast Asia and beyond.
With so many art exhibitions strung out over such a long period of time, one would be forgiven for being at least a little intimidated by the spread. However, one writer sifted through all the various offerings of the Singapore Biennale to name five exhibits that you should take care not to miss, if you’re aiming at getting some of the works present under your belt.
One of these exhibits is a fantastical map by a Chinese artist sure to ignite the imagination of both map fans and fantasy aficionados. Lovingly rendered using traditional techniques, the map looks like it should lead to a treasure, and includes such landmarks as the sea of the imaginary voyage.
The second masterpiece is a massive installation by an Indonesian artist depicting a traditional tale of a legendary prince. The story itself is constructed on a large piece of canvas, but the real story is the massive book from which hand-cut letters spill.
The third exhibit is a series of gold-plated nutmegs stitched together to take on the appearance of three hooded, metallic figures sailing on three boats. The installation is meant as a commentary on imports and exports from Southeast Asia.
The fourth piece might be easily overlooked, as they look like nothing more than bits of trash someone might have carelessly left behind. But the installation is by a Japanese artist who has carefully reproduced garbage he has seen around Singapore.
The fifth masterpiece not to miss is also so small that it could be forgotten among the other larger scale pieces. But using pearl and mother of pearl, the artist has painstakingly crafted tiny eyes, staring at the viewer, challenging them.
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To read more about the Singapore Biennale and the works on display there, go to http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/lifestyle/5-works-to-check-out-at-the-singapore-biennale-2016/3240010.html.