There are a number of interesting and important art exhibits happening around Singapore right now and in recent weeks. The different exhibits feature a wide range of masterpieces for art fans of all ages. Now is the time to take advantage and see some of these exhibits and shows before they move on.
One show is already over, but that doesn’t mean that some of the themes it brought up for discussion should vanish, too. A married couple produced an art exhibit that documented 1,000 photos of recycled aluminum cans. The exhibit was a look at and commentary on social equality and poverty. Many people in Singapore, particularly those advanced in age or in need of additional income, collect cans to recycle for pay. Even though having 1,000 photos of these cans sounds a little exhaustive, the message is staggering — all of those cans only amount to about S$15. The couple also featured a phone case that also retails for that amount of money, shining a spotlight on something many people use for throwaway fashion on the hard labor others undergo just to earn money for their survival. The couple went on to talk about the number of homeless people they saw when visiting New York City and Wall Street, in particular. The juxtaposition of abject poverty held up against one of the strongest financial institutes in the world made them think hard about just what constitutes as value — whether it’s a collection of cans to sell or a phone case to be purchased.
Another show is the Singapore Art Museum’s family-friendly annual Imaginarium exhibit. This year’s theme, “To the Ends of the Earth,” provides a wide range of interactive contributions that will excite visitors of all ages. One display of minuscule mushroom sculptures will make sure attendees pay attention to everything in the museum, trying to find all of the installations. One of the installations will delight nature lovers, who will be able to explore tents and hanging displays of birds, inspired by the artist’s late grandmother and a delightful memory they shared.
A gallery at Gillman Barracks is the site of the first Singaporean solo show in a decade for a renowned artist. The artist, who goes by Speak Cryptic, will also be on hand to meet with visitors nearly every day his work is presented in the gallery. The artist is most interested in exploring the idea of tribes and belonging, and his work features stylized tribal elements, like headdresses and patches that might look familiar to people in touch with culture in Southeast Asia.
There’s no time like the present to start examining the meaning of art in your own life by enrolling in an art class. Go to SGArtClass.com to browse all of the art classes available. There is sure to be a class for burgeoning artists of all interests and abilities.
To learn more about the exhibits, including when and where to see them, go to http://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/arts/singapore-artists-roll.