— Free admission for all visitors for two weeks of celebrations
— Over 20 free events and activities with Art Carnival and grand façade show
— Accenture-enabled museum app to enhance Gallery visitors’ experience
National Gallery Singapore today announced more than 20 free events and activities for the public to be immersed in engaging and moving art experiences at the Gallery’s opening celebrations and inaugural art festival. Spanning over two weeks from 24 November to 6 December 2015, National Gallery Singapore’s Opening Celebrations will offer a diverse programme designed to captivate and kindle a curiosity for art.
The public will enjoy free admission to the exhibitions at the two permanent galleries, the DBS Singapore Gallery and the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery as well as the festivities of the Art Carnival which will be held at the Padang from 27 November to 29 November. Visitors will continue their art journey beyond the walls of the Gallery as they celebrate at the block party at the Padang replete with interactive art installations, community art workshops and artisanal treats. By nightfall, visitors will be enthralled by the Share the Hope Façade Show generously sponsored by Cartier, a stunning display of light and sound designed with inspiration from the art in the museum and set against a grand stage: the facade of the newly transformed National Gallery Singapore.
Theatre and film buffs can also look forward to plays inspired by artworks and the world premiere of Southeast Asian short films on the art in the Gallery’s exhibitions. The latter will be held in conjunction with the 26th Singapore International Film Festival. The new interpretations of artworks extend to dance and music that will be performed in surprising spaces and venues within the Gallery.
Exploration of the Gallery spaces and art will be enhanced by the new Gallery Explorer app which the public can download for free from Apple’s App Store from 18 November and from Google Play Store shortly after. Created in collaboration with the Gallery’s Innovation Partner Accenture, the app enables intelligent indoor navigation across the Gallery’s 64,000 sq m area, proactively giving information on the art within the vicinity. The app is also integrated with social media capabilities, allowing users to share their experiences with friends and create conversations about the art at the museum.
All visitors will enjoy complimentary entry to National Gallery Singapore, its exhibitions and the opening celebrations from 24 November to 6 December 2015. For more information about the upcoming activities and registration requirements, please visit www.nationalgallery.sg
Opening Hours: 10am to 7pm (Monday to Thursday), 10am to 11pm (Friday to Sunday)
Art Carnival: 5pm – midnight (27 – 29 November)
Recommended highlights
OUTDOOR EVENT
SHARE THE HOPE FACADE SHOW (exclusive sponsor Cartier)
Fri 27 – Sun 29 November
8pm, 9pm, 10pm | 10 minutes | Building Façade
Share the Hope is a grand audio visual production designed with inspiration from the art in the Gallery, sponsored exclusively by Cartier. For three nights only, be captivated by the stunning displays of light, sound and visuals set against the backdrop of the newly transformed National Gallery Singapore.
INDOOR EVENTS
IN THE NAME OF RED
Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec | 9pm
10 minutes | Padang Atrium
A unique dance performance pays homage to distinct hues of red found within the Gallery’s collection. In shades of stunning maroon, crimson and ruby, dancers from The Arts Fission Company invite audiences to rediscover the stories behind the works as they perform against the majestic backdrop of a cascading grand staircase at the Padang Atrium.
STORYBOOTHS
Sat 28 Nov – Sun 29 Nov | 1pm – 4pm
Supreme Court Wing, Level 4M, Supreme Court Terrace
Articulate your thoughts to an artist from the Organisation of Illustrators Council, who will interpret them into a personalised and unique artwork for you to take home.
MEMORA(FILM)IA: RANDOM ACTS OF REMEMBERING
Fri 27 Nov – Sun 29 Nov, Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec | top of each hour from 10am – 10pm
Mon 30 Nov – Thu 3 Dec | top of each hour from 10am – 6pm
30 minutes | Supreme Court Wing, Level 5, Theatrette
The world premiere of three short films specially commissioned to realise the Opening Celebrations’ themes of memory and hope.
RESONATES WITH
Fri 27 Nov – Sun 29 Nov, Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec | 7.30pm, 8.30pm, 9.30pm
20 minutes | Padang Atrium
Curated by multidisciplinary artist Bani Haykal, the performances feature cross-genre musical collaborations between ensembles and musicians. Immerse in a unique soundscape inspired by artists like Liu Kang and Chen Wen Hsi.
SIAPA NAMA KAMU? (DBS Singapore Gallery)
BETWEEN DECLARATIONS AND DREAMS (UOB Southeast Asia Gallery)
Tue 24 November onwards
Mon – Thurs 10am – 7pm, 27 – 29 Nov & 4 – 6 Dec 10am – 11pm
Two exhibitions of approximately 800 Singapore and Southeast Asian artworks will be on display for visitors to experience the timeless appeal of these masterpieces and through them, glean precious insights into local and regional art narratives and developments.
SHARE THE HOPE
FAMILY FUN AT THE PADANG ART CARNIVAL
Fri 27 – Sun 29 November
5pm – midnight | The Padang
The iconic Padang transforms into a block party with thematic landscapes for artists and art lovers. Experience the rich heritage and history of Singapore and Southeast Asian art beyond the walls of the Gallery with a weekend of interactive art installations, community art workshops and artisanal treats.
TENT 1: FAMILY & COMMUNITY
Draw, Weave, Knot
5.30pm, 7.30pm, 9.30pm | 30 minutes
Artist Tay Bee Aye’s Draw, Weave, Knot explores the beauty of the creation through thread, yarn and rope.
Looming Isles
6.30pm, 8.30pm, 10.30pm | 30 minutes
Join artist Hazel Lim and explore a tapestry of abstraction and projection within the confines of a tent canopy. Inspired by paintings such as Chen Wen Hsi’s Herons and Seah Kim Joo’s Log Factory, abstract lines and forms traipse across planes and dimensions to create mystique and wonder.
TENT 2: FOOD & BEVERAGE
5pm – midnight
Fuel yourself with a wide selection of gastronomic delights inspired by popular Southeast Asian dishes!
TENT 3: ADVERSITY & CONFLICT
From the Ground Up
5pm – midnight
From the Ground Up is an installation that immortalises the struggle and hope of survivors in the Bukit Ho Swee fire.
Superfarmers
5.45pm, 7.15pm, 8.15pm | 10 minutes
In just 10 minutes, Superfarmers teach life-saving tips like how to find edible plants and forage for food in a simulated war scenario.
TENT 4: PASSION & LOVE
Room For All
5pm – midnight
Room For All is an interactive labyrinth that explores the range of human passions and interests.
Makan Memories
7.30pm, 8.30pm, 9.30pm | 30 minutes
Makan Memories distils the fond memories associated with Singaporean dishes into a series of short monologues and playlets
Empty Frames
Various timings
Empty Frames is a series of choreographic works inspired by the Gallery’s collection.
TENT 5: REBIRTH & PEACE
Edible Gardens
5pm – midnight
Edible Gardens presents an oasis of urban growth. The immersive pop-up garden invites visitors to experience urban farming.
Share the Hope Façade Show
8pm, 9pm, 10pm | 10 minutes | Building Façade
Share the Hope is a grand audio visual production inspired by the Gallery’s collection, sponsored exclusively by Cartier. For three nights only, be captivated by the stunning displays of light, sound and visuals set against the backdrop of the newly transformed National Gallery Singapore.
LET’S TALK ABOUT ART
ART FORUM 1: The Exceptional and the Exemplary. Stories from National Gallery Singapore’s Permanent Exhibitions of Southeast Asian and Singapore Art
Tue 24 Nov | 2pm – 4.30pm
City Hall Wing, B1, Auditorium
Join our panel of Gallery’s curators, an artist and a researcher as they share the stories behind five key artworks on display in the Gallery’s permanent exhibitions. Taking a single artwork as an entry point, each speaker expands his or her discussion to touch upon various themes in the development of the region’s art from the 19th century to the present.
ART FORUM 2: Trends and Points of Collaboration Across Museums
Thu 26 Nov | 10am – 12pm
City Hall Wing, B1, Auditorium
Low Sze Wee, the Gallery’s Curatorial and Collections Director, will be joined by museum directors and specialists from Hong Kong and China to explore ways that museums in Asia today can enrich art appreciation and scholarship by sharing their collections, expertise and resources. They will discuss the changing role of museums and increasing points of collaboration, inspired by the inaugural exhibition at the Wu Guanzhong Gallery.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Architecture, Design and Conservation Principles of the Gallery
Sun 6 Dec | 2pm – 4.30pm
City Hall Wing, B1, Auditorium
After winning the prestigious international competition to design the National Gallery Singapore, architects from studioMilou Singapore and CPG Consultants were faced with the tremendous task of transforming two of Singapore’s most significant monuments into a gallery. In this session, they share their experiences and insights on the practice of adapting historical buildings into public spaces while respecting their heritage.
FOLLOW YOUR BLISS
NATIONAL LANGUAGE CLASS by Spell #7
Fri 27 Nov – Sun 29 Nov, Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec | 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, 9pm
Mon 30 Nov – Thu 3 Dec | 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm
30 minutes | City Hall Wing, Level 2, Singapore Courtyard | Free admission
Inspired by Chua Mia Tee’s artwork National Language Class, this is a participatory performance for audiences of up to eight people at a time. Guided by actors, the audience will be able to recreate the painting by taking part in a Malay language lesson.
ROVING PERFORMANCES
Fri 27 Nov – Sun 29 Nov, Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec | 1pm – 9pm
Various locations in the Gallery
In collaboration with Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, performances inspired by highlights in the Gallery’s collection will surprise and delight.
STORYBOOTHS
Sat 28 Nov – Sun 29 Nov | 1pm – 4pm
Supreme Court Wing, Level 4M, Supreme Court Terrace
Articulate your thoughts to an artist from the Organisation of Illustrators Council, who will interpret them into a personalised and unique artwork for you to take home.
ALL YOU CAN SEE: A SKETCHING WORKSHOP
Mark Making Tools 30 Nov, 2 Dec, 4 Dec, 6 Dec
Quick Perspectives 1 Dec, 3 Dec, 5 Dec
2pm – 6pm | City Hall Wing, Level 5, Rooftop Studio | Registration required
Sharpen your sketching skills. Join a Mark Making Tools workshop and learn how to make your own sketching tools, or explore sketching as a fun way to express yourself in Quick Perspectives.
Register through programmes@nationalgallery.sg with your name and contact number.
INSIDE/OUT: SKETCHWALKS with Urban Sketchers Singapore
Sat 5 Dec – Sun 6 Dec | 10am – 1pm
Various locations
Join the sketching sessions and record your perspective of the Gallery! Urban Sketchers Singapore is a global network of artists who record scenes of cities. On Saturday, sketchwalks focuses on scenes within the Gallery such as rooftop terraces or around the compound, while the session on Sunday will focus on people and artworks within the Gallery.
Groups will depart promptly from the B1 Information Counter at 10am.
MEMORA(FILM)IA: RANDOM ACTS OF REMEMBERING
Fri 27 Nov – Sun 29 Nov, Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec | top of each hour from 10am – 10pm
Mon 30 Nov – Thu 3 Dec | top of each hour from 10am – 6pm
30 minutes | Supreme Court Wing, Level 5, Theatrette
The world premiere of three short films specially commissioned to realise the Opening Festival’s themes of memory and hope.
STUDY OF A SINGAPOREAN FACE by Kan Lumé and Megan Wonowidjoyo
Over 1,000 hand-drawn portraits of MRT commuters, at their most open and unguarded, are photographed and woven together to create this animated short. As the film progresses, the camera moves in to show a crowd of people who are alone together. And yet, they experience the tension of finding a space for themselves. Space, for them, is what is hoped for.
BILA LARUT MALAM (In the Still of the Night) by Sanif Olek
In this musical juxtaposition of P Ramlee’s Nak Dara Rindu (Young Maiden’s Longing) and Zubir Said’s Semoga Bahagia (May You Achieve Happiness), we hear the individual and the national, romantic doubt and decisive confidence. In this film, three women struggle with an acute sense of loss related to the men in their lives, but finds new strength amid the sorrow.
SILENT LIGHT by Liao Jiekai
An elderly voice shares memories of growing up in a Singapore that no longer exists, on the passing of a generation, and her acceptance of death. Deep into the night, suffused by the dry rhythm of mechanical fans, a mourner is accompanied by restless phantoms and a lonely moth perches on the yellow funeral tent. Together, they welcome the silent light of daybreak.
Curated by Philip Cheah.
This collection launches the annual film commission series titled readings, which features the world premieres of Southeast Asian short films on the art in the Gallery.
26th SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Sat 28 Nov – Sun 6 Dec | Various timings
City Hall Wing, B1, Auditorium | Tickets available through authorised SISTIC outlets
The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is the leading independent film platform in Singapore.
Visit SGIFF.com for more details.
MUSIC & DANCE — STEP INTO THE BEAT
RESONATES WITH
Fri 27 Nov – Sun 29 Nov, Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec | 7.30pm, 8.30pm, 9.30pm
20 minutes | Padang Atrium
Curated by multidisciplinary artist Bani Haykal, the performances feature cross-genre musical collaborations between ensembles and musicians. Immerse in a unique soundscape inspired by artists like Liu Kang and Chen Wen Hsi.
IN THE NAME OF RED
Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec | 9pm
10 minutes | Padang Atrium
A unique dance performance pays homage to distinct hues of red found within the Gallery’s collection. In shades of stunning maroon, crimson and ruby, dancers from The Arts Fission Company invite audiences to rediscover the stories behind the works as they perform against the majestic backdrop of a cascading grand staircase at the Padang Atrium.
THE SCROLL OF NANYANG INK
Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec | 8pm, 10pm
10 minutes | Supreme Court Wing, Level 4M, Supreme Court Terrace
A visual spectacle, set within Supreme Court Terrace, exemplifies the relations of space and time. Marrying the historical architecture and modern design of the Gallery’s restoration with interpretative choreography, The Arts Fission Company provides a parallel contrast between traditional and contemporary dance styles.