SOME 400 iconic artworks that paint the story of Singapore’s art history since the 19th century will go on display at the National Gallery Singapore’s DBS Singapore Gallery.
Named Siapa Nama Kamu?, the title of the collection is based on the words on the chalkboard in Chua Mia Tee’s painting National Language Class, which was created in 1959 when Singapore gained self-governance.
National Language Class by Chua Mia Tee. Credit: Gift of Equator Art Society, Collection of National Gallery Singapore
“National Gallery Singapore is the first museum in the world dedicated to modern art from Singapore and South-east Asia, and will present the most extensive long-term exhibitions of art from the region. Through Siapa Nama Kamu?, we want to present a cohesive narrative of Singapore’s art history and engage our visitors with lesser known aspects, such as developments in the 19th century and the formation of art groups resulting from anti-colonial sentiments in the 1950s,” said Eugene Tan, director of National Gallery Singapore.
The exhibition explores Singapore’s identity and links to South-east Asia and the rest of the world since the 19th century with a total of six themes – Tropical Tapestry, Nanyang Reverie, Real Concerns, New Languages, Tradition Unfettered and Shifting Grounds. Displays will be updated regularly.
Tiger’s Whip by Tang Da Wu. Credit: Collection of Singapore Art Museum
Admissions to the DBS Singapore Gallery is complimentary from its opening date, November 24, to December 6. After this, complimentary admissions will continue for Singaporeans and permanent residents.
