A Day at the Singapore Art Museum

We finally made it to the Singapore Art Museum after endless procrastinations ("It's-too-damn-hot-outside-excuses...).   Kyla is interested in artsy-things these days, so it is quite fitting that we go together.

Located at Central Singapore, the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) opened in 1996 to preserve the contemporary art and art histories of Singapore and Southeast Asia.  The stark white French colonial architecture of the SAM today basically is a retention of the main shell of the old St. Joseph's Institution which was established in 1867 by the De La Salle Brothers.

The main exhibit this season is the Weight of History.

Here are a few pictures we snapped from the exhibit...

This makes me think of a Time Machine.



Called Translated Vases.
The main centerpiece for the Weight of History Exhibit.



Mosaic and Prints
The mini art pieces at the back wall show equally instesting collages.

Who wants to take the Hot Seat?

Aboriginal Art from Australia's original inhabitants.
Ironically, the government offered citizenship to the Aborigines.
One of the many ironies of colonization.

 

This left me staring breathlessly.
What a depiction of the rape of nature.
The painting was crafted on what appears to be a window.
When you stare outside your window, what world do you see?

...and finally, Kyla's favorite section. 

Kyla and their class went to SAM early this year as part of their Art Exposure.  She excitedly told me that she has seen this section before, titled "Everything That Matters."  This exhibit is spearheaded by Singaporean Artist Justin Lee with the Singapore Association for Mental Health. This featured pop-art  from the specially-gifted beneficiaries of SAMH. Art therapy is used as a medium for their recovery and healing.

Kyla's eye lit up when she saw the artworks. This was the inspiration of a painting she made called "Flowers".

Simplicity and Beauty. Beyond what human eyes can see.

This was our last stop at the museum. I left this room knowing that Kyla can see the beauty beyond what human eyes perceive. For a moment there, as she was looking at the paintings of gifted special individuals, I know that she and the unseen artists were in a communal state. It's just so beautiful and humbling.

Kyla in The Terry Fox Run Singapore

Last January 27, our daughter Kyla participated in the Terry Fox Run 2013 - held at the Canadian International School Lakeside Campus.

This coincides with the Terry Fox Run 2013 happening at the East Coast Park. This is a run for a cause, organized by the Canadian Association for Singapore for the benefit of the Singapore Cancer Research program.

Who is Terry Fox?

Terrance Stanley "Terry" Fox CC OD, was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated, he embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. The spread of cancer claimed his life in 1981 at age of 22 and ended his quest after 143 days and 5,373 kilometers, his efforts resulted in lasting, worldwide legacy.

The annual Terry Fox Run was first held in 1981 and has expanded to involve millions of participants worldwide in commemoration of the efforts of true Canadian hero.

So much so, that the Canadian International School held an extension of the Terry Fox at their campuses to encourage the school children to participate. The participants from CIS were requested to sign a pledge sheet for which they will raise donations for every l lap they will be able to finish.

Kyla ran a total of 13 laps (1 lap=200m) for a total of 2.6km and she was able to raise $100SGD to donate into the Terry Fox run beneficiaries.  She did this despite still being in her 4 week-old cast in her left arm.  After the run, she is proud to have been able to run at her best and contribute into a worthy cause!

Kyla ran 2.6KM or 13 laps and raised $100SGD as contribution to the
beneficiary of the Terry Fox Run for a Cause

Venus Run 2013: Celebrating the International Women's Month

March is the international women's month.

I did not know this but apparently March 8 was the women's day. Well, lucky for me I have a spouse who makes each day as my day (wink, wink...), so I don't really give a hoot as to when exactly is the women's day.

Having said that, there are quite a number of festivities in Singapore to commemorate the international women's month.  One of those is the Venus Run 2013 which is organized by the Singapore Athletic Association. "The organizers of Venus Run believe that women can stay strong, healthy, and beautiful through running. Venus Run strongly promotes healthy living through active participation in sports so as to enable women to achieve healthy balanced lifestyles amidst multiple and demanding responsibilities to fulfill at work and at home."

I love the fuchsia runner's singlet for this year's Venus Run co-sponsored by Moving Comfort.


The roles we weave through life.
I am glad that I am able to add Runner as one of them.
And of course, the eternal Blogger-Writer.



With friends and fellow runners Leklek and Ems.
I will soon be missing these events with them.


This year's 5KM competitive run was held at the Marina Barrage, giving the runners a scenic backdrop of the Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Flyer. Quite a sight to behold on a cool, Sunday morning! I stopped at the 3KM marker to appreciate the view (and yep, had to snap a few shots via my phone that was tucked into my belted pouch...).

Truth to tell, I was still reeling from a recent bout with illness and I was having last minute hesitation, doubting my fitness to be able to finish (what should have been) an easy-breezy fun run. I am glad I had enough will to haul myself out of bed and move those legs.


The Singapore Skyline sight greets you at the 3 KM marker


Whatever is your clandestine role in this life, I wish you a Happy Women's Month!!!