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.

Singapore's Art Science Museum: The Art of the Brick

I've been eyeing this massive structure for quite some time which reminds me of a 3D Adidas icon (no offense to the architect)... the Singapore Art Science Museum, situated beside the iconic Marina Bay Sands. It is home to major international touring exhibitions from the most renowed art collections in the world.

The Art of the Brick exhibit by Nathan Sawaya was still running that time and Kyla was interested to see this. We are both lego addicts.  This is the 10th exhibit hosted by the Art Science Museum. This features Lego bricks as the sole art medium for 52 sculptures on display!

So let me shut up and give you a virtual tour... Due to the sheer size of the picture files, I've uploaded my top ten favorite sculptures and some quotable quotes from the artist himself.  Flash photography wasn't allowed so some of them are blurry.

Here they go...

The Art Science Museum (2012) is the "Welcoming Hand of Singapore." The artist' commemoration of one of the world's first art science museum.

Everlasting (2010).  The romantic in me wouldn't miss this.  It could be me and my better half.  Light years from now I hope.

"Love lives forever. It outlives youth and a flat stomach and a full head of hair. And that's what makes it beautiful."  - Nathan Sawaya

Disintegration (2008). This will go at the top of my list. Makes us wonder, are we the fluttering leaves that get blown by the winds of life? Or are we the roots of the trees with foundations that keep us firmly holding onto the ground?

"Beware of the winds of life that nibble away at your sense of self. Stay strong." - Nathan Sawaya



Writer (2009).  An ode to the writer. It's about letting your ideas flow and come to life. Writing is art and I was secretly gloating that it makes me a blood brother to the artist. Like I always say, we can dream!

Yellow (2006). One of Sawaya's best known piece. "Symbolizes his metamorphosis" from a no-nonsense lawyer into a true blue student of the art. The 'opening of oneself to the world' and feed the soul, as art usually does.

Dinosaur Skeleton (2007).  This is one of the biggest structures he's ever made and took all summer to make. He created this for the kids to enjoy, after seeing so many children flock his first exhibit. Maybe next time he'll do a T-Rex. Oh, wait... this looks like a crouching T-Rex!

Blue Guy Sitting (2010).  This fellow is always present in Nathan's exhibit, with an empty chair next to him. And sure enough, young and old alike would have their picture taken beside him, usually imitating his pose. But I'd say the blue guy is lucky to have a good looking boy posing beside him!

Jimi (2011).  One for the rockers! One of the lego-based portraits in the exhibit.

Circle Torso and Yellow Torso (2008). Blue Torso with square head is missing in this set. Kyla and I stared at it for quite a while and I explained to her the artists' message. This was about diversity and celebrating differences.

Swimmer (2009). This piece shows the top view of the swimmer, above the water's surface. Kyla's favorite!

The eleventh pick is for Kevin...

Doorway (2008).  I thought of Kevin when I saw this piece. A way to reach that part of his pysche that looks solitary to the mortal eyes of the world, but I know, is all beauty and purity inside.

Other Fun Stuff...

Reflexology. Its supposed to be reflexology but we say its the artists version of "Walk on Fire".

Lego-tize Me. We had fun generating lego portraits in one of their photo booth!



Kyla in Rainbow (2013)
Little Ms Sunshine herself

  

Alvin in Green (2013)
The Best Better Half





Kevin in Blue (2013)

Our Beloved Angel



Until the next sensation!