Author: Joey Tan

Into The Looking Glass: A Local Exhibition You Must Not Miss!

If you haven’t heard, the Singapore Biennale is in town right now, as part of Singapore Art Week 2017!

From now till 26 February, grab your friends and family and attend this eye-opening arts exhibition. We visited Project Dreamcatchers 2016: Into The Looking Glass and it was a rewarding experience.

Project Dreamcatchers 2016: Into The Looking Glass

Project Dreamcatchers is an initiative to help youths with chronic illnesses express their aspirations through art. Despite the many odds these youths face, they soldier on and reveal their struggles through the art they produce.

This year, the exhibition at the Singapore Biennale is called ‘Into The Looking Glass’. Aptly named, this exhibition invites visitors to see the world through the artists’ eyes. ‘Into The Looking Glass’ certainly caught our eyes with its display of vulnerability and invitations to connect with its viewers.

Here are four reasons why you should drop by!

Support Local Artists

These budding local artists are partnered with mentors who guide and help them through the production of their art pieces.

Mentors include local artists Samantha Lo, Ho Wai Kit, Noor Iskandar and Tan Jia Hui, who worked closely with the youths to bring their messages to life through art.

Sparked by the initial question of what they wish to tell the public, these artworks are personal messages from the youths.

A Stunning Array of Unique Artwork

The artists and youths used mixed mediums and materials ranging from mirrors to plants. They were chosen carefully to best represent the artist’s journey and message, and to elicit the desired response from the viewer.

While touching the artwork is not permitted, viewers can interact with the artworks in different ways, like seeing themselves in the reflections of Rayna’s art piece.

From this, we can better experience and appreciate the depiction of the artists’ personal journey through life.

Touching Stories

Accompanying each art piece is a personal message by the artist about the inspiration behind their artwork.

Titled ‘Imperfect’, this plywood art piece was painted over with acrylic paint, and the words were scratched out using pigment ink.

Her words of truth, as of those of the other artists, come from a yearning to be heard, recognised and understood.

End Discrimination

Art is an expression of oneself, and a means throughout history of breaking down barriers. When we take the step to understand and look from the perspectives of these youths, we’re helping to end the discrimination they face.

In this art piece, items essential to the artist are put together and held up. When light is projected on these items, a silhouette of a human heart is formed.

Syringes and tablets may not be our essential items, but Toh’s art piece reminds us that we’re all the same inside.

With ‘Into The Looking Glass’, visitors stand to appreciate and support the fight against the discrimination of our youths. Listen to their stories through their art and acknowledge the difficulties they face, and their creativity and presence.

In our ever-increasing world of connectivity, it is exhibitions like Into The Looking Glass that will truly connect us with others on a deeper level.

Disconnect from the bombardment of stories and listen to individual ones by our local youths and artists.

A List Singapore – Your Guide To The Arts And Culture Scene In Singapore

If this exhibition has ignited a desire in you to attend more of such arts and culture happenings in Singapore, why not follow A List Singapore?

As Singapore’s first full-fledged arts and culture guide, you can find comprehensive event listings from music to dance, visual arts to theatre, and literary to family activities. Besides event listings, you can also be updated to the arts and culture scene with their plethora of thought-provoking articles.

Be in the know as they feature up-and-coming promising artists and the shakers and makers of the art industry.

For the latest arts & cultural events happening in Singapore, follow them on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

If you love the smell of a fresh magazine, keep a look out on their social media channels for when their January hard copy issue will be distributed at SMRT Stations island-wide!

Take the step to explore the rich and rewarding art and culture scene in Singapore; you never know what you might learn and experience along the way!

Also, read 10 Places To Fly Your Drone For Amazing, Never Seen Before Photos Of Singapore!

Tonight’s Fireworks: Alternative Places To Go To So You Don’t Squeeze With The Crowd!

What do you think of when someone mentions New Year’s Eve? Parties? First Kiss of the New Year? If you’re like us, you’re probably thinking of the spectacular fireworks over at The Float @ Marina Bay!

However, watching the fireworks can be less than pleasant when you’re pressed up against thousands of other people who had the same location in mind. Here are some alternative places to catch the fireworks if you want to avoid the massive crowds.

Bay East Garden

The lesser known portion of Gardens By The Bay, this tranquil park is filled with lush lawns, elegant palm trees, and an unobstructed view of the fireworks!

Open daily 24 hours, admission is absolutely free, so bring your picnic mats and hunker down for a peaceful night.

Bay East Garden
18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953

Faber Peak

Get an unobstructed view of the fireworks right at the peak of Mt Faber!

With Cable Cars, bars and restaurants, you’ll be living in the lap of luxury with food, drinks, fireworks and tons of breathing space this New Year’s Eve.

Faber Peak
Telok Blangah Rd, Singapore 099448
Tel: 6377 9688

Smoke and Mirrors

The National Gallery’s snazy rooftop restaurant and bar boasts a gorgeous view of the MBS and CBD.

Smoke and Mirrors has been gaining a rather loyal following for their cocktail menu, so grab a drink and settle in for the upcoming fireworks!

Smoke and Mirrors
St Andrew’s Rd, 01 National Gallery, Singapore 178957
Tel: 9234 8122

The Helix

Located right next to where the fireworks will be released, but a good distance away from the crowd at The Float @ Marina Bay, The Helix may get crowded, but is nonetheless better than squeezing at The Float.

What’s more, with 4 viewing platforms, it is a great place to get up close and personal with the fireworks!

The Helix Bridge
Helix Bridge, Singapore

Starbucks at The Fullerton Waterboat

Not one for alcohol? Start your new year with a caffeine fix at Starbucks at The Fullerton Waterboat House!

With its full length windows and a great view of the MBS, you’ll be able to catch the fireworks in a comfortable, air-conditioned space.

Tel: 6536 0849

St. John’s Island

Fireworks too loud for your liking? Hate the crowd?

[caption id="attachment_20704" align="alignnone" width="1000"] (Photo Credits: https://arrowtransports.com)[/caption]

Take a boat to St. John’s island and appreciate the muted thundering from afar without compromising on the view. Enjoy the clean air, gentle lapping waves, and fireworks in the distance. You can even stay the night at one of their Bungalow Chalets!

St John’s Island
Find out more With these alternative places to view fireworks, we hope you’ll have a great New Year countdown! For supper after the countdown, read this. For information about the extended opening hours for buses and trains, click here. Here’s wishing you a ball of a time bidding goodbye to 2016 and welcoming 2017!

Also, read It’s Never Too Late For A Decadent New Year’s Eve Feast At FOO’D by Davide Oldani!

Broken Phone Or Laptop? Here Are 6 No Fail Repair Shops For Electronic Devices!

Just cracked your phone or tablet and desperately googling how to fix it? Or did your laptop or desktop fail on you, and you need to recover the data, by hook or crook? Look no further, for we’ve uncovered 6 no fail repair shops where you can repair your broken phones, tablets or laptops!

Digital Hospital 

Previously known as Laptop General Hospital, this subsidiary of PC Dreams is now one of the best repair shops to get your laptops fixed in Singapore.

They’ve even expanded to include mobile phone and tablet repairs!

Digital Hospital has a

Have your mobile phones, tablets and even your laptops and computers fixed without the hassle of travel. They even provide a lifetime warranty for iPhone and iPad screen replacements!

Fynd
+65 8389 0390
Website

SQ Electronics

Worried that you might get ripped off with a still-broken laptop or computer after payment?

Specialising in Computer Repairs, Data Recovery, and a 3 Months Warranty upon completion of service, SQ Electronics also has a guaranteed “No Repair, No Pay” for your peace of mind.

With such great testimonials, SQ Electronics is certainly one of the best no fail repair shops for broken electronic devices!

SQ Electronics
 +65 9853 9426

Originally fixing iPhones, iPads and iPods only, they’ve recently expanded their services to include repair for Samsung S Series & Note Series, as well as several Sony and LG smartphones.

atomware
Sim Lim Square #05-52, Singapore 188504
6336 6960/ 9322 0099 / 9477 6564
Mon – Sat: 11.30am – 8.00pm, Sun & PH: 12pm – 7pm

iRepair 

One of the first mobile repair shops in Singapore to receive Case Trust Accreditation, this is the place for iPhone owners who are looking for a cheaper alternative to the Apple Store.

iRepair
No. 38 Prinsep Street #02-02, Singapore 188665
Mon – Sun: 11am – 8pm (incl. Public Holidays)
9004 5175/ 9456 0833

The Repair Hospital

Another repair shop where you can pay upon confirmation that your mobile phone, tablet or laptop is repaired, The Repair Hospital also throws in a Free Diagnostic test for your device.

(Photo credits: The Repair Hospital)

Repair Hospital
Locate their stores

10 Places To Fly Your Drone For Amazing, Never Seen Before Photos Of Singapore!

For a country filled with skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the view from above is better than on the ground. As such, we’ve come up with a list of top 10 places to fly your drone and capture amazing, never-seen-before photos of Singapore from above!

From tourist destinations to historical landmarks, you’ll be inspired to get your drone out with this list.

Civilian War Memorial 

A memorial for all the civilian victims of the Japanese Occupation in Singapore, the 67m tall Civilian War Memorial structure reveals its quiet elegance from above.

(Photo credits: Yeo Wei Kai)

At this gorgeous monumental structure, you can pay homage to the innocent victims while capturing a photo of this quiet beauty.

Civilian War Memorial
War Memorial Park, Singapore 189562

Esplanade

Find beauty within the theatre halls, the outdoor theatre, and even from above!

A drone photographer’s dream come true, the Esplanade is an unmissable drone picture spot with its multitude of interesting angles.

The Esplanade
1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981

One°15 Marina

At ONE°15 Marina, non-boaters can appreciate the nautical lifestyle just by being at the location of one of the largest fleet of yachts for charter and cruising in Singapore.

(Photo credits:
(Photo credits; : Benjamin Seetor)

(Photo credits: William Cho)

It’s time to get a better view beyond the suspended walkways.

Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953

Sentosa

(Photo credits: Joel Chia)

We all know how beautiful Palawan Beach in Sentosa can be, but who knew a good aerial shot could make our famous beach look like it’s part of the Maldives!

Sentosa
Sentosa Island, Singapore 099981

Adventure Playground at Tiong Bahru Park 

Take a trip back to the past with some playground pictures!

(Photo credits: Stefan Chow with Avetics)

Colourful and architecturally interesting, the Adventure Playground at Tiong Bahru Park will definitely be a fun challenge, especially if there are kids running about.

Adventure Playground at Tiong Bahru Park
Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 168732

Upper Seletar Reservoir

Satisfy your need for symmetry at Upper Seletar Reservoir!

(Photo credits: Tan En Hui)

With perfectly aligned foliage and a running track that circumnavigates the reservoir in straight lines, play around with angles in your drone photography.

Upper Seletar Reservoir
Mandai Road, Track 7

Marina Barrage

Situated right next to MBS, flying your drone at Marina Barrage allows for a wide variety of angles and focus in your photos!

(Photo credits: Jake Wang)

Capture picture perfect memories of families flying kites, friends and lovers enjoying picnics, and like the picture above, the beautiful architecture of Marina Barrage with the iconic Singapore skyline in the background!

Marina Barrage
8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951

Speaking of…

Marina Bay Sands

Where arts, business and luxury meets, MBS provides the drone photographer with elaborate architectural designs alongside lush, green foliage and a calm waterfront.

(Photo credits: ThousandWonders.net)

Pro tip: Visit CÉ LA VI and the iconic infinity pool for an aerial shot of both MBS and the Singapore Skyline!

Marina Bay Sands
10 Bayfront Avenue, 018956

Kampung Glam

Take a trip down memory lane at Kampung Glam, where buildings are low and vibrantly coloured.

(Photo credits: Erwin Soo)

Catch glimpses of the colourful shop houses as you navigate your drone around the area.

Kampong Glam
85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501

Before you take off on an inspired drone-photography session, do check out the latest guidelines for Drone Flying by CAAS. For more information on the Dos & Don’ts, and how to apply for the right permits, head on over to the CAAS website Baby Photographers: These Amazing Pictures Of Little Ones Will Melt Your Heart