The Definitive Guide To Not Appearing ‘Suaku’ At An Art Festival

If you’re clueless as to how you should behave appropriately at an Art festival or exhibition, you’re certainly not alone.

It’s absolutely fine if you do not know how to act or what to say at certain art installations because we’ve come up with some fool proof steps that you can apply at any art festival or exhibition.

1. Nod (But Not Too Fervently) At Every Installation

Sometimes, the artist statements can be too cheem for the layman, and you’re just not able to fully comprehend what the artist is trying to convey.

But you don’t want people to know that you don’t know. So you pretend and you nod.

One of the most stunning installations is the Flowers And People – Dark interactive installation at National Gallery Singapore. The installation changes with every movement that visitors make. Each visual you see can never be replicated and is completely unique

[caption id="attachment_32874" align="aligncenter" width="480"] GIF Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

2. Do The “Steve Jobs”

No, not invent the iPhone. You know that thing he does where he rubs his thumb and index finger in an inquisitive fashion?

Lai we show you.

[caption id="attachment_32875" align="aligncenter" width="480"] GIF Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

This technique will be applicable in The House Is Crumbling sculptural installation, where visitors can interact and create different structures using the moveable pillows.

3. Use Words Like “Nuance” A Lot

To look like you know your stuff, you have to speak in their language.

[caption id="attachment_32876" align="aligncenter" width="480"] GIF Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

For optimal effect, do this in an art exhibition where everything is quieter, like the Colours Of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay exhibition at the Gallery.

This weekend and next, National Gallery Singapore’s opening hours will be extended and admission is FREE for all exhibitions including Century of Light which features Colours of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay, and Between Worlds: Raden Saleh and Juan Luna.

4. Bring Up And Mention Any Art Experience You’ve Had

The good thing about receiving your education in Singapore, is that Arts & Crafts is a subject in Primary school. And for most people, that is probably the only time they did anything remotely “artsy”.

So use it. “Wah I remember when I was doing my graduation project and I had to create something similar to this. It was damn tough. Legit.”

If any of your friends decide to call your bluff, ignore them and move on. Life’s too short.

An interesting installation is the A Stitch In Time exhibit at the National Gallery Singapore, where members of the public stitched and sewed their names, pictures, poems, and personal keepsakes on to a large piece of white cloth.

[caption id="attachment_32877" align="aligncenter" width="1732"] Image Credit: National Gallery Singapore[/caption]

5. Bring A Friend Who Can “Art” And Let Them Do The Talking

If you don’t know what to say, say nothing. Let your friend do the talking. If you don’t understand something, get them to explain.

[caption id="attachment_32878" align="aligncenter" width="480"] GIF Credit: DiscoverSG[/caption]

But then again, you’re at an art festival, why are you “studying” the pieces?

Go enjoy yourself!

Disconnect and immerse yourself in Walk, Walk, Walk: Search, Deviate, Reunite exhibit.

It’s a labyrinth with virtual projections of different landscapes such as a bamboo forest, wheat field and cherry blossom forest, as well as strangely catchy music that we cannot get enough of.

Light To Night Festival 2018: Colour Sensations is on from 19 January to 28 January 2018 at National Gallery Singapore and around the Civic District.

Mai tu liao, bring your friends and family down to the Light To Night Festival for a blinding good time!

https://www.facebook.com/discover.sg.official/videos/2423084237917264/

Light To Night Festival 2018: Colour Sensations
Venue:
Civic District
Date: 19 – 28 Jan 2018
Website: Hidden Hawker Fare In The CBD, So Lunch Doesn’t Have To Cost Over $5

(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)

Banksy and 49 Other Street Artists Will Be Showcasing Their Best Works In S’pore This Jan

Leave it to the ArtScience Museum to continually impress with their curated exhibits.

From 13 January 2018 to 3 June 2018, the world’s most iconic street artists will be showcasing their most provocative works for the first time in Singapore.

Titled Art from the Streets, this ground-breaking exhibition will trace the 40 years of street art, from its beginnings to the urban art form that it is today.

This is the first time that the artworks will be showcased in SouthEast Asia.

Interestingly Provocative

The exhibition will feature a series of live paintings that are created on-site by some of the most iconic street artists as well as new and upcoming names such as Spain’s Felipe Pantone, Singapore’s Speak Cryptic and Yok & Sheryo.

[caption id="attachment_32191" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image Credit: ArtScience Museum[/caption]

The new artworks are specially created for the exhibition, to showcase the diversity of the street art movement and how it is relevant to society in present times.

That’s not all, there will also be large-scale mural paintings, videos, prints, installations, archival material, drawings, and sketches from 50 of the biggest names in street art.

Visitors can expect to see works from the one and only Banksy, Shepard Fairey (aka Obey), JR, Invader, Swoon, Futura, Vhils, and Blek le Rat.

[caption id="attachment_32190" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image Credit: ArtScience Museum[/caption] [caption id="attachment_32192" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image Credit: ArtScience Museum[/caption] [caption id="attachment_32193" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image Credit: ArtScience Museum[/caption] [caption id="attachment_32194" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image Credit: ArtScience Museum[/caption]

The ArtScience Museum will also be shining a spotlight on artworks from upcoming SouthEast Asian street artists.

If you thought street art was only limited to graffiti, this exhibition will open your eyes to the wonders and creativity of street art.

Art from the Streets
Venue: ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore, 018974
Date: 13 Jan 2018 – 3 Jun 2018
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(Header Image Source: Artsy)

If You See Strange Things Popping Up In Jurong This November, Don’t Freak Out – It’s Just Art

Arts In Your Neighbourhood is back, and this time, it’s taking a journey to the West.

An initiative by the National Arts Council that happens twice a year, Arts In Your Neighbourhood has taken over neighbourhoods like Toa Payoh, Yishun, and Woodlands previously, bringing arts experiences to the doorsteps of Singaporeans living in these areas.

From 9 – 26 November, Arts In Your Neighbourhood is giving Jurong residents the same treatment with its interactive arts programmes that show a different side of Jurong.

Expect visual arts installations, performances, trails, stories, and more by established artists and arts groups happening across Jurong.

Programme Highlights

1. Urban Distortions by t.r.a.n.s.i.t.s.c.a.p.e

[caption id="attachment_31272" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image Credit: Arts For All[/caption]

Sometimes, it feels like we’re living in a bubble, doesn’t it? Perhaps Urban Distortions is a commentary on that. Or not. Since it is art, it’s all up to your interpretation.

Urban Distortions is a cross‑disciplinary installation-performance that brings together dance, song, and territories. Watch the performers as they dance inside giant life-size plastic bubbles, with live music accompaniment!

Performances:
9 November 2017 (Thurs), 12:15pm, at Ocean Financial Centre (Covered Plaza)
10 November 2017 (Fri), 6pm, at Woodlands Civic Centre
11 November 2017 (Sat), 6pm, at Westgate (L1 Courtyard)
12 November 2017 (Sat), 6pm, at Bedok Town Square

2. Larger Than Life: The Unspoken Histories of Jurong Neighbourhood by Vertical Submarine

What was Jurong like before it came to be Singapore’s second CBD?

[caption id="attachment_31262" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Image Credit: @verticalsubmarine[/caption]

Larger Than Life is an outdoor art showcase that answers precisely this question.

[caption id="attachment_31260" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Image Credit: @verticalsubmarine[/caption]

Curated by art collective Vertical Submarine, Larger Than Life comprises of 5 works that reminisce the Jurong that came before, bringing back the fond memories and forgotten history of the neighbourhood.

Installations to look out for include artist Liyu’s “Drive”, a sculpture of a car that invites people to recall and share their memories of the old Jurong drive-in cinema.

Where: Canopy @ J Link & Adjacent Field
When: 9 Nov 2017 – 28 Jan 2018

3. #seeyoursg by Shophouse & Co

[caption id="attachment_31293" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image Credit: Arts For All[/caption]

#seeyoursg is no ordinary trail. In this trail, participants will literally see Jurong through new lenses.

A device designed by artist Samantha Tio, the device lets you view and record your experience, allowing you create your own narrative of the neighbourhood which you can later add to the Jurong story as part of the exhibition.

Not only will you unravel the myths and legends of Jurong through this discovery trail, you’ll also get to experience how reality and perception are interwoven at each stop of the trail.

*Take note that the recommended age for this trail is 12 years and above.

Walking Trail
Where: Jurong Regional Library
When: 25 Nov 2017, 10am – 11am; 4pm – 5pm (The 1-hour trail will start every 15 minutes)

Exhibition
Where: Jurong Regional Library
When: 9 – 30 Nov 2017, 10am – 9pm

4. .txt by Pooja Nansi & Daryl Qilin Yam

[caption id="attachment_31266" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image Credit: Arts For All[/caption]

Another visual arts installations springing up in Jurong is .txt, which comprises two text-based works inspired by none other than Jurong and its surrounds. Conceived and devised by writers Pooja Nansi and Daryl Qilin Yam, these works draw from existing texts, interviews and original writings.

The works explore the relationship between language and its specific localities, highlighting the little things that make Jurong unique.

Where: Westgate (L1 Fashion High Street) and Canopy @ J Link
When: 9 – 26 Nov 2017, 10am – 10pm

5. The Story-teller by Slacsatu

[caption id="attachment_31273" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image Credit: Arts For All[/caption]

As part of Arts In Your Neighbourhood, street artist Slacsatu will also be taking to Jurong to create a street art installation that explores the memories, dreams, experiences and cultural roots of Jurong that have played a role in shaping the community.

An artwork that is dedicated to the Jurong community, a place that has influenced Slacsatu’s practice, his hope is that the stories and spirit of Jurong is passed down from one generation to the next.

Where: Taman Jurong Community Club (Wall next to Taman Jurong Market and Food Centre)
When: 9 Nov – 31 Dec 2017

Contrary to what people may say or think about Jurong, it is a neighbourhood with plenty of history and plenty of soul.

For the month of November, pop by these installations, watch these performances, or go on the trail! Who knows, you just may come away with newfound appreciation for your neighbourhood!

Arts In Your Neighbourhood
Address: Various locations
Date:  9 – 26 Nov 2017
Website

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9 Exciting Ways To Kill Time In Changi Airport When You’re Stuck In Transit

changi

Changi Airport – the pride and joy of Singapore.

Yesterday, its status as a world class airport was further confirmed as Changi Airport was once again crowned Best Airport in the World. This would be the eighth time it’s won the honour!

While most, if not all of us Singaporeans have been to Changi Airport at some point, not all of us have explored it enough to know everything it has to offer.

Whether you’re stuck in transit or have arrived at the airport hours too early for your flight, here are 9 exciting things you can do at the airport to pass the time!

1. Entertainment Deck

The Entertainment Deck is the place to go for a group with diverse interests. You’ll find more than just a few sets of Xbox 360s and Playstation 3s, a Wii room, and even a LAN cafe you can use for free!

[caption id="attachment_23781" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: These Innovative Kickstarter Products Show That S’poreans Have Brilliant Ideas Too

These Light Art Installations Popping Up At Marina Bay Will Make You See Nature In A Whole New Light

i Light Marina Bay is back for its fifth edition, featuring 20 light-art installations from 9 different countries.

Although this year, there are 5 less installations from i Light 2016’s 25, this year’s festival will feature three festival hubs and a collaboration with international light festivals.

Urchin

[caption id="attachment_22933" align="aligncenter" width="750"] By night, the lace structure inspired by the sea urchin illuminates the viewer. By day, intricate shadows are cast by the sunlight onto the boardwalk and passers-by. (Photo Credits: Choi+Shine Architects)[/caption]

Themed ‘Light & Nature’, i Light Marina Bay 2017 explores the intriguing tension between Singapore the concrete jungle and the ever present light and nature in our garden city.

Three New Festival Hubs

This year, the annual event caters more to families with its three festival hubs that feature sustainability workshops, activities for kids, and several F&B outlets. 

Located at The Promontory @ Marina Bay, The Float @ Marina Bay and the Bayfront Event Space, parents can bring their children to each of these three areas for some family-friendly fun!

The Colourful Garden of Light

[caption id="attachment_22928" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Brightly lit flower and butterfly sculptures tower over the viewer, celebrating the coming of Spring in the midst of our urban lives. (Photo Credits: Tilt)[/caption]

For the tiny tots, parents of toddlers can head to The Float @ Marina Bay for the Art Zoo, where the children can go crazy on the inflatable playground, set majestically in a colourful zoological garden. With giant inflatable animal sculptures, this is a hands-on experience not to be missed by both Mummy and Baby.

Want to teach your older kids about recycling, urban farming and kinetic energy? The Promontory @ Marina Bay is the place for you! It features the Fantastical World of eco.me, a learning experience made fun by The Rice Company, an arts and cultural non-profit organisation in Singapore.

To satisfy your tummies after a long day of learning and interacting with the installations, the Bayfront Event Space will provide you with a spread of yummy treats. To round up the day, you and your tired kids can also enjoy the live music performances!

Ocean Pavilion

[caption id="attachment_22932" align="alignnone" width="930"] 20,000 crowd-sourced recycled plastic bottles will be added to the original metal structure, which will be lit with energy-efficient LED light. This immense light-art piece shows us the beauty in being green. (Photo Credits: Luke Jerram)[/caption]

The introduction of the three family-friendly festival hubs is meant to help “reinforce the position of Marina Bay as a sustainable precinct”, says festival Director and Director (Place Management) of URA, Mr Jason Chen.

With the main focus of the i Light Marina Bay festival being environmental stability, Mr Chen adds that the URA is “glad to be able to involve our local community and younger generation to contribute to this meaningful festival.”

Ultra (Light)

[caption id="attachment_22941" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Made from 150 3D-printed nodes, this structure stands at 2.5m tall and allows viewers to get up close and personal with it. (Photo Credits: Felix Raspall, Carlos Banon, Manuel Garrido and Mohan Elara)[/caption]

International light-art installations

Along with the new festival hubs are light-art installations from 9 countries, including France, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

i Light Marina Bay 2017 will also be collaborating with international light festivals, namely the Bella Skyway Festival in Poland, the Scottsdale Canal Convergence in the United States and the Amsterdam Light Festival in The Netherlands.

In return for three wonderful installations, we will be sending an installation by local artist Lee Yun Qin.

Moonflower

[caption id="attachment_22930" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Using solar-powered LED light to glow in the dark, this beautiful display shows the strangely complementary relationship between nature and technology, especially in our tiny tech-focused nation. (Photo Credits: Lee Yun Qin)[/caption]

Her installation, ‘Moonflower’, featuring over 800 luminescent flowers made of wire mesh, will be showcased at the Scottsdale Canal Convergence 2017 in the United States.

For a minimum price of $5, these 800 over stalks of flowers will be up for grabs to the public, with all proceeds going to the Garden City Fund, a charity supporting urban biodiversity and landscaping efforts in Singapore.

Northern Lights

[caption id="attachment_22931" align="aligncenter" width="750"] A symbol of friendship, Stockholm-based artist Aleksandra programmed her light-art installation to create an unpredictable curtain of light. (Photo Credits: Aleksandra Stratimirovic)[/caption]

In exchange, we in Singapore will be the happy recipients of Northern Lights by Swedish artist Aleksandra Stratimirovic,  HYBYCOZO by American artist Yelena Filipchuk and Canadian artist Serge Beaulieu, and Home by Anna Galas from Poland.

Home

[caption id="attachment_22929" align="alignnone" width="930"] Using only light, Anna reimagines a simple sketch of Home as a 3D light display. (Photo Credits: Anna Galas)[/caption]

When asked for the inspiration behind the international collaborations this year, Festival Curator and Principal Architect of Zarch Collaboratives, Mr Randy Chan, said that through collaboration, they hope to “bring our local artists to an international level”, as well as to “give a larger footprint to what i Light Marina Bay can do, not just in Singapore itself”.

HYBYCOZO

[caption id="attachment_22969" align="alignnone" width="800"] Inspired by it’s creators’ favourite book, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, this structure is a dazzling harmony between by science, technology and geometry. (Photo Credits: Yelena Filipchuk and Serge Beaulieu)[/caption]

Noting that the theme of Light & Nature was a perfect fit with “the backdrop of the garden city we live in,” Mr Chan added that “[it] is encouraging to see continued interest and participation from local and international artists and [he] hope[s] the art work will inspire visitors to kick-start their personal sustainable journey.”

Lending a strange beauty to the Marina Bay waterfront promenade this year, the i Light festival is an event you won’t want to miss! Come on down from March 3-26 to check out these incredible, educational and environmentally-conscious art-light installations! You definitely won’t regret bringing your friends and family to check out i Light Marina Bay 2017.

i Light Marina Bay
3-26th March 2017
Marina Bay Waterfront: Free Admission*
Main event 7:30PM to 11:00PM (extended to 12:00mn on Fri & Sat nights)

*Charges apply for some attractions. See i Light Marina Bay website for more details.

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