Dive head first into SAM's latest ocean-themed exhibition of contemporary art. Expect paintings, installations, sculptures, and more, that explore stories and ideas surrounding earth's watery realms through the eyes of local and international artists
Just recently, we’ve been feeling a bit of an art-shaped hole in our weekend plans. After riding the crest of Singapore Art Week back in January, and snapping up a few gems at the Affordable Art Fair in April, we find ourselves in need of yet another arty fix to sate our inner culture vulture. Huzzah then, for the latest exhibition set to take over the Singapore Art Museum between 4 June and 28 August 2016. Entitled Odyssey: Navigating Nameless Seas, expect an artistic exploration of the ocean, as seen through the eyes of contemporary artists. Featuring a plethora of paintings, installations, and sculptures created by 11 artists from Singapore, Southeast Asia, and beyond, get set for a watery exploration like no other. Here’re our picks of exhibits not to be missed.
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Wyn Lan Tan: Adrift
This Singaporean artist spent 16 days travelling around the Arctic Circle (yes, really!), and captured an austere yet entrancing video of the ocean from a porthole within her cabin. Get a glimpse into this incredible journey through the resulting time lapse footage.
Pratchaya Phinthong: Algahest
600 light years from Earth is a planet named Kepler-22b, and you can view a painting of it through a movable window filled with water, earth and air by this top Thai artist at Odyssey! Why is it so special? Kepler-22b was discovered with water on the surface, suggesting possible existence of other life forms, and a potential habitat for future human civilisations. How cool is that?
Richard Streitmatter-Tran: The Cerumen Strata
We admit, it sounds a little weird but we’re totally intrigued… this piece of art simulates the earwax plugs that collect in the ear canal cavity of whales(!?). Supposedly, these plugs can be an indicator of the ocean’s health in which the mammal has lived. Mind. Blown. Who knew!
The Research Room
Don’t forget to pay a visit to the research room once you’re done browsing the artwork. You’ll find a myriad of maritime artefacts and reproductions from the Republic of Singapore Navy Museum’s collection, alongside a research library with books from the National Library Board. These artefacts recount actual voyages, bringing an element of realism to this oceanic theme.
Got kids in tow? For underwater exploration suitable for little ones, head over to the sister exhibition entitled Imaginarium: Over the Ocean, Under the Sea. There’re plenty of interactive exhibitions and workshops for kids to enjoy, all wrapped up with an important environmental conservation message. Check out the full low-down on this imaginative exhibition over on HoneyKids.
Odyssey: Navigating Nameless Seas at SAM between 4 June and 28 August 2016. Free entry for Singaporeans and PRs. $10 for adults, $5 for students, free for children under 6.
Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Rd, Singapore 189555.
This article is sponsored by Singapore Art Museum