Swing by this riveting art exhibition and take a walk through a labyrinth of blue flowers, plaster walls with colourful dots, enter a dreamlike multi-sensory room, and more.
We’re always on the prowl for new Instagram-worthy spots in Singapore – from vibrant graffiti and elaborate architecture, to swanky rooftop bars and heritage buildings. Whether it’s in the heart of the city or as far flung as Joo Chiat and Katong, you’ll find us there! Adding to our ever-growing list of Instagrammable locations in Singapore is Gallery Children’s Biennale at National Gallery Singapore. From now until 8 October, let your inner child loose; we guarantee that you’ll be captivated by the event’s curated lineup of ten dreamy, interactive works that are aimed at showing young visitors how art can be fun, inspirational and educational. Here are the exhibition’s highlights.
Immerse yourselves in a dotty paradise
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably already heard about National Gallery Singapore’s headlining exhibition, Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow. If you can’t get enough of the popular Japanese artist, head to her handiwork, The Obliteration Room, an iconic white room covered in bright and colourful dots. Not only are the #OOTD possibilities here endless, you can also join in the fun by pasting these colourful polka dot stickers on the walls of the room (or even on yourselves)!
Yayoi Kusama: The Obliteration Room, Supreme Court Wing, Level B1, Concourse Gallery 2
Enter a mesmeric and multi-sensory world
Set foot into the strange and wonderful realm of Homogenizing and Transforming World. Created by teamLab, an interdisciplinary collective, this exhibition is inspired by the connectivity of the internet, showcased through suspended glowing orbs that change colour and emit sounds when touched. How about that Boomerang money shot?
teamLab: Homogenizing and Transforming World, City Hall Wing, Level B1, Ngee Ann Kongsi Concourse Gallery
Pore over handwritten poetry
Step into a cerulean labyrinth of handmade flowers at Tran Trong Vu’s The Sonnet in Blue. Inspired by the tradition of hanging handwritten wishes on trees in several Asian countries, this installation features over 100 poems and stories written by students from Southeast Asia. Once you’ve taken a stroll through the floral maze and snapped a couple of selfies, do take some time to peruse the beautiful verses.
Tran Trong Vu: The Sonnet in Blue, Supreme Court Wing, Level 3, Supreme Court Foyer
Cross a transparent and illusionary bridge
Walk across a 16-metre long bridge that plays tricks on your vision as you feel what it’s like to be suspended in space and time. The work of Filipino “magic realist” artist Mark Justiniani, Firewalk takes you on a phantasmagorical experience by depicting an archeological site that extends endlessly into the ground, using mirrors and once-treasured objects.
Mark Justiniani: Firewalk, A Bridge of Embers, Supreme Court Wing, Level B1, Outside Concourse Gallery 2
Peer into bird traps inspired by themes of home and moving
Known for his (unapologetically) controversial artworks, Singapore artist Vincent Leow keeps things family-friendly this time with From Rochor to Kallang, his social commentary on the demolition of Rochor Centre, one of Singapore’s first public housing estates. Yep, these colourful cages are not just aesthetically pleasing – they convey a much deeper meaning that will leave you pondering.
Vincent Leow: From Rochor to Kallang, City Hall Wing, Level 1, City Hall Foyer
Continue the creative streak by dropping by Gallery & Co for a delish and beautiful meal. Serving up unique eats like kimchi burgers and otak-otak tacos and immaculately constructed cakes, it’ll be the perfect end to an artsy day out. Plus, pick up gorgeous stationary, prints or even apparels that are exclusive to Gallery & Co.
Win Gallery & Co vouchers and a Yayoi Kusama umbrella!
For a chance to win a $50 Gallery & Co F&B voucher and a Yayoi Kusama umbrella, simply like National Gallery and Gallery & Co on Facebook, like our post and leave a comment tagging the friends who you’d like to bring with you to the Gallery Children’s Biennale. Contest closes 28 August.
Gallery Children’s Biennale, 20 May-8 October, National Gallery Singapore, 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957. Admission is free for Singaporeans and PRs. Get your tickets here.
This article is sponsored by National Gallery Singapore.