Calling all culture vultures. These art exhibitions are right up your alley!
2022 is looking pretty good, what with new restaurants, cafes and bars to hit, things to do and amazing musicals to catch. What about the art scene, you ask? Well, it’s safe to say we’ve got you covered. Bookmark this page, art enthusiasts, as we’ll be updating it regularly with exciting art exhibitions in Singapore throughout the year.
Singapore’s top art exhibitions in 2022
1. Superfluous Things: Paper
Until 14 August
Have you wondered how much you can do with just paper? Singapore Art Museum has commissioned artists for its latest exhibition, Superfluous Things: Paper. The exhibition has interactive components and highlights the artists as storytellers. Through the use of paper, they each tell their own unique and personal tale. Artworks include mini paper sculptures depicting everyday objects, paper cutouts of peculiar figures, and even elaborate honeycomb-like structures that resemble a fantasy city.
Superfluous Things: Paper, Singapore Art Museum at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Road, Singapore 089065
2. Batik Kita: Dressing in Port Cities
Until 2 October
Explore the rich history and culture of batik and batik making at this exhibition in the Asian Civilisations Museum. Step into the world of batik textiles and learn about its traditional roots, contemporary designs, and dynamic possibilities. You can also get hands-on and create your own digital stamped batik at The Workbench after admiring the huge collection of clothes (some of which are from our very own National Collection!).
Batik Kita: Dressing in Port Cities, Level 2, Special Exhibitions Gallery, Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
3. Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia
Until 25 September
Step into the world’s living culture with National Gallery’s latest exhibition, Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia. It’s the largest showcase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art to travel to Asia. And it gives us a rare and comprehensive look into their culture and history. The artworks range from paintings to video installations and sculptures, all done by over 150 Aboriginal and Torres Islander artists.
Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
4. Jane Lee: Where is Painting?
From 20 August to 29 October
Critically acclaimed Singaporean artist Jane Lee is back with another exhibition. This time, it’s with Sundaram Tagore Gallery, presenting her focus on the relationship between a painting and the space it occupies. Through the use of against-the-grain tools and mediums, Jane’s work encompasses unique textures, giving the paintings completely new dimensions and depth.
Jane Lee: Where is Painting?, #01-05, Gillman Barracks, 5 Lock Road, Singapore 108933
5. Art ‘R’ Us
Until 24 August
Over the years, the local art scene has boomed in Singapore. Many young artists have made their mark in this tight-knit community of creatives with installations, tattoos, and even murals. But we don’t often get to see what goes on behind the scenes. Well, this showcase by Chia Aik Beng delves into the lives of artists and their processes. Uncover intimate and vulnerable moments of 12 homegrown artists to draw connections between them and their creations.
Art ‘R’ Us, #01-20, Leica Galerie Singapore, 328 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188719
6. Wu Guanzhong: Travelling with the Master
Until 30 October
Unlike exhibits in the past where pieces are selected by professional museum curators, National Gallery has invited a community of docents to contribute to the creation of the exhibit for the first time. Enter four sections of artworks from the National Collection and a series of rare archival materials. The pieces encourage renewed perceptions of what it means to travel. They touch on the physical journey, as well as the conceptual, imaginative, and emotional aspects.
Wu Guanzhong: Travelling with the Master, Level 4, Wu Guanzhong Gallery, City Hall Wing, National Gallery Singapore, 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
7. Art in the Commons: Data Visualising Jurong
Until 11 September
Don’t let the name of this exhibit fool you. While the title might talk about “data”, it’s less about the numbers and more about the concept. This exhibit is a series of community-based art programmes aimed to uncover community interests within Jurong.
In this piece, artist Berny Tan explores memories of the Chinese Garden, which has been closed since 2019. Working with a team at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, code was used to embroider the lanterns created for the exhibit. Drop by to get a detailed look at the graphs and diagrams used in Berny’s work. Or simply take a stroll through the meditative space.
Art in the Commons: Data Visualising Jurong, Level 2, Mezzanine Space, Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081
8. Museum of Ice Cream
Ongoing
We scream for ice cream! The lush enclave of Dempsey is home to the world-famous Museum of Ice Cream. Known for its interactive and ‘gram-friendly exhibits in New York City, the Singapore outpost features 14 never-before-seen installations such as the sprinkle pool, a pink and yellow jungle filled with 10,000 bananas and more. And what’s a museum about ice cream without the icy treat? As you’re guided through the pastel wonderland, you’ll be treated to five unique ice cream treats.
Museum of Ice Cream, 100 Loewen Road, Singapore 248837
Get your dose of art and culture at these art exhibitions in Singapore!
