Immerse yourself in the beauty and power of photography at National Gallery Singapore's Living Pictures exhibition, where over 300 works by more than 90 artists await.
Heads up, art and photography lovers: National Gallery Singapore is holding a stunning exhibition from now till August! Living Pictures: Photography in Southeast Asia is a must-visit for a picturesque journey into the evolution of photography in the region. Here are five reasons why you should visit this eye-opening exhibition.
Psst: the exhibition is free for Singaporeans and permanent residents, so there’s no reason not to drop by. To make the most of your visit, sign up as a National Gallery Singapore member to enjoy admission privileges, free parking, and $200 of dining and shopping vouchers!
1. Discover photography across 150 years
Who’s excited for the first-ever major photography exhibition showcasing artworks from the region? Enjoy a comprehensive look into the history of photography with images from the 1800s to present day, highlighting the changing roles of photography in Southeast Asia. Step into the space to visit the five themes that start from the 19th century, and admire the stunning selection of works – from colonial images to studio portraits to documentary photography.
2. Marvel at more than 300 works
Yup, this exhibition boasts a massive scale with works from over 90 artists. Admire colonial archives with works from the 19th century, when photographic technology first landed in Southeast Asia. Take a peek at various portraits over the years and see how fashion, poses, backdrops and more have changed. That’s not all – there’s so much more to see with the incredible photo collection at Living Pictures! Tip: you can also hop on National Gallery Singapore’s Instagram to engage with four photographers – who are known for using social media in their work – at Ask Me Anything sessions.
3. Get up close to photos from yesteryear
Photos have the power to shape our perspectives, and this exhibition offers a compelling look at how we’ve evolved throughout the years. You’ll view images of Southeast Asian landscapes and portraits of locals, pictures from the Second Indochina War, Photoshopped images with a nod to meme culture, and lots more. Don’t forget to check out the interactive screens and swipe through digital photo albums! Plus, you’ll leave with some food for thought: how have photographs changed the way you look at the world?
4. Explore framed photos, 3D installations and more
We love how the exhibition has a diverse range of modes and mediums, featuring framed photos from the 1800s and 3D installations. Check out Dinh Q Le’s Crossing the Farther Shore, which is an immersive weaved structure comprising over 5,000 found photographs from pre-1975 South Vietnam. You can even buy a piece of artwork – Heman Chong’s God Bless Diana – for $1. One thing’s for sure: this exhibition is a visual feast for the eyes.
5. Enjoy interactive activities to let your creativity flow
If you thought National Gallery Singapore’s Living Pictures was just about viewing photographs, you’re in for a surprise! This exhibition goes beyond that, as it allows you to contribute your own images, create zines, or take photos with a backdrop in the Community Art Space.
With a showcase of so many works from the past 150 years, Living Pictures provides an insightful look into how photography has evolved – from its origins as a tool for documentation to its current status as an art form. This exhibition is sure to leave a lasting impression, so if your interest is piqued, pay National Gallery Singapore a visit, stat.
Living Pictures: Photography in Southeast Asia, from now till 20 August 2023; Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3, City Hall Wing, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
This post is in partnership with National Gallery Singapore.
