Guo Pei: Chinese Art and Couture presents a dialogue between historical and contemporary Chinese design, juxtaposing embroidered masterworks by China’s foremost couturière with Chinese artworks from the Asian Civilisations Museum (Photo: Asian Civilisations Museum)
Singapore is a cultural wonderland, especially with the addition of travelling exhibitions that are making their rounds in the city for the next couple of months. Here are some to get you started.
Over Penang + Beyond
A homecoming showcase by David ST Loh, this exhibition features aerial images of vibrant, historical and fascinating Penang. After leaving the island some 30 years ago, the former photojournalist has since returned with a renewed perspective. Using a drone, he scours places that might hold interesting terrain, landmarks and features. Loh captures the multiracial society of Penang as well as the island’s stunning landscapes.
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore. (65) 8125 1415. Until July 31. See here for more info.
From Superflat to Bubblewrap
Artist Takashi Murakami is a palpable force in contemporary art emerging from post-war Japan. In this milestone exhibition, Murakami debuts new works centred around the relationship between his post-modern “Superflat” theory and Japan’s economic bubble crisis, humorously coined “Bubblewrap”. From traditional artmaking to rapid digitalisation, the acclaimed artist’s works surface as a mode of decentring and annulling conventions of perspective, hierarchy and dichotomy in art and subculture. In a world where visual cultures transform rapidly and consumption is rising, Murakami challenges our relationship with images and their functions in creative movements that respond to fluctuations in the economy and society.
STPI, 41 Robertson Quay, Singapore. S$8. Until Sept 14. Find out more here.
Guo Pei: Chinese Art & Couture
A dialogue between historical and contemporary Chinese designs, Singapore’s Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) presents 29 sculptural gowns by China’s foremost couturière Guo Pei alongside the museum’s finest Chinese artworks. The showcase, a juxtaposition of embroidered masterworks created centuries apart, serves as artistic and traditional points of encounter and departure of Chinese design. Guo Pei’s creations express her personal take on contemporary fashion and aesthetics. Two of the designer’s intricate Chinese bridal gowns, directly inspired by artworks in the ACM collection, will also be on display.
Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Pl, Singapore. S$20. Until Sept 15. For more details, see here.
