Panorama: Recent Art from Contemporary Asia
at Singapore Art Museum
Until 25 December 2012
71 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189555
The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is proud to present PANORAMA: Recent Art from Contemporary Asia, the first permanent exhibition that draws from SAM’s contemporary art collection to reflect and document the changes Asian societies have undergone in the last two decades. In this era of rapid change, the artworks in this new series of exhibitions provide a wide lens to examine the varied perspectives on topical issues prevalent in the world and in contemporary art-making in Singapore and Asian societies today.
Since 2009, SAM has built one of the strongest collections of Southeast Asian contemporary art, which also contains iconic works from Asia. The works featured in PANORAMA were acquired in the past three years. The first exhibition in the series features works by 24 emerging and established artists from eight Asian countries, including Agnes Arellano, Agus Suwage, Louie Cordero, Nalini Malani, Sakarin Krue-On, Sherman Ong, and :phunk, among others. The works span various mediums from painting, sculpture, drawing, and photography to video and installation.
Mr. Tan Boon Hui, Director of SAM, says, “Contemporary art is one of the physical manifestations of contemporary culture so the creation of contemporary art and contemporary art exhibitions like PANORAMA are part of the creation of our culture now. The iconic works in PANORAMA were acquired for the SAM collection for the rich and complex ideas they embody about our world. Countries in the larger Asia-Pacific region have been included to provide a more expansive view of Asia, in particular those countries whose artists and artworks share similarities with art practices from Southeast Asia. By focussing on such artists and powerful works in PANORAMA, the collection is an entry point to learn about the society and changes underway in Asia.”
Works presented in PANORAMA explore the issues such as consumerism and capitalism in Asia; the vibrant and diverse streetscapes of Asian cities; how traditions and values clash and co-exist with rapid urbanisation and modernisation that is inescapable in any Asian society; and the pervasive influence of mass media and celebrity culture. Some of these works include :phunk’s Electricity (Neon) (2010) which points to electricity as a symbol of the creative energy that has propelled innovation and the growth of modern global cities like Singapore and Agus Suwage’s I Want to Live Another Thousand Years (2005). Works by Albert Yonathan and Om Mee Ai integrate deep-seated cultural traditions and ritualistic elements, and those by artists such as Agnes Arellano have directly tapped the forms and images of traditional fables and myths, reminding us of their power and role in constructing tradition and identity. A section of PANORAMA looks at the lesser-known development and process of abstract painting as an art form and medium in Singapore.
PANORAMA also features a research corner providing reference materials including past reviews, essays on the artists and artworks culled from art journals, catalogues, books, and the Internet. Additionally, a publication Tomorrow, Today: Contemporary Art from the Singapore Art Museum provides a comprehensive documentation of SAM’s recent acquisitions and serves as a rich resource for contemporary art lovers. The book will be launched in June 2012 and can be purchased from SAM.
PANORAMA Part II is scheduled for 2013/2014.
