Singapore Art Museum Showcases New Works by Leading Southeast Asian Artists

The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is set to captivate art enthusiasts with the unveiling of new works by renowned Southeast Asian artists. From January 12 to April 2024, SAM will host a dynamic exhibition featuring the works of Simryn Gill, Charles Lim Yi Yong, and Nguyễn Trinh Thi, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to contemplate the intricate relationship between humanity and its physical surroundings.

The Sea is a Field by Simryn Gill and Charles Lim Yi Yong

At the heart of the exhibition is “The Sea is a Field,” a collaborative project by Simryn Gill and Charles Lim Yi Yong. The artists present observations from their journey along the Malacca Strait, connecting small port towns across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. The exhibition, on display at Level 1, Block 37, Tanjong Pagar Distripark, offers a glimpse into the artists’ collaboration over two years as part of the SAM Fellowship program. It explores the cultural and climatic influences of the region, shaping the way we perceive and navigate the world. The raw, portside warehouse setting becomes a symbolic space reflecting the artists’ observations and reflections.

47 Days, Sound-less by Nguyễn Trinh Thi

Vietnamese artist Nguyễn Trinh Thi presents “47 Days, Sound-less” at Block 39, The Engine Room, SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark. This expanded cinema experience challenges conventional spectatorship, featuring natural landscapes, uncredited characters, and soundtracks from American and Vietnamese movies filmed in Southeast Asia. The installation, commissioned by the Han Nefkens Foundation, Mori Art Museum, M+, Hong Kong, and SAM, reflects Nguyễn’s exploration of the peripheries, celebrating the interconnectedness of nature and humanity.

Programs and Events During Singapore Art Week 2024

SAM is set to enrich Singapore Art Week (SAW) 2024 with a diverse range of programs catering to all ages and backgrounds. Film screenings, workshops, discussions with SAM’s curators and artists, and dynamic music performances are among the many offerings. Critical Alliances, at SAM’s Residency Studios, showcases the practices and research threads of resident artists, curators, and community organizers, providing a platform for engaging soundscapes, screenings, and explorations of public space.

Extended Opening Hours and Free Entry During SAW

During SAW 2024, SAM will extend its opening hours until 10 pm on weekends (January 19, 20, 26, and 27) and offer free entry to all exhibitions from January 19 to 28, providing visitors with ample opportunities to explore the art and culture on display.