[CNY Family Activity] Embark on an Artistic Odyssey at National Gallery Singapore: Explore Liu Kuo-sung’s Masterpieces and Untitled by Shilpa Gupta

If are looking for an activity to enjoy together with the family during the upcoming Chinese New Year period, consider a visit to the National Gallery Singapore to check out some of their exciting and striking exhibitions: 

Liu Kuo-sung: Experimentation as Method

For Chinese New Year,  we recommend being on theme and starting with an exhibition featuring stunning artworks by modern Chinese ink master Liu Kuo-sung!

Step into the realm of artistic innovation and creativity with Liu Kuo-sung: Experimentation as Method, a monumental retrospective that pays homage to the revolutionary spirit of this world-renowned artist. 

Despite turning 92 this year, you may be surprised to know that Liu is still experimenting and creating new works, serving as an inspiration for the younger generation with his fervent love for what he does.

Spanning seven decades of artistic brilliance, this exhibition showcases Liu’s relentless quest to push the boundaries of ink painting and how he redefined the conventions of traditional Chinese art.

Throughout his career, Liu explored different materials and textures, and even invented his own “Liu Kuo-sung paper”. He continuously reconstructed tradition with the modern, and created a new approach to the practice of Chinese ink painting.

You will be able to witness these innovations through his works on display. Among the highlights are several iconic pieces that offer a glimpse into Liu’s transformative journey as an artist and innovator:

Winter Mountains (1967):

This monumental ink and color painting, measuring 141 x 292 cm, transports viewers to a serene landscape shrouded in ethereal beauty. Through Liu’s deft brushwork and meticulous attention to detail, Winter Mountains invites viewers to contemplate the harmony between nature and the human spirit, evoking a sense of tranquility and awe.

Moon Walk (1969):

A testament to Liu’s ability to blend disparate influences into a cohesive artistic vision, Moon Walk merges elements of traditional ink painting with contemporary pop culture references. By directly incorporating an image of the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing from LIFE magazine into his artwork, Liu created a captivating juxtaposition of earthly and celestial realms, inviting viewers to ponder the mysteries of the universe.

Coming (2014):

In this stunning ink and colour masterpiece, Liu explores themes of time, space, and cosmic existence with breathtaking clarity and depth. Measuring over three meters in length, Coming captures the dynamic movement of celestial objects across the vast expanse of the cosmos, offering a profound meditation on the cyclical nature of existence.

These are just a few of the many masterpieces that await visitors at Liu Kuo-sung: Experimentation as Method. 

From the textured landscapes of the 1960s to the cosmic vistas of the 2000s, Liu’s artworks traverse the boundaries of time and space, inviting viewers on an immersive journey through the wonders of ink painting. 

For the little ones, there are also kid-friendly “Gallery Kids!” caption cards on selected exhibits which engage children to  find out more and learn about art appreciation in a digestible and fun way. Love this. 

Untitled by Shilpa Gupta

After visiting Liu’s exhibition, consider heading to the fifth floor of the museum for a fun surprise. 

Set against the backdrop of Singapore’s bustling skyline on the panoramic roof garden of the National Gallery Singapore, Untitled by Shilpa Gupta is a large-scale inflatable that depicts two figures seemingly engaged in conflict, but reveals a surprising twist upon closer inspection: they actually share a single head!

The large-scale inflatable installation captivates with its interplay of form and meaning. This thought-provoking work delves into the themes of duality that we all experience, whether it be inner struggles, geopolitical tensions, or the complex realities of modern urban lifestyles.

With its innovative use of materials, along with its unconventional form, the artwork encourages visitors to interact with it in a playful and exploratory manner. 

For Instagram and TikTok content creators, you will enjoy capturing this artwork against the backdrop of the gorgeous rooftop. The kids will also enjoy interacting with the work! 

Don’t Miss Your Last Chance to Visit

Don’t miss your last chance to catch Liu Kuo-sung: Experimentation as Method closing this month on 25 February, and Shilpa Gupta’s Untitled, which will be on display till 31 March 2024. Enjoy an artsy and visually engaging day out with your family at National Gallery Singapore! 

Planning Your Visit

Admission to Liu Kuo-sung: Experimentation as Method is free for Singapore citizens and PRs. 

Tourists and Foreign Residents can purchase a Gallery pass to access the exhibition.

Untitled by Shilpa Gupta, located at the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery is free for all to visit.

The Gallery opening hours are from 10am – 7pm daily, and will be open throughout the Chinese New Year period. 

For more information and to plan your visit, please visit the respective exhibition websites (Liu Kuo-sung: Experimentation as Method; Untitled) and the National Gallery Singapore website.