Singapore Art Museum’s New Learning Gallery Welcomes Authentic Encounters with Contemporary Art

The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is excited to announce the opening of its Learning Gallery at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, transforming Gallery 2 on Level 1 into a vibrant space designed to spark curious and authentic encounters with contemporary art for visitors of all ages. This initiative, part of SAM’s ongoing commitment to art education, reflects the museum’s dedication to fostering an understanding of broader issues through contemporary art, encouraging a spirit of exploration, imagination, and spontaneity.

Opening on July 20, 2024

The Learning Gallery opens to the public on July 20, 2024. It harnesses the creative potential of viewing contemporary art with a childlike perspective, providing opportunities for reflection and meaningful engagement. Featuring five artworks by notable local and regional artists, the gallery aims to extend the learning of contemporary art to all ages. Selected artworks will be refreshed annually to introduce new perspectives and insights, keeping the space dynamic and reflective of contemporary times.

Embracing Exploration and Diverse Perspectives

Upon entering the gallery, adult visitors are greeted by a letter addressed to their inner child, encouraging them to approach the exhibition with an open mind. Children are invited to experience the artworks in their own special way, promoting curiosity, imaginative playfulness, and spontaneity.

The gallery is designed as a calm environment ideal for reflection and focused learning, with minimal visual and auditory stimuli to encourage personal connections with the artworks. Separate sets of wall text tailored to children and adults further create avenues for shared experiences and dialogue.

Interactive Elements for Deeper Engagement

The Learning Gallery incorporates various interactive elements to deepen engagement with the artworks. A library within the space offers a selection of books related to the artworks and the emotions they evoke, catering to readers of all ages. An interactive wall encourages free play and creativity, while a response wall invites visitors to write letters to themselves, fostering impactful interactions with the artworks.

Featured Artworks

The gallery showcases diverse works that respond to themes of home, nature, environment, people, places, memory, and time:

• Nguan’s “Untitled,” from the series “Singapore”: A series of photographs capturing quiet, everyday scenes in Singapore, evoking feelings of alienation and nostalgia.
• Han Sai Por’s “Black Forest”: An installation of charcoal logs reflecting the impact of human activities on nature and the resilience of the natural world.
• Migrant Ecologies Project’s “{if your bait can sing the wild ones will come} Like Shadows Through Leaves”: A film capturing the essence of Tanglin Halt, one of Singapore’s oldest social housing estates, during its urban transformation.
• Tang Da Wu’s “深疤凰 SEMBAWANG”: Inspired by the “tok-tok bird” of Sembawang, featuring diamond-shaped mirrors representing the bird’s tears.
• Julian Abraham “Togar”’s “A Gesture”: A sonic work exploring the act of listening and how people interpret sounds based on their cultural background and experiences.

Opening Carnival and Special Programs

To celebrate the launch, an Opening Carnival will take place on July 20, 2024, from 10am to 4pm, featuring traditional games, art activities, and free childhood snacks. Visitors can collect a free activity guide and a “Stick with SAM” sticker book inspired by the artworks.

In the coming months, SAM will host special programs conducted by artists and specialists, including art therapists.

Extending the Experience Beyond the Museum

SAM extends the Learning Gallery experience with “ChildISH at the libraries,” featuring poems by local poets and artwork by local illustrator Tan Zi Xi. This multisensorial showcase is currently at Punggol Regional Library until July 21, 2024, and will travel to various regional libraries across Singapore until December 16, 2024.

Admission to the Learning Gallery is free. Visit Gallery 2 at SAM, Tanjong Pagar Distripark, starting July 20, 2024, for a unique and engaging contemporary art experience.