National Gallery Singapore is thrilled to unveil its latest exhibition, Teo Eng Seng: We’re Happy. Are You Happy?, running from September 6, 2024, to February 2, 2025. As part of its SG Artist series, this extensive showcase celebrates the artistic journey of Teo Eng Seng, a pivotal figure in Singapore’s art scene and a recipient of the Cultural Medallion in 1986.
Exploring Art Through a Unique Lens
Teo Eng Seng, known for his inventive and multidisciplinary approach, invites visitors to explore a spectrum of social and personal narratives through his art. The exhibition features nearly 70 works, reflecting his impact on Singapore’s arts landscape and his commitment to using art as a platform for social commentary.
Two Themes, One Vision
The exhibition is divided into two thematic sections:
1. Don’t Try to Read It, See It, Feel It
This section celebrates Teo’s experimental and emotive approach. His artworks are characterized by vibrant colors and unconventional forms, often inspired by his personal experiences. Highlights include:
- “Don’t Try to Read it, See it, Feel it” (1986): A piece challenging traditional Chinese calligraphy, encouraging viewers to engage with the essence of the words through sensation rather than literal interpretation.
- “Magnificence of Nature” (1996): A paperdyesculp sculpture depicting growth and decay through vibrant, organic forms.
- “Five Nails” (1991): A large installation inspired by the Buddha’s palm, evoking the sublime through its towering, monolithic presence.
- “The Net (Most Definitely Singapore River)” (1986): An installation reflecting the pollution of the Singapore River, subverting romanticized depictions with raw, spontaneous material.
2. Sweet Talk, Straight Talk
This section explores Teo’s use of art as a form of social commentary. His work blends humor and irony with serious reflections on social justice and human dignity. Key pieces include:
- “We’re Happy. Are You Happy?” (1997): A birdcage adorned with paperdyesculp elements, critiquing the contradictions of wealth and freedom in Singapore’s affluent neighborhoods.
- “Massacre at My Lai (After Haeberle’s)” (1970): A painting intensifying the brutality of the My Lai massacre through stark, vivid imagery.
- “Ah Wah and Ah Kiat: Crossing Borders” (2001): A re-creation of a busy border crossing, highlighting the daily migration of workers and celebrating their contributions.
Visit and Engage
Teo Eng Seng: We’re Happy. Are You Happy? offers a deep dive into the artist’s unique perspective on society and self. The exhibition is housed in the Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery 1 on Level 3 of National Gallery Singapore. Special Exhibition Passes are available for $25 ($15 for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents).
Early bird tickets for Gallery Passes, offering a 20% discount, are available through September 26, 2024. This promotion applies to both Teo Eng Seng: We’re Happy. Are You Happy? and Kim Lim: The Space Between. A Retrospective, which will run concurrently in Singtel Special Exhibition Galleries 2 and 3.
Artworks displayed in The Spine Hall are free to view for all visitors.
