Discover Teo Eng Seng’s Witty Negotiations of Society and Self at National Gallery Singapore

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.

Artist Teo Eng Seng pictured with his artwork, We’re Happy. Are You Happy?, National Gallery Singapore, 2024.

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.

Installation view, Teo Eng Seng: We’re Happy. Are You Happy?, National Gallery Singapore, 2024.

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:

Teo Eng Seng. Don’t Try to Read It, See It, Feel It. 1986. Paperdyesculp on paper, 74.4 × 104.5 cm. Collection of National Gallery Singapore. P-0949.
Teo Eng Seng. Magnificence of Nature. c. 1996. Paperdyesculp, 48 × 23 × 23 cm. Collection of National Gallery Singapore. 1997-02624.
Teo Eng Seng. Five Nails. 1991. Fibreglass on wire construction, 370 × 290 × 290 cm. Collection of Singapore Art Museum, 1992-00468.
Teo Eng Seng. The Net (Most Definitely Singapore River). 1986. Paperdyesculp on net, 350 x 350 cm. Collection of National Gallery Singapore. ASB-0043.
  • “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:

Teo Eng Seng. Sweet Talk. 2009. Acrylic on fabric, 125 × 127 cm. Collection of National Gallery Singapore. 2011-03124. Straight Talk. 2009. Acrylic on fabric, 117 × 124 cm. Collection of National Gallery Singapore. 2011-031245. Installation view, Teo Eng Seng: We’re Happy. Are You Happy?, National Gallery Singapore, 2024.
Teo Eng Seng. We’re Happy. Are You Happy?. 1997. Paperdyesculp, bird cage and fabric, 89 x 54 x 68 cm. Collection of Singapore Art Museum. 1997-03601.
Teo Eng Seng. Massacre at Mylai (After Haeberle’s). 1970. Oil on canvas, 126.7 x 152 cm. Collection of National Gallery Singapore. 2009-01510.
  • “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.
Teo Eng Seng. Top: Wabi Sabi. 1987–2011. Acrylic on cloth, 144 × 440 cm. Collection of the artist. Bottom: Ah Wah and Ah Kiat: Crossing Borders. 2001. Glass reinforced concrete, 202 parts, each approximately 34 x 50 x 31 cm. Collection of National Gallery Singapore. 2022-00924.

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.

Irone Kim

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