Following a celebrated debut at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, Singapore’s Seeing Forest by Robert Zhao Renhui is making its highly anticipated return. This immersive exhibition will be presented at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) at Tanjong Pagar Distripark as part of Singapore Art Week (SAW), running from 15 January to 18 May 2025.
A Venice Success Story
Commissioned by the National Arts Council (NAC) and organized by SAM, Seeing Forest captivated audiences at the Singapore Pavilion in Venice, drawing over 320,000 visitors during its run. Officially opened in April 2024 by Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth Edwin Tong, the exhibition marked Singapore’s 11th participation in the prestigious Biennale Arte, a global stage for contemporary art.
Exploring the Hidden Wilderness of Singapore
Seeing Forest invites audiences to delve into Singapore’s little-known secondary forests, uncovering a vibrant yet often overlooked ecosystem. Through footage captured in Bukit Panjang and Gillman Barracks, the exhibition reveals striking moments in nature—from sambar deer grazing at forest edges to migratory Japanese sparrowhawks pausing for a drink in a concrete drain.
This homecoming edition includes the complete assemblage of videos and sculptures shown in Venice, with the centerpiece work, Trash Stratum, expanded to nearly three times its original size. The installation combines wooden boxes, screens, and objects collected from the forest, forming a “cabinet of curiosities” that mirrors the perpetual transformation of nature.
Other highlights include:
- The Owl, The Travellers and The Cement Drain, a two-channel video juxtaposing serene forest scenes with a surreal narrative of two human travelers.
- Buffy (2024), a contemplative sculpture of a fish owl, reflecting nature’s enigmatic essence.
- A Guide to a Secondary Forest of Singapore, offering an in-depth exploration of Zhao’s discoveries and the rich ecology of these liminal spaces.
Programmes to Look Forward To
To celebrate the exhibition’s return, visitors can enjoy a range of events during and beyond SAW 2025:
- 18 January 2025: An artist talk featuring Robert Zhao, curator Haeju Kim, and conservator Yong Ding Li.
- 17 January 2025: A live performance by Park Minhee, adding layers of sound to the exhibition’s atmosphere.
- Sonic Sessions: A performance by electronic duo HAEPAARY, blending soundscapes with the exhibition’s themes.
Visitors can also participate in guided tours (some with Singapore Sign Language interpretation), hands-on workshops, and expert talks throughout the exhibition’s run.
Additionally, the launch of Seeing Forest Volume 2, a companion art book expanding on the exhibition’s themes, will be available from February 2025.
Admission Details
Seeing Forest is free to all visitors during SAW 2025 (17–26 January). General admission applies from 27 January onwards, with free entry for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents.
Discover the unseen beauty of Singapore’s secondary forests and reflect on our interconnected relationship with nature at this groundbreaking exhibition. Visit SAM’s website for more details.
