Singapore Art Show 2009
Agus Suwage

One of Indonesia's leading contemporary artists presents a new series of works that respond to the perversions of our times, everyday living and the complexities of history. Through Oct 24. Singapore Tyler Print Institute, 41 Robertson Quay, 6336-3663. Free.

Elemental Shifts

As part of the Singapore Art Show, artist Valerie Ng presents her latest series of paintings and mixed media works that are inspired by the duality of forces and unpredictable nature of the elements. Through Oct 7. The Substation Gallery, 45 Armenian St., 6337-7535. Free.

Jane Lee

In her first major solo presentation since winning the Singapore Art Exhibition Prize two years ago, Jane Lee examines the art of painting by pushing the limits of the materials and techniques used in the discipline. Through Nov 8. Osage Singapore, Old School, #01-12, 11B Mount Sophia, 6337-9909. Free.

A Poet's Lens—Tan Swie Hian's Art of Photography

Wonder how a first foray into photography by Cultural Medallion recipient and multi-disciplinary artist Tan Swie Hian turned out to be? A Poet's Lens reveals the mystery by showcasing a selection of 100 photographs which will also be published in a major bilingual Chinese-English catalogue. Through Dec 30. Tan Swie Hian Museum, 460 Sims Ave., 6744-3551. Free.

Sculpture Square: Celebrating a Decade of Sculpture

Review a decade of Singapore three-dimensional art with the Small Sculpture Show showcasing works from both emerging and established artists such as Sun Yu-Li, Chua Boon Kee, Aw Tee Hong, Jason Lim and many others. Through Nov 1. Sculpture Square, 155 Middle Rd., 6333-1055. Free.

Singapore Art Exhibition

Tuck in to a spread of sumptuous art fare as the Singapore Art Museum hosts the Singapore Art Exhibition. With the theme “Art Buffet Singapore,” this flagship event of the Singapore Art Show examines local artists' perspectives on cultural consumption and showcases the work of promising and emerging Singapore talent. Through Oct 18. Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Rd., 6332-3222. $8 (adults); $4 (students).

These Children are Dead

A posthumous presentation of paintings and drawings by Huang Wei (1914-1976) revealing an unexpected historical consciousness of Singapore in the days of the Straits Settlements, Syonan and post-war period. The exhibition is held in conjunction with a play by the same title that is based on the subject of Huang Wei. Through Oct 10. The Living Room, The Arts House, 1 Parliament Rd., 6332-6900. Free.

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Aesthetic Contrasts of Asia

Artist duo Kirsty Furniss and Mathieu Augereau (a.k.a. KA'a) presents a new body of work that exists at the frontiers between painting and graffiti, abstract and figurative, aesthetic and social commentary. This modern style is combined with more traditional mediums such as ink, graphite and oil, resulting in a completely novel way of approaching painting. Oct 22-Nov 10. Fill Your Walls, #04-02, 21 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 6222-1667.

A Garden Dialogue—Nature Paintings

Award-winning artist Eng Siak Loy celebrates the Singapore Botanic Gardens' 150th Anniversary with a collection of 30 paintings inspired by the greenery and iconic locations in the Gardens. Oct 13-24. Function Hall, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd., 6471-7138. Free.

Boundless Thoughts, Infinite Courage

Filipino artist Jonathan T. Racimo in his new show, dwells on ordinary and not-so ordinary people with heroic qualities such as the likes of the intrepid freedom fighter and the late President Corazon Aquino. The artworks presented in the exhibition recognize and celebrate heroes' lives, their positive contributions and the adversities they had successfully overcome. Nov 3-14. Forth Gallery, 69A Pagoda St., 6222-7809.

Christie's Fall Singapore Preview 2009—Southeast Asian Modern and Contemporary Art

Come check out this season's Christie preview which offers a highly selective and attractively estimated selection of masterpieces from key modern Southeast Asian artists as well as quality and exciting works new to the market from established and emerging contemporary artists. Oct 10-11, 11am-1pm. ArtSpace @ Helu-trans, #02-04 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Rd. Free.

France + Singapore New Generation Artists 2009

This exhibition features a new generation of visual artists from France and Singapore like Jack Ying Tan, Muhammad Khairullah, Lionel Descostes, Madhvi Subrahmanian, Tikal Dumas and Lim Zi Sin, and aims to provide a platform which introduces the creative potential of these upcoming artists from both countries to its international audience. Oct 22-Nov 21. 2/F Alliance Française de Singapour, 1 Sarkies Rd., 6737-8422.

In The Mood For Love

Engineer-turned artist Vincent Chow presents a series of 20 paintings which showcases his process of self-exploration, reinterpreting what he observes and feels. In this series he reflects on the aspirations and passion of his generation, who are now at the prime of their lives. Nov 16-Dec 6. Fill Your Walls, #04-02, 21 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 6222-1667.

Jia

Ten local artists use multi-disciplinary interpretation and works to explore the meaning of the Chinese word “Jia” which translates as both home and family. Oct 23-Nov 4. Post-Museum, 109 Rowell Rd., 6396-3598. Free.

Land of the Morning: The Philippines and its People

This show explores the identity of the Filipino people, created by the blending of indigenous local cultures and foreign influences and features more than 290 rare and important artefacts—ancient gold, Catholic imagery, tribal artefacts and contemporary Filipino artworks—from museums and private collections in the Philippines. Oct 16-Jan 10. Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, 6332-7798.

Lotus Beings

Don't miss this showcase of antique Buddhas from Myanmar and Thailand. These sculptures, the earliest dating to 14th-century Thailand, are a physical embodiment of Buddha's teachings on enlightenment. These luminous images symbolize the timeless concept of purity, compassion, peace and serenity. In art, Buddhas are often portrayed as seated upon lotus blooms; it comes as no surprise that the lotus represents untarnished purity in many cultures. Nov 1-30. Elliot's Antiques, #02-13/14 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd , 6337-1008.

No Need For Forever

Japanese artist Rei Sato's site-specific installation recreates her family run café, Senzai Midori in Tokyo. Consisting of original photographs, paintings and objects bearing the artist's child-like approach and quasi-magical touch, Sato hopes to create an atmosphere where people can be themselves and have a truly memorable experience. The seemingly naïve and charming setting aims to convey an ethereal and cute subtext to normal surroundings. Oct 10-Nov 29. 3/F, Hermès, Liat Towers, 541 Orchard Rd., 6734-1353. Free.

ORIENT2009—Asia Kawaii in Singapore

Japan's “kawaii” culture is the main subject of this exhibition which features a collection of artworks by 30 contemporary artists from Belgium, India, Japan, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore and the United States. Oct 17-19. The Arts House, 1 Parliament Rd., 6332-6900. Free.

Small :: All The Little Things By Jacinta Sue

Drawing from all the little things in life to create her art, self-taught artist, Jacinta Sue, presents a series of watercolour paintings, celebrating nature's gifts and surprises. Oct 9-16. Monsoonasia Gallery, Emily Hill, 11 Upper Wilkie Rd., 6225-2236.

Shoes and Social Fabrics

Artist Michael Tan and sociologist Caroline Knowles presents an object biography of a single flip-flop as a vantage point in studying the landscapes, peoples and processes entangled with it. Oct 16-Jan 25. NUS Museum, University Cultural Centre, 50 Kent Ridge Cres., 6516-8817. Free.

Tjukurrpa Puntu Nganana Palyani—We Are Making Strong Stories

The ReDot Gallery proudly presents this exhibition of beautiful works by Australia's foremost Aboriginal art community, Papunya Tula Artists. The Papunya Tula painting style derives directly from the artists' knowledge of traditional body and sand painting associated with ceremony. The initial designs were very simple and iconographic but they soon became more complex and today they are highly regarded, being the most collectable group of artists in contemporary Australian art. Nov 11-Dec 19. ReDot Gallery, 11 Everton Rd., 6222-1039

Txt - Nation

Using letters and numbers signifying order and chaos, Philippine artist Sam Penaso paints Manila's love affair with SMS (short message service). Oct 16-Nov 2. Momentous Arts, 20 Lor. Telok, 6535-3961. Free.

wolfnotes

Six local and Singapore-based artists were invited to respond creatively to the writings of Singaporean authors published by firstfruits publications. Using image and sound to articulate their responses to words, these artists embody the ways in which literary works move us to feel, to think, to wonder, and to invent. Oct 10-18. The Art Studio, #B2-16, Old School, 11C Mount Sophia. Free.

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ARTSingapore 2009

Singapore's biggest contemporary art fair returns for the ninth time. It will host a collection by Cheong Soo Pieng, a 1962 winner of Singapore's Meritorious Service Medal for his contributions to the Singapore art scene and one of the most influential artists in Singapore. The fair will also feature a “New Finds” section, where up-and-coming artists and galleries will be showcasing their works, as well as the Asia International Photography Fair, where leading American photo festival, PhotoArts Santa Fe, will be showcasing some of their contemporary shots. Oct 9-12. 4/F, Suntec City Convention Centre. Log on to www.artsingapore.net for more information. $10; $20 (season ticket).

Art Reach: Beyond Natural Boundaries

This initiative between tcc and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts sees 10 student-artists expressing their thoughts via various art forms—focusing on issues like the relationship between man and civilization. Ongoing. tcc-NAFA art boutique cafe, #01-17/18, 80 Bencoolen St., 6334-4380. Free.

Boom

Artist Boo Sze Yang presents a series of paintings based on urban/modern disasters such as motorcar accidents, plane crashes, collapsed buildings and bridges. Here the paints are applied freely, smudged, smeared, scrubbed, scrabbled and scratched: The brushstrokes are gestural and chaotic. Through Oct 18. Utterly Art Exhibition Space, 2/F, 229A South Bridge Rd., 6226-2605. Free.

Britto in Singapore

Revel in the works of Brazilian Neo Pop sensation, Romero Britto. Known for combining elements of Cubism, Graffiti and Pop Art in his works, Britto's whimsical cartoon style art was consistently sought-after around the world; and now locals and visitors will be treated to a rare display of his lithographs, paintings and mini sculptures at Opera Gallery and along Orchard Road, where five of his monumental sculptures will be displayed. Through Oct 15. Opera Gallery, #03-05 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6735-2618; Urban Green Rooms, outdoors, along Orchard Rd. Free.

Circular Square: Tabletops in Singapore

Dutch filmmaker and VJ, Ronald Wigman, presents his latest series of paintings and video art based on the circular table top that is familiar in Singaporean households. He sees the table as something transient—ever moving and changing throughout the day. Through Oct 31. The Gallery, tcc-the coffee connoisseur, 51 Circular Rd., 6479-2445. Free.

Cities Here and Now

In his first solo museum exhibition in Southeast Asia, internationally renowned Chinese contemporary artist Lu Hao makes reference to the traditional long hand scroll, “court-style” formats and ink idioms of Chinese painting, and combines them with postmodern ideas on urban and social memory. Lu's recent works comment on contemporary transformations of Beijing lifestyles and architecture. Through Oct 25. Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Rd., 6332-3222. $8 (adults); $4 (students).

Distance and Proximity

This exhibition is dedicated to the legendary artistic vision of Bernd and Hilla Becher, and their former students of photography at the Düsseldorf Academy of Art. Curated by Wulf Herzogenrath and ifa, the exhibition featuring 76 works of nine artists, presents not just an important chapter in the exciting history of German photography, but very much a major aesthetic breakthrough in the history of art itself. Through Nov 21. NAFA Gallery 1/2, 80 Bencoolen St., 6512-4044

Earth and Water: Mapping Art in Southeast Asia

This exhibition takes the two basic elements of life, earth and water, as a theme unifying the two broad geographical regions of Southeast Asia—the mainland and the archipelago. Featuring works from the best of the region's artists, the diversity of life in Southeast Asia is showcased in this exhibition. Ongoing. Through Mar 28, 2010. Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Rd., 6332-3222. $8 (adult); $4 (children and senior citizens).

The Image of Our Landscape—19th Century Singapore Through Paintings, Prints and Photographs

The biggest exhibition of the National Museum's private collection outside its galleries, the exhibition shows off over 130 original, never-before-seen pictures and prints depicting panoramic views of places in the 19th century such as the Singapore River, Esplanade, Singapore's rural villages and cosmopolitan trade town. Through Jan 3. National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-3659.

Indian Summer

Artists from the western Indian state of Maharashtra present this group exhibition which showcases their groundbreaking work in this burgeoning art enclave. Through Oct 18. Forth Gallery, 69A Pagoda St., 6226-2605.

I, Polunin: Memories of Singapore through films and photographs

This exhibition views Singapore and the region from the 1950s to 1970s through a selection of films and audio recordings from Dr Ivan Polunin's collection and his personal objects. Through Nov 22. NUS Museum, University Cultural Centre, 50 Kent Ridge Cres., 6516-8817. Free.

Li Chen: Mind. Body. Spirit

Embark on a sculptural trip around the Bras Basah precinct and National Museum and Singapore Art Museum with Li Chen's powerful, large-scale bronzes which fuse Eastern philosophy and mythology with contemporary art practice. This will be the first time the artist is showing an outdoor exhibition in an Asian museum. Through Dec 9. Various. National Museum, 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-3659; Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Rd., 6332-3222; Campus Green, Singapore Management University, Bras Basah Rd.

Light and Movement Portrayed: The Art of Anthony Poon

This show celebrates the art and life of this prolific and successful abstract artist Anthony Poon. Poon's works embody the spirit of new exploration and experimentation with forms and concepts that characterized the abstract art movement during the 1960s and 1970s. Through Oct 25. Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Rd., 6332-3222. $8 (adults); $4 (students).

Pen Sketches of Myanmar National Tribes

Myanmar artist Hla Myint Swe records the dresses and their lifestyles of different tribes in his country by pen sketching. Oct 8-12. The Arts House, 1 Parliament Rd., 6332-6900. Free.

Persistent Visions: Erika Tan

Erika Tan presents a 24-minute, three-screen installation work drawn from amateur audio and visual materials collected by individuals and families attached to various British colonizing missions in the early 20th century. By using material from The Empire & Commonwealth Museum in Bristol, the work engages the concept of the colonial archive as a site of contestation and power. Through Feb 1. NUS Museum, University Cultural Centre, 50 Kent Ridge Cres., 6516-8817. Free.

Samskara

Kerala-born, Paris-based, senior artist Akkitham Narayanan, best known for his combination of European geometric art forms with Indian Tantrik art, presents 12 new works which are meditational, hypnotic and philosophical by nature. Oct 8-Nov 8. Indigo Blue Art, 33 Neil Rd., 6372-1719. Free.

Shooting Home 2008 Reunion Show

Into its seventh year, Shooting Home is a program led by Objectifs for budding photographers based in Singapore with a passion for their art. Featuring the works of Tan Bee Hoon, Tan Ching Yee, Jean Qingwen Loo, Kevin Seow, Malcolm Koh, Mulyadi Syariffudin, Shaun Tan, Ulla Gratton and Chen Wei Li. Through Oct 21. The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, 6332-6900. Free.

Unfamiliar Familiarity: by Tang Ling Nah

Artist Tang Ling Nah presents a series of new charcoal drawings of architectural spaces that reflect her continual examination and contemplation of Singapore's transitory areas such as public housing void decks, alleys, corridors, underground passes and Mass Rapid Transit stations. Through Oct 31. Fost Gallery, 65 Kim Yam Rd., 6836-2661. Free.

Who We Are

In conjunction with Arushi Arts Gallery of New Delhi, India, Sunjin Galleries presents an exhibition introducing some of India's finest contemporary artists. A showcase of the diverse creative talent of the South Asian country from the likes of Roy Thomas, Joydip Sengupta and Sanjay Verma, the exhibition explores the identity of modern India. The themes explored relate to critical current events as well as the day-to-day life of modern citizens of India. Through Oct 29. Sunjin Galleries, #03- 62, Work Loft @ Chip Bee, 43 Jalan Merah Saga, 6738-2317.

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Fashion, Food and Follies

Dutch artist Mariska Meijers brings a fresh and colorful new vision to the public through her particular form of artwork which includes tropical birds, Chinese porcelain, baroque furniture and exotic blooms as oil on canvas, stationary lines and designer cushions. Through Oct 11. Originals, Gillman Village, 7 Lock Rd., 6471-9918. Free.

Food & Obsession: A Visual Study of Food Behaviour

Nataliette, a young artist of the Singapore Contemporary Young Artists Project presents her first solo show. Her work explores how food symbols, representations and obsessions effect human behavior through temptation and consumption. Through Oct 9. House, 8D Dempsey Rd., 6475-7787. Free.

Happiness Private Limited

Seeking to create happiness and positivity through his paintings, William Sim's work portrays a fantasy plastic toy world in a kaleidoscope of candy hues and shades contained within uncomplicated spaces. Through Oct 11. Fill Your Walls, #04-02, 21 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 6222-1667. Free.

Obsession

Obsessions are often the driving force behind an artist's vision and creativity. Triston Yeo, one of the Asian Geographic's Best Photographers of the Decade shares his inner thoughts and life obsessions along with some magnificent images of Japan, animals and nature. Through Oct 10. L2 SPACE Gallery, #02-02A, 2 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Rd., 8223-7667. Free.