In Life of Imitation, Ming Wong re-visits the context of the Golden Age of Singapore cinema in the 1950s and 60s; an era of nation building, economic struggle and rapid modernisation.

Inspired by the rich legacy, Wong re-reads “national cinema” constructed through language, role-playing and identity, by re-interpreting films that are familiar to audiences spanning two generations, and which engage with performative notions of mis-casting and parroting. The first is a compendium of works by P. Ramlee, the wunderkind of Malay cinema. The second is the Hollywood melodrama Imitation of Life (1959) by Douglas Sirk about a black mother and her “white” daughter. The third is Wong Kar Wai’s In the Mood for Love (2000) with actress Maggie Cheung rehearsing a scene where she confronts her spouse‘s infidelity.

Through these video interventions, the viewer is presented with questions relating to roots, hybrid and the politics of becoming. The exhibition also unveils cinema posters by Singapore’s last surviving billboard painter; rare screen memorabilia of a private collector; and documentaries by film-maker Sherman Ong. The Singapore Art Museum re-stages this award-winning exhibition with a new design and additional exhibits.

This exhibition was first presented at the Singapore Pavilion, 53rd Venice Biennale 2009. It won the Biennale’s Special Jury Mention award. Tang Fu Kuen is the guest curator of this exhibition.

 More information

The Story of Yeh Chi Wei is about the life and works of an important artist, Yeh Chi Wei. Yeh drew inspiration from a wide range of cultural sources, such as ancient Chinese rubbings, carvings and Javanese batik. He created highly distinctive oil paintings, works that bear witness to a powerful interweaving of his responses to Asian and Western art histories, cultural sources and travels around Southeast Asia.

Inspired by the tonal variations of the ink medium, Yeh worked within a limited colour palette for subtle effects. His signature robust outlines delineate form while being suggestive of abstract calligraphic strokes.

Yeh was a Singaporean artist, a well-respected art educator and leader in Singapore’s 20th century art scene. He led the Ten Men Group on painting exhibitions to Southeast Asian countries and was a great source of inspiration and encouragement to many other artists. Many consider him to be a true Nanyang artist. This exhibition showcases Yeh’s artistic achievements, contributions to Singapore, and celebration of Southeast Asia through art.

These shows are special research exhibitions organised by the National Art Gallery, Singapore, held on the premises of SAM.

 More information

The annual Singapore Youth Festival Art and Crafts Exhibition is a national school event that aims to showcase artistic talents of students and promote art appreciation in schools. Co-organised by the Ministry of Education and The National Art Gallery, Singapore, the 2010 exhibition features selected artworks from secondary schools, Integrated Programme schools, junior colleges and centralised institutes.

This year, the theme of the exhibition Torch of Friendship exemplifies our youths’ desire to propagate what is best for oneself as well as others through the metaphor of the torch. The torch represents the ideals of the Olympics. It connotes friendship, a harmonious relationship of mutual respect and trust, and signifies the inner drive to do one’s best and to improve oneself.

Jointly Organised With	As part of the Singapore Youth Festival

 More information

The Learning Gallery is dedicated to presenting artworks from SAM’s collection for the young visitor. Besides nurturing an appreciation for art, the works are specially selected to encourage lively discussions and develop creative and analytical thinking among our young visitors.

The current show, Everyday Objects, invites you to take a second look at the familiar things around you through the eyes of artists from Singapore and Southeast Asia, where everyday things we know and sometimes take for granted are portrayed in a different light, making us think twice about their function and their relation to other objects.

The Learning Gallery is opened to the public daily.
Usual museum admission applies.

 More information

Southeast Asia comprises two broad geographical regions – the Mainland and the Archipelago. The former refers to Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Peninsular Malaysia. The latter is made up of the island arcs and archipelagos of the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore and West Malaysia.

The diverse region of Southeast Asia is home to about 500 million people. The history and society of Southeast Asia have been shaped by a confluence of geographical, historical and cultural forces. With exhibits drawn from the National Heritage Board's permanent collection, the theme Earth and Water conjoins two of life's basic elements with the Mainland and the Archipelago. These works by the region's best known artists further offer multiple manifestations of life, society and traditions of Southeast Asia.

This show is a special research exhibition by the National Art Gallery, Singapore, held on the premises of the Singapore Art Museum.

 More information

In 2008, Chinese artist Wu Guanzhong donated 113 of his important works to the National Heritage Board, Singapore. This is the highest-value donation ever given to a public museum institution in Singapore. An internationally eminent artist, Wu is best known for marrying the distinct art form of traditional Chinese ink with modern concepts in Western art. Recently published as a seven-volume anthology, Wu’s writings provide deep insights into his aesthetics and art practice.

Showcasing 22 paintings from the donation, Seeing the Kites Again is an exhibition inspired by Wu’s metaphor of the kite. Since the 1960s, Wu Guanzhong has produced a great number works, based on his personal recollections. These works are centred around his home in the South of China, his childhood, as well as the villages and towns he has been to. His interest in life and his attention to ordinary scenes, infuse his art with an aesthetic quality that demonstrates a return to simplicity.

This show is a special research exhibition by the National Art Gallery, Singapore, held on the premises of the Singapore Art Museum.

 More information