Upcoming art exhibitions in Singapore to visit

While you’re waiting for the hype over Changi Airport’s newly-opened Jewel to gradually simmer down, why not immerse yourself into the world of art? Indulge in and take a break from reality with these fresh, noteworthy exhibits happening in Singapore.

Photo: The Culture Story

Constellations
Only running for a short 10 days, Constellations is the South East Asian debut of renowned New York City artist, Futura. The exhibition, held at Gillman Barracks, will showcase 30 of his original works, all of which are produced in Singapore, each testament to his famed graffiti style.

Futura’s work has deep roots tracing back to his time serving in the US Navy — which coincidentally brought the artist to Singapore back in 1974. As a stylistic nod to this, an exhibition catalogue, presented in a specially-designed military ammo box with a matching canvas carrier, will be available at the exhibition.

On 1 June, there will also be an exclusive screening of a mini-documentary chronicling Futura's artistic journey. To be held at The Projector, the documentary will be followed by a sharing session with the artist himself, and then an after-party.

Exhibition runs from 30 May to 9 June.

9 Lock Road. Contact gillmanbarracks@gmail.com for more information.
Sansiri x Ibex
In line with their goal to bring together luxury living and the arts, luxury Thai property developer Sansiri has partnered with The Ibex Collection to bring art pieces, showcasing the works of 20 artists from 12 countries, to Singapore.

The Ibex Collection, which claims to be the largest active, and privately-owned collection of contemporary figurative super-realist art, will put the pieces on display at Sansiri’s Siri House, in the heart of Dempsey Hill.

Starting off as a movement in the 70s, hyperrealism — a theme that connects all of the works at this exhibition — is an exploration of what lies beneath a seemingly innocuous "real" image. Through meticulous detail, textures and lighting, each artwork, carefully curated by Ibex, invites all viewers into deeper contemplation and conversation, while challenging perception and convention.

Exhibition runs from 15 May to 9 June.

#01-02, Block 8D, Dempsey Road. Tel: 9667-0533.
Photo: Luke Jerram

Floating Utopia
Inspired by the first-ever hot air balloons that took to the skies in the 18th century, Floating Utopia is an exhibition at the ArtScience Museum with larger-than-life inflatables. Featuring 40 artworks by more than 15 international and local artists, the exhibition aims to showcase and venture into the history of inflatable objects and their participation in art, architecture and activism.

Think inflated sculptures, suspended against the curved ceiling of the ArtScience Museum, contorted into uncomfortable shapes by the uneven walls sloping at unusual angles. Expect castles in the sky, cloud cities, floating laboratories and more — as long as your imagination permits. More importantly, be prepared for a breathtaking and dramatic art-viewing experience quite unlike any other.

Exhibition runs from 25 May to 29 September.

6 Bayfront Avenue. Tel: 6688-8888.
Photo: The Culture Story

Topographies
Alternatively, head down to the Telok Ayer Arts Club to find yourself between a rock and an art place. Topographies is a solo exhibition by Singaporean ceramicist and performance artist, Jason Lim.

The latest in his 30-year-long career of being a multi-disciplinary artist, Lim’s Topographies highlights natural materials found along the Norwegian coast. Specifically, Lim’s works zoom into the landscape of the town of Kjerringoy, a northern village in the Bodo municipality, where he utilised his body as a prop while making the natural elements his subject. Imagery is key, and is also an instrument used by Lim to provoke the viewer into careful examination of mortality and nature.

Exhibition runs from 22 May to 11 July.

2 McCallum Street. Tel: 6221-0712.