Singapore Art Museum (新加坡美术馆) aka SAM - Looking at Art Through the Eyes of an Amateur

This is the last post for the Museums Open House (free admission) on Christmas day!

The main reason why i took so long to post was that this visit to SAM (新加坡美术馆) is actually my very first and like an amateur, the lack of any artistic flair makes it extremely easy for procrastination.

Given my weird interpretation on 'stuff', this post on Singapore's national art museum shall be generally a pictorial one with explanation given on a personal basis.

Like many national museums in Singapore, SAM is housed in historic buildings that used to be Saint Joseph's Institution SJI). For more information, please click here.

Continuation of the elephant parade right outside the museum! The arts theme is explored here although to me, each and every elephant sculpture is a marvellous art piece on its own.

Such depiction may not sit well with some, especially children. But well, it's up to the individuals to interpret what the artist is trying to express.

Money money money! Is this about the misplacement of money in modern, developed society?

The Burning Gaze by Hyung Koo Kang - the eyes have a hypnotic, intense effect on visitors like me to stop and take a closer look.

And there were many such portraits; like this one on Vincent Van Gogh.

Lighting is extremely important and i doubt i would be able to appreciate the artworks should these be placed in a brightly lit room.

Some of the paintings are so lifelike; i originally presume they are photographs! This oil painting on Mother Theresa was done on aluminum, hence the glossy and realistic finish.

Caricatures of famous personalities - this truly reflects the versatility of Hyung Koo Kang. Some people might attribute it to simple art although i feel that caricatures have in many ways, make it easier for identification and interpretation when the name is not to be spoken.

In the eyes of the recently deceased north Korean dictator - Kim Jong-il.

Gallery decked out with face sculptures.

I prefer caricatures over these. Just a thought - it would be pretty scary if they start to move their lips and talk! Haha.

Doubt you need an answer for the question "who is she?" Sadly, the Hyung Koo Kang exhibition has ended on 25 December 2012 (the day i was there) after a two and half months run.

Sculpture on Abraham Lincoln that exaggerates the length of his neck. Forgive me for saying this - it looks like an ostrich. Is Abraham Lincoln renowned for burying his head whenever trouble beckons? Thought he is one of the great American leaders of all time! Anyway, my incoherent thought as usual.

This wall display with hundreds of flowers and grass patches may seem normal. Until everyone of them starts to move from left to right like a pendulum!

The old chapel of SJI. Minus all the religious items.

There were some children activities that day. Frankly, those with children should really explore the museums on weekends. There are so many interesting activities that could make it extremely memorable for your child.

Dome of SAM. Personally, i like exploring old buildings and it's exciting to see what you can find when you stray from the normal route.

Indoor elephant parade! I am just wondering if all the elephant sculptures will eventually congregate in one main site for visitors to marvel their beauty.

Surprise! This is part of the elephant parade as well and it is aptly named; white elephant. There's of course some meaning to it and i thought it best for you to check it out yourself.

East Meets West by Justin Lee - a fusion of traditionalism and modernism. I think this playful portrayal of modern wants versus cultural needs is exactly the balance the society requires.

A simple yet gigantic 'portrait" of our most esteemed statesman; Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

What's interesting is the material used to generate this picture - thousands of open and closed lids.

Another play of traditionalism and modernism. Can you spot the difference from the door gods we often see in temples. Hint - Macdonald's fries and mobile phone.

With the rise of internet and fall of actual verbal communication, this seems right.

From far, this painting by Aida Mokoto looks like mountains of paper wasteland.

Take a closer look and you will realise that the supposedly wastepaper is made up of apparently dead humans; working professionals to be exact. The corporate culture in Japan is famous for being the driving force for high suicide rate and such depiction is true to reality.

Like the above, this fascinating technological artpiece is part of the Asia Pacific Breweries Foundation Signature Art Prize 2011 exhibition for finalists.

By Bùi Công Khánh, this charcoal backdrop is a real scene taken from the artist's hometown. A wooden bench is placed right in front for visitors to use the backdrop for photo taking.

My personal favourite is this contemporary artwork by Kim Jongku. Illegible words 'written' with steel powder on a huge canvas would not have made any impression if not for the pull down screen in the middle projecting a bottom-up Lilliputian landscape for humans.

The same projection is also screened on the first level so be careful on what you do!

This signature art prize exhibition is spread over two levels and there's a pretty good selection for everyone with varying artistic taste.

To me, these are just piles of secondhand books placed on both sides of a room with blue tinge light. There's more to that of course! Something about water.

Due to time limitation (dad needed to use the car), we did not manage to explore all the galleries but it's alright; we could always be back soon (guess there will be another open house for the upcoming Chinese new year)!

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Location

71 Bras Basah Road

(Exit from Bras Basah Mrt Station)

Additional Information

For ticketing and other information on exhibitions and programmes, please visit SAM official website at
http://www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/