Explore Singapore’s evolving art scene from the 19th century to the 1960s through over 200 artworks at Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art.
Venue: National Gallery Singapore
Date: Ongoing, full exhibition opens in Jul 2025
Time: 10am to 7pm, Daily
Fee: Free Admission for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents | General Admission applies for other visitors
Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art: Explore Singapore’s Art Journey from the 19th Century to the 1960s
The exhibition delves into Singapore’s transformation, from a colonial port to an independent nation, highlighting the role of artists in reflecting and responding to societal changes.
Market of the Tropics: Singapore’s Colonial Legacy
Photo Credit: National Heritage Board
The first section of the exhibition, Market of the Tropics, portrays 19th-century Singapore as a cultural and economic hub. Featuring prints, paintings, and photographs, this section showcases Singapore’s role as a trading port and tourist destination during colonial times.
Community and Self: Innovation in Local Art
In Community and Self, visitors will discover how local artists experimented with new styles to depict the stories of individuals and communities. A unique highlight is the spotlight on Singapore’s film industry, with excerpts from P. Ramlee’s classic films like Pendekar Bujang Lapok (1959).
Imagining Nation: Art in a Time of Change
The central section, Imagining Nation, explores themes of identity and belonging during Singapore’s rapid societal changes in the 1950s and 1960s. Featured works, including Georgette Chen’s Self-Portrait (1946) and Liu Kang’s Working at the Brick Factory (1954), reflect the everyday lives and struggles of those shaping the modern nation.
Seeking Connections: Global Influence on Singaporean Art
The final section, Seeking Connections, highlights how exposure to diverse cultures and travel influenced artists. Key works like Chen Wen Hsi’s monumental Gibbons (1977) demonstrate the blending of international inspiration and local creativity, marking an important moment in Singaporean art.
Upcoming Exhibition: The Full Opening in July 2025
The full Singapore Stories exhibition will open in July 2025, with expanded spaces that will feature new narratives and a digital immersive experience.
Come experience this compelling journey through Singapore’s art history at the National Gallery Singapore.
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