Quarterly - Singapore Art Museum

the 

Quarterly 

JUL to SEP 2012

Cover image: Jia Aili, Old Painter I, 2008-2009, oil on canvas, 229 x 400 cm, 

Singapore Art Museum collection 

All information is correct at the time of print. 

Please refer to www.singaporeartmuseum.sg for the latest updates. 

The Museum reserves the right to make changes and modifications to the programmes without prior 

notice. The views and opinions expressed by speakers, facilitators or artists in the talks, workshops 

and performances do not represent the position of Singapore Art Museum. 

The Quarterly is published by the Marketing and Corporate Communications Unit of the Singapore Art Museum. All rights reserved. 

Materials in this publication may not be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent of the Museum, the publisher. 

© Copyright 2012.

Contents 

About SAM 

Director’s Message 

Calendar 

Exhibitions 

Public Programmes 

School Programmes 

SAM Publications 

SAM Collectibles 

Dining 

Support SAM 

Page 2 

Page 3 

Page 4 

Page 6 

Page 21 

Page 25 

Page 28 

Page 34 

Page 35 

Page 36 

A Museum of

About SAM 

Guests at the exhibition opening of Lee Wen: Lucid Dreams in the Reverie of the Real watching a performance by artists 

Lee Wen (left) and Jason Lim. 

The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) advocates and presents contemporary art practices of Singapore, 

Southeast Asian and the Asian region. Opened in January 1996 as a museum under the National 

Heritage Board of Singapore, SAM has amassed one of the world’s largest public collections of 

modern and contemporary Southeast Asian artworks, with a growing component in international 

contemporary art. Since 2009, SAM has focussed its programming and collections development 

initiatives around contemporary Southeast Asian art and art practices. Through strategic alliances 

with arts and cultural institutions and community organisations, SAM facilitates visual arts education, 

exchange, research and development within the region and internationally. SAM also organised the 

Singapore Biennale 2011. 

SAM Board 

Chair 

Ms. Jane Ittogi | Partner, Shook Lin & Bok LLP 

Members 

Dr. Winston Ang Wee Kern | Assistant Professor, National Institute of Education 

Mr. Kenneth Choe | Executive Director, Goldman Sachs (Singapore) 

Dr. Susie Lingham | Assistant Professor, National Institute of Education 

Dr. George Quek | Chairman, BreadTalk Group Limited 

Mr. Suhaimi Sukiyar | Chairman, APAD Youth Development & Programmes 

Mr. Ronny C T Tan | Chief Country Officer and General Manager, Deutsche Bank AG 

Mr. Wee Teng Wen | Founder and Principle Partner, The Lo & Behold Group Pte Ltd 

Ms. Audrey Wong | Programme Leader, MA Arts & Cultural Management, LASALLE College of the Arts 

2

Director’s Message 

Before you know it, it is the middle of the year, 

and we are reminded again how quickly time 

flies. The passing of time inescapably brings 

change, and once in awhile, we stop and 

amaze at this progression. 

In a similar vein, the first of two exciting SAM 

exhibitions this quarter involves a young 

Chinese contemporary artist’s fascination and 

reflection on the changes brought about by 

societal progression. Jia Aili draws attention 

to the rapidly-evolving economic context of his homeland and its impact on young people of his 

generation. His works of art in Seeker of Hope: Works by Jia Aili are not all bleak portrayals though 

– there is salvation yet. 

Meanwhile, in Lyrical Abstraction: Works by Jeremy Sharma and Yeo Shih Yun, two local artists create 

and present two dramatic pieces for SAM. There are few opportunities for painters in Singapore to 

create large scale works, something that not easily supported except within cultural institutions. We 

wanted to provide a high profile platform where painters can stretch their vocabulary by creating 

monumental works in SAM. Sharma and Yeo have used this commission to re-imagine the medium 

of painting and consider how materials and forms from other art styles can re-invigorate a painting. 

The results are two conceptually interesting and visually very beautiful works which I hope will turn 

our Singaporean visitors into even stronger advocates of our local artists. 

A new round of our popular Art Appreciation Lecture Series kicks off this quarter, this time focussing 

on Southeast Asian contemporary art and conducted by our curators. We anticipate that each talk 

will once again be filled to the brim. So grab your tickets before places run out. 

If you have not already done so, bring your kids to Art Garden 2012. This much-loved experience 

ends on 12 August so make sure you and your kids don’t miss the fun. Finally, join us in the last two 

weekends of August as SAM presents the spectacular Night Lights 2012 again as part of the everpopular 

Night Festival. Keep up with the changing times with us at SAM! 

Tan Boon Hui 

Director 

Singapore Art Museum 

3

Calendar 

EXHIBITIONS 

Seeker of Hope: Works by Jia Aili 

6 July to 23 September 2012 

SAM 

Lyrical Abstraction: Works by Jeremy 

Sharma and Yeo Shih Yun 

6 July to 23 September 2012 

SAM 

Art Garden 2012 at the 

Singapore Art Museum 

Runs through 12 August 2012 

SAM at 8Q 

Seeing the Kite Again II 

又见风筝 : 吴冠中捐赠作品展 

Runs through 12 November 2012 

SAM 

PROGRAMMES 

July 

Fri, 6 Jul | 7:30pm - 9pm | Glass Hall, SAM 


Artist Talk 

Wed, 11 Jul | 7:30pm – 8:30pm | SAM 


Curator Tour 

PANORAMA: Recent Art from 

Contemporary Asia 

Runs through 25 December 2012 

SAM 

Fri, 13 Jul | 7:30pm – 9pm | Glass Hall, SAM 



Artist Talk: Sherman Ong 

Not Against Interpretation: 

Re-staging Jason Lim & Vincent Leow’s 

A Flog of Birdies in the 21st Century 

Runs through 28 October 2012 

SAM 

Learning Gallery: People and Places 


SAM 

Sat, 14 Jul | 4pm – 5pm | Glass Hall, SAM 

Lyrical Abstraction: Works by 

Jeremy Sharma and Yeo Shih Yun 

Artist Presentation 


Appreciating Art Lecture Series: 

Southeast Asian Contemporary Art: 

A Way of Looking 

31 st UOB Painting Of The Year Exhibition 

15 July to 1 August 2012 

Inside and Outside of the City: 

4 August to 12 August 2012 

SAM Chapel 

Yellow Ribbon Community Art Exhibition 

14 to 30 September 2012 

SAM Chapel & Lobby 

Fri - Sun, 20 - 29 Jul | various locations 

around Singapore 

Singapore HeritageFestival 



Thailand 

4

August 

Fri, 3 Aug | 7:30pm – 9pm | Glass Hall, SAM 


The Philippines 

Sun, 5 Aug | 7:30am – 5pm | Istana 

Istana Art Event 

Thu, 9 Aug | 10am – 7pm | SAM & SAM at 8Q 

National Day Open House 

Fri, 17 Aug | 7:30pm – 9pm | Glass Hall, SAM 


Indonesia 

Sun, 19 Aug | 10am – 7pm | SAM & SAM at 8Q 

Hari Raya Puasa Open House 

Sat & Sun, 24 & 25 and 31 Aug & 1 Sep | 

7:30pm – 2am | SAM & School of the Arts 

Sun - Thur, 26 - 30 Aug | 7:30pm – 11pm | 

SAM & School of the Arts 

Night Lights 2012 

September 

Fri, 7 Sep | 7:30pm – 9pm | Glass Hall, SAM 


Vietnam, Cambodia & Myanmar 



Singapore 

Sat, 15 Sep | 2pm – 4pm | SAM 



Artist Workshop: PHUNK 



Malaysia 

SCHOOL PROGRAMMES 

Thu, 19 Jul | 4pm | SAM 

Tour for Teachers: 


Weekdays | 10am or 2:30pm | SAM 

Preschool Workshop: Little Artists 


Preschool Workshop: I Will Always 

Be Happy! 


Primary School Workshop: Junior Artists 


Primary School Workshop: 

Never-ending Stories 


Secondary School/Tertiary Institutions 

Workshop: Young Artists 


Secondary School/Tertiary Institutions 

Workshop: Inspired by Art 

Weekdays | 10:30am to 12pm | SAM 

Deutsch Bank Art Bus Programme 

Wed, 19 Sep | 7:30pm – 8:30pm | SAM 



Curator Tour 

5

Credit Suisse: Innovation In Art Series 


6 July to 23 September 

SAM 

Jia Aili, Untitled, 2011, oil on canvas, 30 x 40 cm, artist collection 

Jia Aili, Untitled, 2008, oil on canvas, 100 x 300 cm, artist collection 

6 | Exhibitions

The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is proud to present this exhibition of works by Jia Aili, whose 

paintings are a reflection on the dramatic changes in Chinese society after 2000. 

Born in a time of open economy and increasing prosperity in China, Jia Aili represents a young 

generation worried about losing age old traditions and values in a fast evolving world, questioning 

the true meaning of life. The solitary figures in his epic-scale and visually stunning works seem to be 

searching for hope amidst the ruins of modern civilisation. In the midst of his desolate landscapes, 

there exists a yearning and hope for a possibility of redemption and saving. 

Seeker of Hope: Works by Jia Aili will showcase Jia’s works ranging from monumental oil paintings 

and installations, to delicate paper works. 

A parallel exhibition entitled Lyrical Abstraction: Works by Jeremy Sharma & Yeo Shih Yun will also be 

presented. It features new large scale commissions by two young Singaporean painters. 

Presenting Sponsor 

Artist Talk 

Join Chinese artist Jia Aili as he speaks about his practice and works shown at his solo exhibition 

featured at SAM, Seeker of Hope: Works by Jia Aili. 

Fri, 6 July | 7:30pm – 9pm | Glass Hall, SAM 

Free admission. 

Registration required. Please email nhb_sam_programs@nhb.gov.sg. 

Curator Tour 

Jia Aili’s works of solitary figures in apocalyptic landscapes can be seen as revelations of his sentiments 

towards China’s hurried progression to fit into the 21 st century. Join SAM curator, David Chew, as he 

discusses the art of Jia Aili and its relevance and significance to China’s young generation. 

Wed, 11 July | 7:30pm – 8:30pm | SAM 

$12 (includes admission to the exhibition). Tickets available at SAM and SISTIC. Limited spaces. 

For ticket availability at the door, please call SISTIC. 

Activity Sheets and Educator’s Guide 

Suitable for both students and young adults, these activity sheets – based on selected artworks in 

the exhibition – are available for download at the SAM website. An educator’s guide is also available 

for parents and educators who wish to find out more about the exhibition. 

Exhibitions | 7

Lyrical Abstraction: 

Works by Jeremy Sharma & Yeo Shih Yun 

6 July to 23 September 

SAM 

Jeremy Sharma, Kurosawa, (detail), 2012, enamel & polyurethane paint on aluminium composite panels, 420 x 650 cm, 

artist collection 

Lyrical Abstraction: Works by Jeremy Sharma & Yeo Shih Yun features two young Singaporean 

painters with very different styles – Jeremy Sharma with oil on metal panels and Yeo Shih Yun with 

contemporary ink and new media. The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) has commissioned the two 

artists to create monumental scale painting installations in the museum. 

Both the young Singaporean artists demonstrate creativity and the ability to shape seemingly 

conventional art techniques into witty and ironic new forms of ‘painting’. Lyrical Abstraction is a 

parallel exhibition held in conjunction with Seeker of Hope: Works by Jia Aili. 

8 | Exhibitions

Yeo Shih Yun, Conversations with Trees, (detail), 2011-12, video, digital photographs, sketches & silk-screen painting on canvas, 

variable dimensions, artist collection 

Artist Presentation 

Join local artists Jeremy Sharma and Yeo Shih Yun as they speak about their commissioned works 

of art for the exhibition Lyrical Abstraction: Works by Jeremy Sharma and Yeo Shih Yun, as well as 

their artistic practice. 

Sat, 14 Jul | 4pm – 5pm | Glass Hall, SAM 

Free admission. Registration required. Please email nhb_sam_programs@nhb.gov.sg. 

Exhibitions | 9

Art Garden 2012 

at the Singapore Art Museum 

Contemporary art fun for children 

Runs through 12 August 2012 

SAM at 8Q 

The much-loved Art Garden returns for the third year running with an engaging range of contemporary 

artworks by Singaporean and international artists that will appeal to you and your young ones. SAM 

has used this opportunity to commission Singapore artists, such as Justin Lee and Loh Sau Kuen, 

to create works for its next generation of art audiences. The only exhibition in Singapore dedicated 

to showcasing art suitable for children, works at Art Garden address topical and open-ended issues. 

In addition, a series of inspiring short films and animations are being screened. These include films 

by emerging filmmakers commissioned by SAM, as well as animated shorts by young Singaporean 

students for the N.E.mation! competition series organised by Nexus. Art Garden 2012 is supported 

by students from Republic Polytechnic. 

Sponsor 

N.E.mation! shorts from 

Another fun programme of 

® 

BOUSTEAD 

Since 1828 

Merchandise 

Exclusive collectibles inspired by works from Art Garden 2012 are available at the MUSEUM LABEL 

@ SAM shop, located at SAM’s Waterloo Street courtyard. 

Echoes-Infinity-The Forest 

by Shinji Ohmaki 

Explore this beautiful but ephemeral installation painstakingly 

created with specially selected pigment materials. Shinji invites 

visitors to walk over the garden of flowers, slowly wearing 

away their patterns, as a reminder of the transient nature of life. 

Dancing Solar Flowers 

by Alexandre Dang 

Did you know that the sun provides 10,000 times more energy 

to the earth than humans need? Come discover the wonders 

of solar power through a lively display of rocking paper flowers 

that respond to various light conditions throughout the day. This 

lively installation, which was also displayed at SAM last year, is one of Dang’s more popular works 

that seeks to introduce environmental issues to children. 

10 | Exhibitions

Kakhé 

by Speak Cryptic 

Ka-khé, which means ‘stubborn’ or ‘naughty’ in the Baweanese 

language, was something Speak Cryptic heard very often as he 

was growing up. This mural, which runs along the walls of the 

stairs, offers visitors a peek into the artist’s quest to learn about 

his culture, and chronicles his life growing up as a Singaporean Baweanese. Kakhé was commissioned 

by SAM and was presented under the recent exhibition, The Singapore Show: Future Proof. 

Ping Pong Go-Round 

by Lee Wen 

Indulge in a game of Ping Pong with a twist. With the possibility 

of playing with as many players as possible, regardless of gender 

and age, Ping Pong Go-Round seeks to bring about alternative 

models for interaction and dialogue. Ping Pong Go-Round was 

also presented under Lee’s recent solo exhibition, Lee Wen: Lucid Dreams in the Reverie of the Real 

at SAM. 

Everyday Wonders 

by Loh Sau Kuen 

Create patterns and designs using simple objects such as paper clips and clothes pegs. Inspired 

by her experience from teaching people with special needs, Loh hopes to widen perspectives and 

cultivate a meaningful appreciation of art through Everyday Wonders. This is a collaborative work 

with the special needs trainees from TOUCH Community Services. 

The Art of Imagination 

by Justin Lee 

Step into Justin Lee’s interactive installation of cardboard boxes and celebrate The Art of Imagination. 

Explore popular local images, drawings and texts on these boxes and unleash your imagination by 

adding your own designs and words to this mash-up, or rearrange the boxes to piece together a 

creative message or image. 

Dress Me Up 

by Justin Lee 

Visit this fantastical children’s playroom and play dress up with life-sized dolls or decorate a gigantic 

cake. Through this work, Lee aims to encourage children to express themselves freely and creatively. 

Look out for some special artworks which have been created as part of Okto’s Knockout All Stars 

100 th Episode Special. 

Let’s Dance 

by Emilie Fouilloux 

Be a star performer in Let’s Dance! Boogie to your heart’s content to Emilie Fouilloux’s music 

selection, and watch your moves projected on a screen alongside videos of other participants. 

Discover a new way of expressing yourself and share the experience with others in Let’s Dance. 

Exhibitions | 11

Reactive Wall 

by Mojoko and Shang Liang 

A collaboration between artist Mojoko and computer programmer Shang Liang, Reactive Wall 

showcases over 200 popular characters and icons. By making sounds through a microphone, 

visitors can generate more icons which pop up and cover the wall. Reactive Wall was first shown in 

Night Lights 2011 at SAM. 

Grow a Garden in the Dark 

by Tay Bee Aye 

Help grow this community garden by planting some Origami 

flowers, and watch how they glow in the dark! Tay conceptualised 

this work in the hope of cultivating a love for our environment by 

engaging SAM visitors in growing a garden collectively. At the end 

of the three-month-long exhibition, participants can look forward to a glow-in-the-dark garden full of 

their personalised Origami flowers. 

5QU1D 

by Ryf 

This hybrid squid-like creature embedded with blinking lights 

might look strange at first, but 5QU1D simply wants to be your 

friend. Watch how he responds as more people approach! A work 

that parodies how we look at aquatic creatures in aquariums, 

Ryf hopes to show a different perspective through the ‘eyes’ of 5QU1D. Philips Lighting is the LED 

sponsor for 5QU1D. 

Walter 

by Dawn Ng 

Say ‘hi’ to Walter as he hops back to SAM! Discover the 

extraordinary in our everyday lives through this curious colossal 

bunny. Known to appear in unexpected places in Singapore, 

Walter inspires people to re-evaluate the wonder of these 

oftentimes overlooked places. Walter was first shown at Art Garden 2010 at SAM and returns this 

year by popular demand. 

Activity Room 

Level 2 

Learn different ways to create art through these hands-on activities inspired by the artworks in Art 

Garden. Make your own floral patterns with stencils, engage in colourful stamping activities or draw 

a special place in Singapore where you’d like Walter the bunny to explore next! 

12 | Exhibitions

Film Screenings 

Level 2, Moving Image Gallery 

Don’t miss this special selection of inspiring short films and animations, including animated shorts by 

young Singaporean students for the N.E.mation! competition series. 

Set 1: Daily at 10:30am; 12pm; 1:30pm; 3pm; 4:30pm; 6pm. Additional 7:30pm screenings on Fridays. 

The Misadventures of Hermit 

the Crab, Montfort Secondary 

School, 2011. 

Fishy Dreams, dir. Jennifer 

Yoo, 2011, Singapore, 1 min. 

Bees Unite, 

Evergreen Secondary School, 

2007, Singapore, 1 min, 

N.E.mation! short. 

Who Framed the Cat?, 

dir. Davadrian Maramis, 

2007, Singapore, 2 min. 

Lost and Found, 

dir. Philip Hunt, 2009, United 

Kingdom, 24 min. 

Set 2: Daily at 11am; 12:30pm; 2pm; 3:30pm; 5pm. Additional 6:30pm and 8pm screenings on Fridays. 

Extreme Temperatures!, 

Hua Yi Secondary School, 



The Singapore Symphony, 

CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), 



BlackWhite, 

dir. Cleon, Jonathan and Zan, 


Tug of War, 

dir. Saravanan Sambasivam, 


SAM Commission. 

Coming Together as One, 

MacPherson Secondary 

School, 2007, Singapore, 

1 min, N.E.mation! short. 

The Perfect Park, 

dir. Leon Sooi, 


Precious, 

dir. Xu Ruofan, 


Paper Plane’s Love, 

dir. Eunice Lim Ming Rong, 


Gachapon Girl, 

dir. Tan Kwang Yang, Chua Eng 

Chee, Nathan Adianta and Tan 

Hong Jin, 2011, Singapore, 5 min. 

Set 3: Daily at 11:30am; 1pm; 2:30pm; 4pm; 5:30pm. Additional 7pm screenings on Fridays. 

The Seed, 

Hwa Chong International 

School, 2007, Singapore, 


Caution, the Doors are 

Closing!, 

dir. Anastasia Zhuravleva, 

2005, Russia, 5 min. 

How to Make a Singaporean, 

National Junior College, 



Clip Musicale, 

Singapore Chinese Girls’ School, 

2008, Singapore, 


Colours, 

CHIJ St. Joseph’s Convent, 



Bye Bye Brother, 

dir. Eysham Ali, 



Jumping for Joy!, 

CHIJ St. Nicholas Convent, 



Chat, 

dir. Tan Siang Yu, 



Exhibitions | 13

PANORAMA: 

Recent Art from Contemporary Asia 


SAM 

Installation view of Bajaj Pasti Berlalu (Gold) and (Silver) by Nasirun at SAM. 

Contemporary art is often a dialogue with the social, economic and cultural issues of the present. 

The explosion of art produced in Asia since 2000 can thus be a window allowing us a view or vista 

into the epochal changes happening around us. Cultures melt into each other, while urbanisation 

has transformed once familiar landscapes beyond recognition. At the same time, local communities 

and localities have responded to these homogenising forces with re-assertions of local identity and 

distinctiveness. Debates and discussions are taking place in various localities across the globe, 

and at ‘fibre-optic’ speeds through the Internet which no longer allow us the possibility of living in 

isolated silos. 

PANORAMA offers a wide lens to examine our world and chart some of the issues pervading 

contemporary art-making in Asia today - the negotiation over values, social and political change, 

escalating urbanisation and the subsequent pressures on nature. Artists such as Agnes Arellano 

remind us of the power of myth and its role in constructing tradition and identity. Agus Suwage tracks 

the power of media images and how their mass circulation in our consumer society has shaped our 

perceptions of the world. Nalini Malani recalls the contest of values that has led to many conflicts 

in the world, while PHUNK points us to ‘electricity’, as a symbol of the creative energy that has 

propelled the growth of modern global cities like Singapore. 

14 | Exhibitions

Drawn entirely from the contemporary art collection of the Singapore Art Museum, this first edition 

of PANORAMA features 24 artists from 8 Asian countries working in painting, sculpture, drawing, 

photography, video and installation. PANORAMA part II is scheduled for 2013/2014. 

Artist Talk: Sherman Ong 

Join artist, photographer and filmmaker Sherman Ong as he shares the motivations, insights and 

preoccupations behind his works, including Hanoi Haiku, which is featured in Panorama: Recent Art 

from Contemporary Asia. 

Fri, 13 July | 7:30pm – 9pm | Glass Hall, SAM 

Free admission. Registration required. Please email nhb_sam_programs@nhb.gov.sg 

Artist Workshop: PHUNK 

Local artist and design collective PHUNK work with various mediums such as screen printing and 

carbon transfer to create distinctive artworks that draw on various aspects of youth culture – from 

Japanese manga and anime, to British indie music. Join them as they discuss their influences, and 

conduct a carbon transfer workshop. 

This is the last in a series of programmes by artists whose works are exhibited in Panorama: Recent 

Art from Contemporary Asia. 

Sat, 15 Sep | 2pm – 4pm | SAM 

$12 (includes admission to the exhibition). Tickets available at SAM and SISTIC. 

Limited spaces. For ticket availability at the door, please call SISTIC. 

Curator Tour 

Join SAM curator, David Chew, on a tour of the exhibition as he highlights works relating to social 

and political change, negotiation over values, and escalating urbanisation and the subsequent 

pressures on society. 

Wed, 19 Sep | 7:30pm – 8:30pm | SAM 

$12 (includes admission to the exhibition). Tickets available at SAM and SISTIC. Limited spaces. 

For ticket availability at the door, please call SISTIC. 

Director’s Guide to Contemporary Art 

The Director’s Guide to Contemporary Art is meant to serve as a helpful starting point for visitors to 

Panorama: Recent Art from Contemporary Asia who wish to know more about how to approach 

contemporary art. The Director’s Guide to Contemporary Art is available at the SAM lobby as well as 

for download at the SAM website. 

Activity Sheets and Educator’s Guide 

Suitable for both students and young adults, these activity sheets – which are based on selected 

artworks in the exhibition – are available for download at the SAM website. An educator’s guide is 

also available for parents and educators who wish to find out more about the exhibition. 

Exhibitions | 15

Not Against Interpretation 

Re-staging Jason Lim & Vincent Leow’s 

A Flog of Birdies in the 21st Century 

Runs through 28 October 2012 

SAM 

Jason Lim and Vincent Leow, A Flog of Birdies, 1994, mixed media installation, variable dimensions, Singapore Art Museum collection 

Not Against Interpretation is an experimental platform to nurture an appreciation for contemporary 

art. The projects created on this platform exploit the ‘openness’ of contemporary art, the fact that it 

can be interpreted in many ways, as an opportunity to engage with people from varied backgrounds. 

The first artwork to be presented under this series is A Flog of Birdies by Singaporean artists Jason Lim 

and Vincent Leow. The work was an artistic collaboration between them as part of UTOPIA (United 

Together to Organise and Produce Interesting Art). UTOPIA was an artist-run space in Singapore in 

the early 1990s managed by the pair, together with a third artist, Yvonne Lee, as a platform to exhibit 

works by younger artists. A Flog of Birdies was first presented at the TheatreWorks Black Box in 

1994, followed by 9 th Indian Triennial of Contemporary Art in 1997 and at the Nokia Singapore Art 

Exhibition in 1999. 

SAM invited our museum volunteers to give their interpretation of this iconic artwork. Make your way 

to SAM to see how these responses differ from those by SAM curators! 

16 | Exhibitions

Learning Gallery 

Students from Greenwood Primary School at the Learning Gallery. 

The Learning Gallery is SAM’s permanent exhibition dedicated to presenting artworks selected 

from the museum’s collection to promote engagement and discussion of broader issues through 

contemporary art. The gallery also aims to nurture an appreciation for art and develop creative and 

analytical thinking among its visitors, including the young. 

People and Places 


SAM 

People and Places showcases 20 Southeast Asian contemporary art works from SAM’s permanent 

collection that looks at the people, places and spaces around us. Revolving around ideas of 

identity, urbanisation, globalisation and the environment, these works present the artists’ visions 

and interpretations of pertinent issues about urban living in the modern cityscape. Designed to 

complement the Ministry Of Education’s Study of Visual Arts and Humanities curriculum, this 

exhibition addresses themes such as self-identity, social identity, relationships, society and culture. 

Exhibitions | 17

31 st UOB Painting Of The Year Exhibition 

15 July to 1 August 2012 

Inside and Outside of the City 

by Gong Yao Min 

4 August to 12 August 2012 

SAM Chapel 

UOB’s annual Painting Of The Year Competition 

seeks to showcase the best of Asia’s budding 

artists. Commencing in 1973 and now in its 31 st 

year, the Competition has launched the careers 

of many professional artists in Singapore 

including Cultural Medallion recipients Goh 

Beng Kwan, Chua Ek Kay and Anthony Poon. 

Recently, the Competition expanded into 

the region and is now also held in Indonesia, 

Malaysia and Thailand. 

Esmond Loh, Just Let Me Sleep, 2012, oil and acrylic on 

canvas, 170cm x 120cm 

Gong Yao Min is a two-time winner of the UOB 

Painting Of The Year Competition, first in 2002 

and again in 2011. Inspired by cityscapes and 

landscapes, his works are created with the use 

of Chinese brush and ink in a contemporary 

way. A graduate of Singapore’s Nanyang 

Academy of Fine Arts and China’s An Hui 

Education University, he is presently an art tutor 

and a professional artist. 

The two exhibitions are presented by UOB and 

supported by SAM. Admission to the exhibitions 

is free. 

18 | Exhibitions

Yellow Ribbon Community Art Exhibition 

14 to 30 September 2012 

SAM Chapel 

Unspoken Secrets, 2011, pyrography on wood, 61cm x 46cm, private collection 

Held at SAM for the fourth time, the Yellow Ribbon Community Art Exhibition features original 

artworks by inmates. This year’s theme, Will, reflects an inmate’s impetus to change and overcome 

the challenges of reintegration, and the community’s pledge to support them. As a first, artworks by 

Changi Women’s Prison inmates will also be showcased. The centrepiece of this year’s exhibition is 

a hanging mobile jointly produced by the inmates and their families. 

Under the Yellow Ribbon Art Adoption Programme, visitors may also adopt art pieces in support of 

the Yellow Ribbon Fund and its beneficiaries. 

Launched in 2004 by S R Nathan, then President of Singapore, the Yellow Ribbon Project engages 

the community in accepting ex-offenders back into society. 

Exhibitions | 19

Seeing the Kite Again Series II 

Runs through 12 November 2012 

SAM 

Wu Guanzhong, A Lotus Pond (Fading Lotus Flowers), 1987, ink on paper, 81 x 96cm, National Heritage Board collection 

Seeing the Kite Again is inspired by the late master Wu Guanzhong’s metaphor of a kite, and how 

it expresses the connection between an artist, his life and the people around him. By bridging 

Chinese and Western aesthetics, Wu blazed the trail for the modernisation of Chinese art. In 2008, 

the internationally acclaimed artist donated his largest gift of 113 important works to the National 

Heritage Board. Selected paintings from the donation have been presented by the National Art 

Gallery, Singapore, since 2009. The current exhibition showcases some of Wu’s most outstanding 

works produced from 1960s to 2000s in the oil and ink medium. 

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

20 | Exhibitions

Appreciating Art Lecture Series 

Join SAM curators for a seven-session series as they discuss how recent developments in the 

region’s cultural, social and political scenes have shaped Southeast Asian contemporary art, drawing 

on examples of important works that have entered SAM’s collection. 

This series is held in conjunction with the exhibition, Panorama: Recent Art from Contemporary Asia. 

Fridays, 20 Jul to 21 Sep* | 7.30pm – 9.00pm | Glass Hall, SAM 

$12 per session, 20% discount for purchase of all 7 sessions. 

Tickets available at SAM and SISTIC. 

*Except for 10 Aug, 24 Aug & 31 Aug 2012. 

Southeast Asian Contemporary Art: A Way of Looking 

By Tan Boon Hui, SAM Director 

Friday, 20 Jul 

SAM director Tan Boon Hui will present an overview of the development of Southeast Asian art 

from the colonial period right up to the contemporary period. The development of Modern art and 

its relationship to nationalist struggles and the formation of independent national identities will also 

be outlined. As a guide to interpretation, the lecture will sketch out commonalities between the 

development of art across the region. He will also offer insights about how he sees Southeast Asian 

art developing, given the factors shaping the art scenes and ecosystems in Southeast Asia today, 

such as the increasing prominence of private collectors, the impact of the market, art fairs, Biennales, 

and increasing attention from the West. 

Thailand 

By Michelle Ho, SAM Curator 

Fri, 27 Jul 

Thai art history can be traced back more than 1000 years, where Buddhist art of temple murals and 

sculptures flourished through various periods. Together with the introduction of Western formalism 

in Thai art academies from the early 1900s, and the burgeoning use of mixed media contemporary 

mediums of installation, photography, video and performance from the 1980s, Thai contemporary 

art is imbued with a diversity of visual languages that reference both tradition and the present, the 

local as well as the international. This presentation examines some of the key developments in Thai 

contemporary art from the 1990s to the present, looking at how artists have responded to the social 

and political realities of the past decade through their art-making. 

The Philippines 

By Joyce Toh, SAM Senior Curator 

Friday, 3 Aug 

What may zombies in Hawaiian shirts, Imelda Marcos singing in shark-infested waters and dashing 

dead heroes possibly have in common? Whether fact or fiction, these larger-than-life personalities 

and personas have long left indelible imprints on the history and art of the Philippines. With an 

emphasis on the contemporary, this lecture surveys more than a century’s worth of the art from this 

multi-faceted, predominantly Catholic country which experienced the region’s longest colonial rule, 

and explores how many of its inimitable figures – in art and in real life – have weaved a rich, colourful 

narrative of the Philippines. 

Public Programmes | 21

Indonesia 

By Tan Siuli, SAM Assistant Director of Programmes and Curator 

Fri, 17 Aug 

The contemporary art scene in Indonesia is one of the most dynamic in the region. This presentation 

examines key political and cultural markers in Indonesia’s recent history, and their impact on 

artistic practices – from the beginnings of contemporary art in the 1970s with the Gerakan Seni 

Rupa Baru (New Art Movement), to the strident socio-political commentaries of the 1990s, and 

the more introspective and personally-inflected articulations of the Reformasi (Reformation) period. 

Also addressed are factors shaping current developments in Indonesian contemporary art, such as 

the impact of the art market boom, the rise of fundamentalist religious groups, the role of private 

and ground-up initiatives, and the desire of Indonesian artists to re-examine traditions and cultural 

identities in an increasingly globalised and homogenous world. 

Vietnam, Cambodia & Myanmar 

By Khairuddin Hori, SAM Senior Curator and Naomi Wang, SAM Assistant Curator 

Fri, 7 Sep 

Like many Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia have experienced traumatic 

pasts. In reaction to their histories, artists have often used contemporary art forms as social critique. 

Coming from various social and academic backgrounds, artists in these countries exist in different 

‘camps’, each adept in their goals and approaches. This presentation aims to provide a cogent 

overview of contemporary art from this particular region with notes on the practice of its emerging 

and established artists, who are now beginning to assume roles as guardians for change, awareness 

and social advocacy. 

Singapore 

By David Chew, SAM Curator 

Fri, 14 Sep 

The birth of Singaporean contemporary art can be traced to the early 1970s. Since then, the art 

scene has prospered with the emergence of artist collectives such as The Artists Village, Trimurti 

and 5 th Passage. In the late 1980s, Singapore’s rise as an economic power provoked local artists 

to instinctively question the Singaporean identity in the wake of its rapid progression. Covering 40 

years of Singapore contemporary art history, this lecture examines the country’s artistic milestones, 

significant artist contributions, as well as the artistic landscape and its future direction. 

Malaysia 

By Khairuddin Hori, SAM Senior Curator 

Fri, 21 Sep 

The Malaysian contemporary art scene went through a transformation with the advent of the 

Reformasi (Reformation) movement, which was set in motion by the sacking of the then-Deputy 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in 1998. Opinionated, savvy and socially engaged young artists came 

onto the scene, utilising a multitude of tools to deliver their messages. Moving away from traditional 

studio painting and sculpting, artists instead engaged with guerrilla-like strategies, making art from 

the streets, pushing messages through new media platforms and embracing a renewed sense of 

independence. Questions on belonging, identity and urban constructs flourished in proposition of a 

more responsible future. This lecture focuses and exposes recent key moments as epitomised by the 

young avant gardes who are changing and shaking up the language of art in Malaysia. 

22 | Public Programmes

Istana Art Event 2012 

Sun, 5 Aug 

The Istana Art Event is an annual outreach event organised by the National Heritage Board and led 

by SAM, held in conjunction with the Istana Open House. The event seeks to cultivate a greater 

appreciation of the arts and our national heritage through activities like the annual On-the-Spot Art 

competition and the Arts and Heritage Village. For more information, please visit the SAM website. 

*General Information on Istana Open House 

Admission hours: 8am to 5pm 

Entry fee to Istana grounds (via main gate at Orchard Road): Free for Singaporeans & PRs; 

$1 for others 

Entry fee into Istana Main Building: $2 

All admission fees go towards supporting the President’s Challenge. 

Please note that all times shown are indicative and may be subject to change. 

Singapore HeritageFestival 

Fri to Sun, 20 to 29 July | Various locations around Singapore 

Singapore HeritageFest 2012 invites one and all to recollect, reflect and reconnect with our glorious 

past memories this year. Trot down to Bugis and get re-acquainted with the golden age of Singapore 

cinema. SAM and the festival partner re-present our cinematic heritage through an exhibition 

featuring the work of local artists Ming Wong and Sherman Ong, and a special outdoor screening of 

P. Ramlee’s Labu dan Labi (Labu and Labi), and Ibu Mertua Ku (My Mother-in-Law). 

Singapore HeritageFest 2012 will be celebrated concurrently at nine festival hubs around the island: 

Bugis Junction, Causeway Point, Century Square, Changi City Point, Hougang Mall, Jurong Point, 

112 Katong, Tiong Bahru Plaza and Velocity@Novena Square. Join in the array of festivities and 

create some new memories of your own! 

Visit www.heritagefest.sg for more information. 

Public Programmes | 23

Night Lights 2012 

Sat & Sun, 24 & 25 Aug and 31 Aug & 1 Sep | 7:30pm – 2am 

Mon - Fri, 26 - 30 Aug | 7:30pm – 11pm 

Presented by SAM as part of Night 

Festival 2012, Night Lights 2012 

features light art installations around 

SAM and School of the Arts (SOTA). 

Visitors will also enjoy a selected 

array of artworks from SAM’s recent 

Art Garden 2012 and free admission 

to SAM exhibitions on Friday and 

Saturday evenings. 

Night Lights 2012 is held in conjunction 

with Nuit Blanche Paris and supported 

by the French Embassy and Institut 

Francais. 

Night Festival is on Saturdays and 

Sundays, 24 & 25 August and 31 August 

& 1 September. 

MIMOÏD [50.28] by Stéphane Beve (Sabotage), Milosh Luczynski & 

Philippe Rizzotti created in Lyon (France) for the “Fête des Lumières 2010” 

Open House at SAM 

National Day, 9 Aug 

Hari Raya Puasa, 19 Aug 

Celebrate National Day and Hari Raya Puasa with free entry to all galleries at SAM from 10am. A 

series of fun, hands-on activities will also be organised for everyone in the family from 11am to 6pm. 

Visit www.singaporeartmuseum.sg for more information about the other ongoing exhibitions during 

the Open House. 

August Free Admission 

Celebrate with us, Singapore! Free admission for all Singaporeans and PRs to National Heritage 

Board museums and institutions from 1-31 August. Free admission applies to permanent galleries 

and selected exhibitions. 

24 | Public Programmes

School Programmes 

Tours and Talks for Teachers 

Tours and preview talks are held to give educators preparing to bring students for a visit to SAM an 

overview of upcoming exhibitions. SAM curators and exhibition managers will explain key concepts 

and highlight selected works during these sessions. 

• Seeker of Hope: Works by Jia Aili (6 July – 23 Sep 2012) 

Tour: Thu, 19 July, 4pm, SAM 

All tours and talks are for teachers only. Free admission. Registration required. Please email your 

name, school, contact number, the subject you teach, and the age of your students to: nhb_sam_ 

education@nhb.gov.sg. 

School Programmes | 25

School Workshops 

Educational workshops inspired by the artworks at SAM have been specially developed to offer 

students a multidisciplinary and holistic contemporary art experience. These workshops range from 

learning specific art techniques, to speech and drama puppet shows, and writing clinics that 

encourage originality and development of language skills and self-confidence. 

Weekdays, 10am or 2:30pm | SAM 

Preschool Workshops (4 – 6 years) 

$12 per person 

Little Artists by Art Loft (1.5 hours) 

This age-appropriate workshop allows children 

to understand contemporary art in a fun way. 

After a tour of the galleries, there will be a 

hands-on activity where the pre-schoolers will 

create their own masterpieces using a range of 

art materials. 

I Will Always Be Happy! by IQ Kidz 

(1.5 hours) 

Young children’s curiosity in art will be aroused 

through storytelling, and speech and drama 

activities in this workshop. After a tour of the 

galleries, children will create puppets inspired by 

the artworks and perform their own puppet show. 

Primary School Workshops 

(7 – 12 years) 


Secondary School/Tertiary 

Institutions Workshops 

(13 – 18 years) 


Young Artists by Art Loft (2 hours) 

Students will reflect, interpret, and evaluate 

contemporary artworks using the language 

of art criticism. They will be guided to create 

artworks based on their interpretations of works 

in the galleries that have impressed them. 

Inspired by Art by Monsters Under The Bed 

(2 hours) 

This fun writing workshop allows students to 

appreciate contemporary art while developing 

their language and narrative-writing skills. 

Following active discussion about the artworks 

in the galleries, students can choose to base 

their written piece on either the artists’ original 

intentions or their own interpretations. 

Junior Artists by Art Loft (2 hours) 

Students will be challenged to explore the 

concepts in contemporary artworks. They will be 

given the opportunity to discover their creative 

potential through hands-on art-making, working 

with different materials. 

Never-ending Stories by IQ Kidz (1.5 hours) 

This workshop takes a speech and drama 

approach to art appreciation. Students will enjoy 

facilitated discussions on selected artworks 

followed by exercises to create their own 

alternative endings to art-inspired stories. They 

will also have the opportunity to perform their 

puppet show to their peers. 

The School Workshops are available for school 

bookings only. Please download and complete 

the booking form at www.singaporeartmuseum. 

sg under the School Programmes page and 

email it to nhb_sam_education@nhb.gov.sg. 

Each workshop is limited to a minimum of 20 

and maximum of 40 participants per session. 

26 | School Programmes

Deutsche Bank Art Bus Programme 

SAM presents the Deutsche Bank Art Bus Programme, a platform to introduce contemporary art to 

school children. Each session includes a tour of the galleries, followed by an activity inspired by the 

artworks. The multidisciplinary workshop lasts between one-and-a-half to two hours. 

Complimentary bus transportation will be provided to and from the museum. 

Weekdays* | 10:30am – 12:30pm* | SAM 

For children aged 7 to 12 years 

Limited to a minimum of 20, and maximum of 40 children per session. 

*Alternative days and times can be requested, subject to availability. 

$10 per student, for school bookings only. 

For more information, please email: nhb_sam_education@nhb.gov.sg. 

Sponsor 

Deutsche Bank Art Bus Programme | 27

SAM Publications 


Paperback, 92 pages 

Retail Price: $25 

ISBN: 978-981-07-2691-1 

Born in a time of open economy and increasing 

prosperity in China, Jia Aili represents a young 

generation concerned about the loss of age-old 

traditions and values in a fast-evolving world. 

The solitary figures in his epic and visually 

stunning works seem to search for the meaning 

of life amongst the ruins of modern civilisation. 

In his desolate landscapes however, appear 

representations of hope for possible redemption 

from the loss of traditional values. Seeker of 

Hope: Works by Jia Aili is a showcase of the 

artist’s monumental oil paintings, installations 

and delicate paper works. This publication 

includes texts exploring Jia Aili’s practice in the 

context of China’s modern history, and how it 

has impacted his work. The publication also 

covers an interview of the artist by Chinese art 

curator and critic, Zhu Zhu. 

28 | SAM Publications 

Singapore Contemporary Artists 

Series: Lee Wen: Lucid Dreams in 

the Reverie of the Real 


Retail Price: $30.00 

ISBN: 978-981-07-1881-7 

Singapore Contemporary Artists Series: Lee 

Wen: Lucid Dreams in the Reverie of the Real is a 

richly illustrated publication that charts the wide 

oeuvre of one of Singapore’s most internationally 

recognised artists. Many of these are featured 

in the publication alongside early works, as well 

as documentations of overseas performances 

alongside rarely-seen installations. 

Five writers have also collaborated to produce 

a series of interconnecting, dialogic texts – a 

textual conversation that places the ‘body’ of 

the multidisciplinary artist on the examination 

table for scrutiny. Additionally, exhibition curator, 

Khairuddin Hori, contributes an essay that 

provides a context for Lee Wen’s practice and 

development in Singapore. 

The Singapore Contemporary Artists Series 

focuses on documenting and providing critical 

commentary on the practices of significant 

Singapore contemporary artists. Dedicated 

to enlarging discourse and scholarship on 

contemporary art, the series also serves as 

an accessible introduction to Singapore’s 

contemporary art scene.

The Collectors Show: Chimera 

Hardcover, 110 pages 


ISBN: 978-981-07-1092-7 

The Collectors Show brings together notable 

works of Asian contemporary art from private 

collections around the world. A tribute to the art 

patrons of today, the exhibition offers an insight 

into the breadth and remarkable richness of 

private art collections, and the unique and highly 

personal visions and passions that shape them. 

This publication presents both artist and 

collector statements about the works featured in 

The Collectors Show: Chimera. 

The Singapore Show: 

Future Proof 



ISBN: 978-981-07-1093-4 

Future Proof features almost 40 artworks 

from exciting young Singapore artists whose 

strong and consistent presence in the local 

and international contemporary art landscape 

has helped enliven the local creative scene and 

inspired many other local artists. The works 

featured look at the performance of the body and 

identity in the context of Singapore, and also of 

subcultures that flourish beneath the mainstream. 

Following social, political and cultural shifts, the 

confidence and incisive focus of these artists 

are undeniable. 

This catalogue contains essays by Khairuddin 

Hori, Tan Boon Hui, David Chew and Zaki 

Razak that explore the various premises that 

have influenced the practices of these artists 

and the development of contemporary art in the 

last three decades. 

SAM Publications | 29

Visual Culture 01: 

The Portraiture Issue 

Magazine, 98 pages 


ISBN: 2251-1504 

Asia Pacific Breweries Foundation 

Signature Art Prize 2011 



ISBN: 978-981-07-0284-7 

Visual Culture is an exhibition in print project by 

SAM published twice yearly. As part of SAM’s 

focus on contemporary art, this publication 

project acknowledges the rise of predominantly 

visual forms of media, communication and 

information exchange in recent years. It is an 

emergent field of inquiry that combines aspects 

of art history, cultural anthropology, critical theory, 

philosophy, as well as media and performance. 

The inaugural issue explores the theme of 

portraiture in photography. The dual nature that 

resides within the medium, of what is ‘real’ and 

what is ‘represented’, is a source of inquiry that 

is examined through photographic composition. 

By looking at the plethora of photographic 

images constructed, from early 20th century 

ethnological photographs to contemporaneous 

ones made digitally, Visual Culture 01 aims 

to provide possible ways of looking at the 

medium in order to make readers think more 

intently about photography and its place within 

contemporary art. 

From Australia to Mongolia, New Zealand to 

Pakistan, the contemporary art of the Asia 

Pacific stands out for its complexity, richness 

and sheer diversity. The Asia Pacific Breweries 

(APB) Foundation Signature Art Prize is a juried 

award that recognises the region’s single most 

outstanding contemporary visual artwork 

produced in the preceding three years. 

The APB Foundation Signature Art Prize 2011 

catalogue is a handsome hardbound and fully 

illustrated publication that features the 130 

artworks nominated for the second edition of 

the Prize. It serves as an excellent survey to 

some of the most important artworks to emerge 

from the Asia Pacific region in the last three 

years, including key works by established and 

emerging artists. The catalogue also features a 

curatorial essay, write-ups and statements by 

the 15 finalist artists and nominators, offering 

fascinating insights into their works. 

30 | SAM Publications

Hyung Koo Kang: 

The Burning Gaze 



ISBN: 978-981-08-9994-3 

Hyung Koo Kang: The Burning Gaze 

documents and charts the practice of the 

highly regarded artist, an artistic career that has 

spanned over two decades. An interview with 

the artist reveals his motivations and intentions, 

while the essays in the exhibition catalogue 

closely analyse the unconventional techniques 

and skill that go into his paintings, which result 

in his hyper-realistic portraits. Over 30 recent 

paintings are featured, including new works that 

have never been published before, along with 

caricature sketches and clay sculptures that the 

artist used in his process of mastering the art 

of portraiture. 

Singapore Contemporary Artists 

Series: Amanda Heng: Speak To 

Me, Walk With Me 



ISBN: 978-981-07-0087-4 

Singapore Contemporary Artists Series: 

Amanda Heng: Speak To Me, Walk With Me 

offers a comprehensive view of Heng’s diverse 

practice. The publication features essays which 

study her work from various domains of inquiry 

by curators, scholars and art commentators. 

With more than 50 full-coloured artwork plates 

and documentation images from her vast 

oeuvre, the publication explores topics such 

as the reception of performance art, national 

identity, participation in art-making, feminist art 

and collaborative practices in Heng’s works. 

The Singapore Contemporary Artists Series 

focuses on documenting and providing critical 

commentary on the practices of significant 

contemporary artists from Singapore. 

Dedicated to enlarging discourse and 

scholarship on contemporary art, the series 

also serves as an accessible introduction to the 

vibrant contemporary art scene in Singapore. 

All publications are on sale at the MUSEUM LABEL @ SAM shop located on the ground floor at the 

museum’s Waterloo Courtyard. 


SAM Education Publications 

Who’s Afraid Of Contemporary Art? 

A Survival Kit 


School Price: $60 

ISBN: 978-981-08-8954-8 

Who’s Afraid Of Contemporary Art? A Survival 

Kit is an education kit designed by SAM with 

Singaporean artist Dawn Ng to introduce 

contemporary art to children, using detailed, 

easy-to-use activity plans and teaching aids. 

Suitable for children aged 6 and above, 

the kit takes children through the artist’s 

conceptualisation of the artwork WALTER, 

exploring the idea and concept of spaces, 

drawing inspiration from stories and applying 

what they have learnt to create their own artwork. 

Let’s Discover Contemporary Art! 

With Natee Utarit 




ISBN: 978-981-07-0802-3 

Let’s Discover Contemporary Art! With Natee 

Utarit is an activity book specially designed 

for children aged 9 and above to discover 

Southeast Asian contemporary art through 

interesting information, challenging questions 

and engaging activities based on Thai 

contemporary artist Natee Utarit. Children will 

find out more about painting as an art form and 

see how it can show interesting ways of looking 

at the world around us. 

The kit contains: 

1. Information booklet with five detailed 

activity plans 

2. Picture cards and cue cards 

3. One WALTER colouring book 

4. One WALTER inflatable 

32 | SAM Publications

Are You Afraid of Contemporary Art? 

(Natee Utarit) 




ISBN: 978-981-07-1028-6 

Are You Afraid of Contemporary Art? 

(Vincent Leow) 




ISBN: 978-981-07-1029-3 

Are You Afraid of Contemporary Art? (Natee 

Utarit) is a book developed for young adults 

to discover Southeast Asian contemporary 

art through interesting information and 

challenging questions based on the works of 

Thai contemporary artist Natee Utarit. Readers 

will find out more about painting as an art form 

and see how the artist explores the various 

elements of painting. 

Are You Afraid of Contemporary Art? (Vincent 

Leow) is a book developed for young adults 

to discover Southeast Asian contemporary art 

through interesting information and challenging 

questions based on the works of Singapore 

contemporary artist Vincent Leow. Readers 

will find out more about how an artist can be 

inspired by personal journeys and events, 

and see how ideas or concepts are important 

elements in the creation of art. 

All publications are on sale at the MUSEUM LABEL @ SAM shop 

located on the ground floor at the museum’s Waterloo Courtyard. 

Interested schools may email their orders to nhb_sam_education@nhb.gov.sg. 


SAM Collectibles 

Limited edition collectibles, inspired by SAM exhibitions and created in collaboration with artists, are 

available at the MUSEUM LABEL @ SAM shop. 

Products include Made For SAM everyday items, piggy banks, postcards, stationery, tote bags, cup 

and saucer sets, iPhone covers, inflatable and plush toys, t-shirts, colouring storybooks and many 

more. Come get a piece of SAM today! 

The MUSEUM LABEL @ SAM shop is located on the ground floor at the museum’s Waterloo Courtyard. 

34 | SAM Collectibles

Dining 

DÔME 10% off regular menu price* | Sun - Thu & PH, 

8:30am – 10:30pm | Fri, Sat & Eve of PH, 8:30am - 11pm 

| 6339 0792 | www.olio.sg A rustic coffee haven for the 

executives on the go. Browse and select. Indulge in the 

relaxing style with al fresco dining. Or choose a speedy take 

away. Dôme offers a comprehensive range of freshly baked 

breads, pastries, cakes and, pizzas which complement 

Dôme’s range of gourmet coffees. Its signature items include 

Focaccia Gourmet Sandwiches, Dôme Gourmet Pie, Caesar 

Salad and Chocolates Brownies. Food for Thought Daily 

9am - 10pm | 6338 9887 | www.foodforthought.com.sg It 

is all about serving up Good food for a Good cause. You could 

just come to nosh on their take on comfort food: root beer, 

braised pork, homestyle marmalade cake and fresh baked 

goods. Or do some ethical shopping in the merchandise 

section for homemade jams, funky tee-shirts, reloved books 

and other beautiful things from all over the world. Discovering 

how to do ‘Good’ has never been easier - or tastier. Standing 

Sushi Bar Daily Lunch, 11:30am - 2:30pm, Dinner 6pm 

- 9:30pm | www.standingsushibar.com Beautifully-sliced, 

perfectly-formed, deliciously-made…every sushi at Standing 

Sushi Bar is a piece of art. Indulge in sake, enjoy a few sticks 

of robatayaki, and enjoy the sushi selections. Fresh fish, 

everyday. Trattoria Lafiandra 5% off all drinks* | Daily, 

Lunch, 11:30am - 3pm, Dinner, 6pm - 11pm | 6884 4035 | 

www.lafiandra.com.sg Owned by Chef Cataldo and Brenda 

Lafiandra, the 42-seater Trattoria Lafiandra al Museo has an 

extensive selection of antipasti, homemade pasta, risotto 

and main courses, offering a wide selection of typically Italian 

fare. Via Mar @ SAM 10% off regular menu price* | Mon 

- Thu & Sun, 11:30am - 10:30pm | Fri & Sat, 11:30am - 

11pm | 6423 0900 Be enticed by the signature paella dishes 

and delectable tapas menu, boasting a wonderful variety of 

succulent appetizers, with delightful mains, tempting desserts 

and a fine range of wines. With its elegant indoor seating and 

alfresco dining area, Via Mar @ SAM serves as the perfect 

place for business meetings, dinner dates or simply catch up 

with loved ones and good friends. 

* Present the SAM Admission Ticket to enjoy 

these promotions. 

Dining | 35

Support SAM 

Business Circle Partnership 

A Singapore Art Museum Business Circle Partnership goes a long way to help us deliver quality 

exhibitions and educational programmes to people in Singapore. Membership also promises 

exclusive art experiences and branding opportunities for your company, staff and the people you 

wish to reach out to. With a donation of at least S$50,000, be rewarded with: 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

One complimentary use of the Museum Glass Hall and Courtyard facilities for your event, 

complemented by a customisable after-hours museum tour or art programme. 

Personal invitations to 2012 Exhibition Opening Receptions for up to 10 pre-identified executives 

or guests. 

Up to 200 complimentary museum passes OR complimentary admission for your staff and their 

accompanying guests. 

Up to 50 complimentary exhibition catalogues. 

Corporate tax deductions up to 2.5 times the cash amount donated. 

To contribute 

Please make your donation cheque (minimum S$50,000) payable to “Singapore Art Museum” and 

mail it with your business card to The Development Office, Singapore Art Museum Administrative 

Office, 61 Stamford Road, #02-02 Stamford Court, Singapore 178892. For enquiries, please contact 

our Development Office at 6332 6854 or email nhb_supportus@nhb.gov.sg. 

36 | Support SAM

General Information 

SAM is located at 71 Bras Basah Road, 

Singapore 189555. 

SAM’s annexe, SAM at 8Q, is located at 

8 Queen Street, Singapore 188535. 

OPENING HOURS 

Mondays to Sundays | 10am to 7pm 

(Last admission at 6:15pm) 

Fridays | 10am to 9pm 

ADMISSION 

Adult $10 

Student, Senior Citizen 60 years and $5 

above and Regular (with valid 11B pass) * 

20% off admission tickets for 20 or 

more persons. 

* Unless otherwise stated, admission is free for 

visitors 6 years and below, Singaporean and 

PR students and senior citizens, NSFs and 

teachers from local schools. 

Free admission to SAM every Friday from 6pm 

to 9pm and on Open House days. 

Admission ticket includes $1 SISTIC fee and 

is available from SAM Information & Ticketing 

Counters and SISTIC. Please present proof 

of eligibility to enjoy concessions or free 

admission. 

Please obtain admission sticker from the 

Information and Ticketing Counters before 

entering the galleries. 

ENQUIRIES 

6332 3222 or 6332 3200 

nhb_sam_programs@nhb.gov.sg 

Scan this QR code with your smartphone 

for more about SAM. You can download 

a QR code reader from your app store 

MUSEUM TOURS AT SAM 

Tours in English 

Mondays | 2pm 

Tuesdays to Thursdays | 11am & 2pm 

Fridays | 11am, 2pm & 7pm 

Saturdays and Sundays | 11am, 2pm & 3:30pm 

Tours in Japanese 

Tuesdays to Fridays | 10:30am 

Tours in Mandarin 

Fridays | 7:45pm 

Tours are not available on public holidays and 

selected Open House days. 

HOW TO GET TO SAM 

By bus 

SBS 7, 14, 16, 36, 111, 131, 162, 175, 502, 518 

SMRT 77, 167, 171, 700 

By MRT 

Two-minute walk from Bras Basah MRT station. 

10-minute walk from Dhoby Ghaut, Bugis or 

City Hall MRT stations. 

By car 

Carparks available at Waterloo Street, Queen 

Street, NTUC Income Centre, Manulife 

Centre, Hotel Grand Pacific and Singapore 

Management University. 

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS/LOCKERS 

Lifts provide easy access to galleries. 

Lockers are available for visitors’ use. 

SAM ONLINE 

www.singaporeartmuseum.sg 

www.facebook.com/singaporeartmuseum 

www.twitter.com/singaporeart 

www.youtube.com/samtelly

Quarterly - Singapore Art Museum

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