Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of City of Others: Asian Artists in Paris, 1920s-1940s, the groundbreaking exhibition that passionately illuminates the untold stories of Asian artists in the heart of the French capital during a thrilling era in modern art history. This is not just an exhibition; it’s a powerful celebration that challenges the conventional narratives of art history by placing Asian artists at the forefront, revealing the profound relationships, interactions, and influences that bound together local and migrant creators with the dynamic Parisian community. City of Others masterfully delves into themes of identity, belonging, cultural exchange, creativity, and resilience, showcasing the extraordinary lives of Asian artists who not only exhibited and worked in Paris but thrived in a culturally rich yet challenging interwar environment.

National Gallery Singapore
Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery Level 3, City Hall Wing
Opening hours: 10am – 7pm
Exhibition dates: 2 April 2025 – 17 August 2025

Featuring some of the highlights

• Georgette Chen. Self-Portrait. c. 1934. Oil on canvas, 35 x 27 cm. Gift of Lee Foundation. Collection of National Gallery Singapore. Image courtesy of National Heritage.
• Amrita Sher-Gil. Untitled (Woman Wearing Shawl). 1932. Oil on canvas, 42 × 33 cm. Collection of The Dabriwala family.
• Itakulla Kanae. Woman in Red Dress. 1929. Oil on canvas, 116 × 80.3 cm. Collection of Matsudo City Board of Education.
• Foujita Tsuguharu. 《猫のいる自画像》 Autoportrait au chat (Self-Portrait with Cat)
• Liu Kang. View of Sacré-Cœur. 1931. Gouache on paper, 25 × 16.5 cm. Collection of Family of Liu Kang © Liu Kang Family.
• Lê Phổ. Le peigne blanc (The White Comb). Undated. Ink and colour on silk, 33.5 × 24 cm. Collection of Sunseal Asia Ltd.
• Jean Dunand, La forêt [Forest], c1929. Lacquer on panel. 300 x 600cm. Mobilier National.

From 2 April to 17 August 2025, over 200 artworks – including paintings, sculptures, lacquerware, and decorative arts – along with 200 archival materials and images will be on view at the Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery, showcasing the presence of Asian artists in Paris during a period of global migration. City of Others offers visitors a glimpse into the experiences of these artists, highlighting their diverse journeys and creative exchanges. For the first time, visitors will be able to uncover new connections and comparisons across diverse practices and perspectives. 

Dr Eugene Tan, Chief Executive Officer and Director of National Gallery Singapore says, “We are excited to present City of Others, a groundbreaking exhibition that challenges traditional assumptions in art historical narratives. As the Gallery celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, we seek to deepen our exploration of our region’s art history within a global context by reframing narratives through a distinctly regional lens. City of Others continues our commitment to present fresh perspectives on modern art by highlighting often-overlooked figures who played important roles in shaping this significant period in art history. We are grateful for the support of our partners and sponsors who have made this exhibition possible.”

This exhibition is made possible through the support of Series Partner Singtel and Presenting Partner J.P. Morgan. Wai Mei Hong, Senior Country Officer for J.P.Morgan Singapore says, “City of Others: Asian Artists in Paris, 1920s-1940s tells the story of the Asian emigrant artists who have made their mark on Paris’ modern art history. As a global company, we believe that art enhances spaces and serves as a catalyst for connection across communities. J.P. Morgan is excited to partner with National Gallery Singapore on this groundbreaking exhibition to showcase the inspiring work done by our own artists from the region.”

Delving into the captivating stories of how Asian artists thrived, created, and showcased their brilliance in Paris, City of Others passionately investigates the profound meaning of being the ‘other.’ Spanning three evocative gallery spaces and unfolding across multiple sections – Preface, Workshop to the World, Theatre of the Colonies, Spectacle and Stage, Sites of Exhibition, Studio and Street, and Aftermaths – this exhibition explores the rich tapestry of experiences that these visionary artists encountered.

Examining the Asian artists’ experience in Paris

The exhibition bursts forth with Preface, inviting visitors into the vibrant, captivating world where Asian artists in Paris, often seen as ‘other’ or outsiders, boldly share their stories with European audiences. Through striking portraits and evocative self-portraits by modern masters such as Lê Phổ, Mai Trung Thứ, Georgette Chen, Liu Kang, and Pai Un-soung, guests will be immersed in the profound journey of these artists who use their craft to assert their identities as resilient, creative souls navigating the complex tapestry of public expectations and perceptions.

Workshop to the World ignites a vibrant exploration of the dynamic contributions of Asian artists and artisans who passionately shaped the Art Déco movement in Paris after the 1920s. This section celebrates the fervent involvement of these visionary artists in France’s decorative arts workshops, showcasing those who boldly sold and exhibited their creations under their own names alongside the unsung heroes whose talents often went unrecognized. The profound impact of Asian artisans on the Art Déco movement is vividly illustrated through exquisite jewellery and remarkable objects from the Cartier Collection, the prestigious heritage collection of the Maison, as well as the breathtaking lacquerwares crafted in the atelier of the visionary designer Jean Dunand. Newly uncovered archival documents bring to light the compelling stories of highly skilled artisans and laborers from Vietnam who were integral to the creative force of Dunand’s atelier workforce.

Theatre of the Colonies, the second section, passionately uncovers Paris as a vibrant battleground where colonial propaganda and anti-colonial resistance collide through the power of art and visual culture. With evocative stills from the International Colonial Exposition of 1931 setting the stage, visitors are drawn into a world of government-initiated Expositions that proudly showcased the treasures of colonial empires. This momentous occasion granted Asian artists a vital platform to share their profound creations with an international audience. Yet, amidst this glittering display, the capital city of a vast French colonial empire became a crucible for anti-colonial activists, who bravely wielded images, texts, and exhibitions to reveal the brutal realities of violence and exploitation in the colonies.

The third section fervently expands the narrative beyond the visual arts, illuminating the vibrant presence and profound influence of Asian dancers in the enchanting city of Paris. Spectacle and Stage passionately showcases the vital role of Asian dance in the exhilarating cultural scene of the 1920s to 1940s, delving into how these remarkable dancers ingeniously navigated accessibility, embraced experimentation, and celebrated exoticism to achieve extraordinary success. In a captivating theatre-like setting, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a mesmerizing experience, watching dance archives, film clips, and archival images of iconic dancers like Raden Mas Jodjana from Indonesia, Komori Toshi from Japan, and Uday Shankar from India, who boldly pioneered new dance forms as they flourished in the heart of Paris.

Occupying the entirety of Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Sites of Exhibition passionately explores the vibrant platforms through which Asian artists boldly showcased their talents in the heart of Paris. From nationally themed exhibitions to bustling commercial galleries and illustrious salons, this exploration illuminates the electrifying opportunities these artists seized during the pinnacle of public “salon” exhibitions. It was a time when creativity flourished, allowing them to unveil their masterpieces, garner critical acclaim, secure significant sales, and attract coveted commissions. These exhibitions became transformative stages where narratives of identity were woven, striking a delicate balance between artistic expression and public allure. Furthermore, this section celebrates the exquisite artworks that once graced the special exhibitions of Japanese and Chinese modern art at the iconic Jeu de Paume museum in Paris during the dynamic decades of the 1920s and 1930s.

Montparnasse, a vibrant artistic beacon in the heart of Paris, captivated artists and visionaries from every corner of the globe. Brimming with eclectic art studios, lively informal art schools, and bustling cafes, this enchanting enclave fostered a rich tapestry of daily interactions among artists and creatives—many of whom were fellow migrants from across Europe, like the iconic Pablo Picasso, the soulful Amedeo Modigliani, and the expressive Moise Kisling. The fifth section, Studio and Street, passionately illuminates the profound influence of Montparnasse’s bohemian spirit on artists, particularly the remarkable Foujita Tsuguharu, a central luminary within this vibrant scene. It also celebrates the stories of several long-term artistic migrants to Paris—such as the illustrious Sanyu and the astounding Pan Yuliang—who, drawn by the magnetic allure of Montparnasse, chose to call this extraordinary area home.

The exhibition culminates in the evocative Aftermaths, a powerful testament to the profound impact of World War Two and the surge of decolonisation movements that reverberated through the art scene of Paris. Haunted by the scars of war, artists boldly transformed their visual lexicon, yearning to break free from the shackles of the past, leading to a radical evolution in artistic styles as they grappled with the cultural and geopolitical upheavals of the post-war era. For many migrant artists, the agonizing choice of whether to return to their homelands weighed heavily on their hearts. Simultaneously, the waves of decolonisation ignited a vibrant new energy, infusing modernisms across the globe with fresh perspectives and fervent creativity.

Plan your trip

Weekly Tours – Led by exhibition curators, these special tours delve into East and Southeast Asian art in Paris during the dynamic era of artistic migration before World War II. – Gain insight into the exhibition and explore the cultural exchanges that shaped the living experiences of modern Asian artists in Europe.

Embark on a guided tour of City of Others: Asian Artists in Paris, 1920s-1940s, a groundbreaking exhibition that examines the art history of Paris from Asian perspectives. In the 1920s-40s, Paris was a “city of others”—a meeting point for migrants and visitors from around the world. Paris was a site of creative exuberance, diversity and opportunity for artists, but could also be one of exploitation, racism and resistance. Find out how Asian artists in Paris presented themselves to the world through their art practice and careers.

Curator Tours Dates: Saturday, 5 & 26 April, 14 June 2025 Sunday, 22 June 2025 Time: 2pm City Hall Wing, Level 3, Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery Free, registration required

Led by exhibition curators, these special tours delve into East and Southeast Asian art in Paris during the dynamic era of artistic migration before World War II. Gain insight into the exhibition and explore the cultural exchanges that shaped the living experiences of modern Asian artists in Europe.

List of Curators

• Horikawa Lisa, Director (Curatorial & Collections) and Senior Curator
• Cai Heng, Senior Curator and Lead Curator for Ink
• Phoebe Scott, Senior Curator and Lead Curator for Art in Southeast Asia

Explore the stories of the ‘others’

Entering Gallery 1 : Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery, National Gallery Singapore

City of Others: Asian Artists in Paris, 1920s-1940s embarks on an exhilarating journey from 2 April to 17 August 2025, igniting the artistic spirit of the era! This remarkable exhibition is fueled by the unwavering support of Series Partner Singtel, Presenting Partner J.P. Morgan, and Strategic Partner Singapore Tourism Board, alongside the glamorous Exhibition Supporter Cartier. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Singapore for their invaluable contributions!

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of art by purchasing Special Exhibition Passes for just $25 each ($15 for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents) through the Gallery’s website. This opportunity beckons you to explore the breathtaking exhibition at the Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery, National Gallery Singapore, where every brushstroke tells a story waiting to be discovered!