Starting from 18th July 2025

National Gallery Singapore

DBS Gallery 2 & 3

Marking its momentous 10th anniversary and celebrating Singapore’s 60th year of independence, National Gallery Singapore unveils the full opening of Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art — a thrilling and transformative rehang of the DBS Singapore Gallery since its debut in 2015, igniting a bold reimagination of how Singapore’s art history is woven. Expanded in scope and beautifully reconfigured across the entire second floor of the Gallery’s City Hall Wing, this dynamic new exhibition presents a rich, artist-centred narrative of Singapore’s history through the vibrant medium of art. Showcasing over 400 breathtaking artworks and artefacts — from iconic masterpieces to rare gems from the National Collection — it illuminates the multifaceted lives, diverse practices, and unique perspectives of artists, revealing that the artistic landscape in Singapore has always been far more expansive, permeable, and profoundly human than ever before acknowledged in previous exhibitions of Singaporean art.

“This exhibition speaks to who we are — not just as a cultural institution from Singapore, but as a society,” says Dr Eugene Tan, Chief Executive Officer and Director of National Gallery Singapore. “By presenting a more inclusive, nuanced, and multi-perspectival account of Singapore’s art, Singapore Stories affirms that art is not merely a mirror of progress, but a record of detours, negotiations, and deeply personal choices. It offers all visitors a richer way of understanding where we have been — and where we might be headed. In doing so, we continue to deepen public engagement with the nation’s art and broaden representation, ensuring that more Singaporeans can see themselves in our shared stories.”

Exhibition: Prepare to be captivated by one of the countless breathtaking exhibits in A Space of Their Own! Chua Chye Teck. My Ah Kong’s Big House. 1999. Wood, paint and recycled washing boards, dimensions variable. Collection of Singapore Art Museum.

Completing the journey through Singapore’s art history

The exhibition passionately unfolds the vibrant journey of art from the 19th century to today, weaving a rich tapestry that embraces a thematic exploration of art history while beautifully maintaining a sweeping chronological narrative. The first part, which opened its doors in December 2024, delves into the profound early expressions of artistic community and identity in Singapore, illuminated by pivotal historical milestones up to the 1960s—moments like colonialism and the fervor of independence. Building on this compelling foundation, the newly unveiled sections exuberantly extend this narrative into the post-independence era, shining a spotlight on the exhilarating impact of rapid urban transformation, the evolution of cultural policies, and the inspiring efforts at community-building. As artists wholeheartedly responded to these dynamic shifts, they fearlessly expanded their visual language, passionately experimenting with a myriad of mediums, materials, and art forms, from installation and performance to video, all bursting with creativity.

Some highlights at the exhibition: Vectors of the New (slideshow). Please view on web browser for optimal experience.

• Chng Seok Tin. Self Portrait. 1989. Etching and drypoint on paper, 62.5 x 42 cm. Collection of National Gallery Singapore
• Iskandar Jalil. Interplay Between Traditions and Contemporary Forms_ #2 Jawi Arabic Scripts. 2002. Ceramic_Stoneware with Oxides_Glazes, Istana Art Collection
• Jaafar Latiff. [Title unknown]. Undated (c. 1976). Fabric dye and acrylic on canvas. Collection of National Gallery Singapore. © Family of Jaafar Bin Abdul Latiff
• Suriani Suratman. Third Shift 1. 2017. Buff raku, orange and white Jalan Bahar clay slip, eucalyptus wood ash glaze. Collection of National Gallery Singapore. © Suriani Suratman
• Tan Lip Seng. Three Workers. 1965, printed in 2017. Digital print on archival paper. Collection of National Gallery Singapore
• Eng Tow. Grey Shadows. c.1970s. Quilted stitching on cotton ticking. Collection of National Gallery Singapore. © Eng Tow
• Han Sai Por. Growth. 1985. Marble, dimensions variable. Collection of National Gallery Singapore

During the exhilarating transformation of Singapore in the 1950s and 1960s, artists fervently redefined their practices, channeling the vibrant pulse of their surroundings into stunning modern expressions. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the poignant narratives captured in the sections Expanding Horizons and Presence, where the very essence of a changing world comes alive through art. Visionaries like Cheong Soo Pieng, Khoo Sui Hoe, and Vincent M. Hoisington boldly embraced semi-abstract forms, weaving together diverse cultural inspirations and their vivid realities to craft uniquely compelling artistic vocabularies. Meanwhile, the timeless elegance of portraiture and still life, fundamental to the teachings at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, remained a vital and expressive lifeline for artists such as Georgette Chen, Ng Eng Teng, and Lim Mu Hue, reflecting their deep passion and connection to their craft.

Through the exhilarating sections of Liberating Form and Colour and Vectors of the New, viewers will be captivated by how trailblazing artists, from Ho Ho Ying to Kim Lim and Eng Tow, dared to challenge conventions and delivered groundbreaking ideas that resonate with the pulse of the international art scene. They wholeheartedly embraced the modernist anthem of ‘newness,’ plunging into vibrant experiments with form, colour, and everyday materials that pushed the boundaries of their chosen mediums. Similarly, other visionary artists like Kwan Shan Mei, Shamsuddin H. Akib, and Choy Weng Yang fearlessly explored uncharted territories in graphic design, illustration, and cartoons, infusing their work with passion and creativity.

Body, Self and Other passionately illuminates the unwavering presence of the human figure in art, even as innovative alternative forms blossomed in the vibrant 1990s. This section celebrates the transformative works of Solamalay Namasivayam, an artist deeply committed to the intricate study and profound interpretation of the human figure, alongside the powerful expressions of artists like Amanda Heng, Ho Soon Yeen, and Susie Wong. Together, they courageously delve into the complex realms of identity, representation, and gender, inviting us to reconsider what the body truly signifies in our world.

As Singapore’s economy soared in the vibrant 1980s, so too did its cultural landscape flourish with creativity and innovation. Singapore Stories passionately celebrates the dynamic independent initiatives and community-driven practices in Coming Together for Art and A Space of their Own, guiding visitors on an exhilarating journey to uncover the remarkable artists, inspiring art spaces, and the vibrant arts collectives that breathe life into these unforgettable events, featuring talents like Gilles Massot, The Artists Village, and Plastique Kinetic Worms.

Highlights at Coming Together for Art exhibition. Please view on web browser for optimal experience.

• Vincent Leow. Rooster. 1989. Oil on canvas. Collection of National Gallery Singapore
• Ahmad Abu Bakar. Untitled. 1995. Acrylic on coloured paper. Collection of National Gallery Singapore. © Ahmad Abu Bakar
• Gilles Massot. Yin-Yang One and Many. 1987. Acrylic and gouache on canvas and newspaper, dimensions variable. Collection of National Gallery Singapore.
• Tang Da Wu. Just in Case. 1991. Wood, metal and electric torch. Collection of Singapore Art Museum

In the final section, Navigating the Interdisciplinary, the exhibition passionately celebrates the vibrant potential of Singapore’s cultural landscape, showcasing an exhilarating surge in literature and theatre within schools alongside a bold expansion of governmental infrastructure dedicated to the arts. This captivating exhibition not only features contemporary commissions that authentically bridge the past and present but also breathes new life into earlier artistic concerns, reimagining them with a fervor that resonates through today’s lens.

When fully embraced, Singapore Stories powerfully illuminates the myriad pathways, detours, and vibrant networks that have shaped Singapore’s art over the past 200 years. It passionately offers a more inclusive and richly textured representation of homegrown voices, celebrating everything from revered pioneers to the often-overlooked figures, including cross-disciplinary practitioners, artist-educators, and others historically marginalized in the tapestry of art history.

“As a founding partner of National Gallery Singapore, we are proud to celebrate the 10thanniversary of the DBS Singapore Gallery and the launch of Singapore Stories. Singapore Storiescaptures the ever-evolving nature of our nation’s art history and reflects the rich cultural fabric that defines Singapore,” says Ms. Karen Ngui, Head, DBS Foundation and DBS Group Strategic Marketing and Communications. “DBS has been an integral part of Singapore’s story since 1968, when it was founded to drive the nation’s industrialisation — this makes the launch of Singapore Stories even more meaningful, as we commemorate milestones such as SG60 this year. Through exhibitions like these, we hope the DBS Singapore Gallery will spark a deeper sense of national pride and inspire more to appreciate Singapore’s artistic heritage.”

New spaces, new possibilities

With new project spaces, Singapore Stories ignites exhilarating curatorial possibilities, breathing life into dynamic ways for audiences to connect with the vibrant tapestry of Singapore’s art. Among the exciting additions is Dalam Singapore, an innovative series of intimate exhibitions nestled within the annexe of DBS Singapore Gallery 3, meticulously crafted to deepen our engagement with Singapore’s artistic landscape through cutting-edge research, thought-provoking curation, and captivating programming. The exhibitions at Dalam Singapore will be refreshed regularly, presenting focused explorations of specific artists or themes that illuminate the lesser-known figures and rich narratives of Singapore’s art history. Its inaugural presentation, Tchang Ju Chi: Tireless Camel, is a groundbreaking milestone after over fifty years, celebrating the extraordinary works of this pioneering artist, offering a profound reexamination of his vital contributions, and reintroducing his legacy to today’s audiences with renewed vigor.

The Gallery has seized this exciting opportunity to reimagine innovative and captivating ways for visitors to immerse themselves in the artworks, exhibitions, and the very essence of the museum. As part of the vibrant Singapore Stories, the Gallery proudly introduces an exhilarating new art commission currently in development with the incredible artist Amanda Heng. Starting this August, Let’s Chat Further (2025) will unfold as a dynamic series of livestreamed performances, where Heng passionately engages in virtual conversations with visitors through groundbreaking holographic technology. Over time, Let’s Chat Further (2025) transforms into a thrilling experience allowing visitors to connect and converse with a fully AI-driven persona inspired by the artist herself, Retired Singirl (2025-2030).

“These commissions connect the questions of past generations of artists to the present, reminding us that our art history is alive, and deeply relevant to an evolving society,” says Dr. Seng Yu Jin, Project Director of Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art. “With Amanda’s new works, we are exploring different ways for the public to experience and participate in art. It invites visitors to engage directly with a live artwork powered by advanced technology — not just as observers but as collaborators. In doing so, we hope to open up deeper conversations about what art means to us today: What makes Singapore’s art history ours? What roles do artists play in reflecting and shaping the world around us? At its core, it is about creating a space where our art history can continue to grow, shaped by new perspectives, shared experiences, and the voices of the communities it speaks to.”

Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art fully opens on 18 July 2025. A General Admission
pass is required, and entry is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents.

Relevant sites: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/SingaporeStories