List of Events During World Cities Summit
| The Testament of Tebaran: Borneo's Moment Of Truth - An Exhibition by Mattias Klum |
| Asian Civilisations Museum, Shaw Foundation Foyer 19 June – 18 July 2010 Free admission |
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Held in conjunction with Month of Photography Asia 2010, this exhibition by acclaimed National Geographic photographer Mattias Klum is a powerful and revealing testimony of the devastation of Borneo’s tropical rainforests, which are among the oldest and most biologically diverse in the world.
Forest-dwelling people, such as the Penan, have depended on Borneo’s rainforests for centuries to supply most of their needs in ways that do not threaten the integrity of these complex ecosystems. Today, the Penan way of life, and many native plant and animal species in Borneo, face increasing threats from deforestation. Tebaran is a blowpipe hunter and one of the last nomadic Penan headmen, who is struggling to survive with his family in a world that is disappearing. Through the eyes of Tebaran, Klum takes us deep into the heart of Borneo where we experience the island’s diverse flora and fauna, and witness what could be at stake if the island’s majestic forests are lost forever. The Testament of Tebaran aims to not only raise awareness about traditional culture, biodiversity and forest loss in Borneo, but also to educate viewers on the positive difference we can make in our daily choices and through supporting key conservation efforts. |
| SINGAPORE 1960 |
| National Museum of Singapore
Exhibition Gallery 1, Basement 3 June 2010 – 22 August 2010 |
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 Postcard of Haw Par Villa, 1960s, National Museum of Singapore Collection |
“Through hard work, faith and a little good fortune, may 1960 bring more happiness to more of us.” – Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew in his first New Year Day speech to the nation. Politics and the struggle for one’s independence have always been the defining corner-stone of the post-WWII chapter in the Singapore Story. Hope and optimism were brimming in the air in 1960. Calls for a better and brighter future were projected onto the people by the new government while the print media trumpeted the ideas of independence through a merger with Malaya. In celebration of 50 years of self-government, Singapore 1960 brings visitors a vibrant and colourful ‘live’ show set interjected with noteworthy and quirky news articles throughout the year. Over 300 artefacts rekindle familiarity with life in 1960, featuring a 100 year -old Strohmenger grand piano, sexy sarong kebayas, the Aw Boon Haw jade collection, popular vinyl records and publications set against eclectic Haw Par Villa and neon-lit ‘Worlds’ amusement parks. |
| Ramayana Revisited: A Tale of Love and Adventure |
| Peranakan Museum
22 January 10 - 27 February 2011 |
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 Picture Credit: Siege of Lanka, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, Late 18th century - early 20th century |
Ramayana is one of the great epic poems of India that recounts the life and exploits of Rama, Prince of Ayodhya kingdom and the hero of the epic tale. The rich story has been told and retold through the ages by saints, poets, scholars and common folk. For generations after generations, the retellings of Ramayana has appealed to the young and old of all communities and religions with its simple but powerful message to mankind of idealism and the triumph of good over evil. The story of Ramayana has transcended its geographical boundaries to become a part of cultures throughout Asia. This epic tale is popular to this day in India as well as among the Indian Diaspora abroad. This exhibition explores the story based on the theme of Ramacharitmanas, a 17th century text from India. The seven chapters of the epic are told through shadow puppets, paintings on paper and cloth, and photographs of ancient monuments representing the epic from South and Southeast Asia. |
| ART GARDEN: CHILDREN’S SEASON AT SINGAPORE ART MUSEUM |
| Singapore Art Museum (8Q)
14 May 2010 – 18 July 2010 |
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 Children’s Season Theodore Watson and Emily Gobeille, Funky Fores, 2007, Interactive video installation, Artist collection |
The Singapore Art Museum will host its inaugural Children’s Season in May. Young people will be introduced to contemporary art in an interactive, supportive and fun family environment. The entire SAM at 8 Queen Street building will be transformed into magical art gardens showcasing artist projects and artworks inspired by nature. Selected for their imagination and interactivity, these displays will be accompanied with captions to engage young visitors with the art works. Activity sheets inspired by the art works will enhance the children’s learning experience. Young visitors can also participate in a series of artists’ workshops and enjoy short film screenings. Usual exhibition admission charges apply. Free admission for children aged 6 and below. Each child must be accompanied by an adult holding a valid exhibition admission ticket. |
| LIFE OF IMITATION: MING WONG |
| Singapore Art Museum
22 April 2010 – 22 August 2010 |
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 Life of imitation Designed by Ming Wong, painted by Neo Chon Teck, Life of Imitation, 2009, acrylic emulsion on canvas, 222 x 229cm, Singapore Art Museum collection |
In Life of Imitation, Ming Wong revisits the context of the Golden Age of Singapore cinema in the 1950s and 60s, an era of nation-building struggle and rapid modernisation. Inspired by the rich legacy, he re-reads ‘national cinema’ constructed through language, role-playing and identity, by re-interpreting films that are familiar to audiences spanning 2 generations, and engage with performative notions of miscasting and parroting. The first video features a compendium of works by P. Ramlee, the wunderkind of Malay cinema. The second highlights the Hollywood melodrama ‘Imitation of Life’ (1959) by Douglas Sirk about a black mother and her ‘white’ daughter. The third is Wong Kar Wai’s ‘In the Mood for Love’ (2000) with actress Maggie Cheung rehearsing for a confrontation with her spouse about his infidelity. Through these video interventions, the viewer is presented with questions related to roots, hybridity, and the politics of becoming. The exhibition also unveils cinema posters by Singapore’s last surviving billboard painter; rare screen memorabilia of a private collector; and documentaries by film-maker Sherman Ong. The Singapore Art Museum restages this award-winning exhibition with a new design and additional exhibits. The first presentation of this exhibition was at the Singapore Pavilion, 53rd Venice Biennale 2009 where it was awarded the Special Jury Mention by the Biennale. Ming Wong, Life of Imitation is curated by Guest Curator, Tang Fu Kuen. |
| REALISM IN ASIAN ART |
| Singapore Art Museum
9 April 2010 – 4 July 2010 |
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Jointly organised by The National Art Gallery, Singapore and the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea, Realism in Asian Art explores the impact of Realism in the development of 20th-century Asian art. Unlike the way the Realist movement evolved in 19th century Europe, Realism in Asia applied the same concepts to a different context - expressing Asia’s grapple with modernity, independence and nationhood. The powerful images produced during this period often inspired and incited action, and were even at times, suppressed and banned. Through the display of a select group of paintings from ten Asian countries, Realism in Asian Art examines how this important art movement touched Asia, weaving together a fascinating tale of heroism, valour and hope, in a time of turmoil that plagued Asia during the 20th century. This exhibition is a special research exhibition by the National Art Gallery, Singapore, held on the premises of the Singapore Art Museum. |
| REDISCOVERING YEH CHI WEI |
| Singapore Art Museum
27 May 2010 – 26 September 2010 |
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Rediscovering Yeh Chi Wei tells the life and works of one of Singapore’s early artists, Yeh Chi Wei. Known for his highly distinctive oil paintings, Yeh drew inspiration from a wide range of cultural sources, such as Han Dynasty carvings and Javanese batik. The results are innovative works that powerfully weave together Asian and Western art aesthetics, cultural sources and travel inspirations. A well-respected art educator and an influential leader in Singapore’s early art scene, Yeh frequently led the Ten-Men Art Group on painting expeditions to various locations. His belief in striving for improvement and innovation, while maintaining a strong Southeast Asian identity encouraged other artists to emulate this enduring spirit. Organised by the National Art Gallery, Singapore, this exhibition will showcase Yeh’s illustrious artistic career, his contributions to Singapore, and examine how he continually celebrated the beauty of Southeast Asia through his art. This exhibition is a special research exhibition by the National Art Gallery, Singapore, held on the premises of the Singapore Art Museum. |
| Crouching Tiger, Hidden Danger |
| Singapore Philatelic Museum
1 February 2010 to 1 August 2010 |
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Gain an insight into the wild tiger’s dwindling population, and learn about what you can do to save these magnificent creatures from extinction. |
| February 15: The Day to Remember |
| Singapore Philatelic Museum
15 February 2010 to 30 June 2010 |
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Commemorating the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II, this exhibition features stamps, letters, postcards, propaganda flyers and other philatelic materials from the museum’s and private collector Professor Cheah Jin Seng’s collections. The ideology and propaganda campaigns of the Japanese invaders, life of the people in Singapore during the Occupation, and memories of the pain and sufferings are told through the collection on display. |
| FOOTBALL FEVER! |
| Singapore Philatelic Museum 8 June 2010 – 29 August 2010 |
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The World Cup descends upon us once again this June. 32 countries will battle for the prestigious 19th World Cup in South Africa, with more than a million pairs of eyes fixed onto them. Football Fever! unravels the fascinating history and trivia to the world’s most popular sport, its development over time, and the different styles of play. Test your “footie” knowledge at the exhibition as Football Fever! reveals how the sport survived years of banning in the 1300s, and is played by millions all over the world today. Take the chance to also ogle at iconic footballers who have planted their boots in the sport’s history.
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Museum Information
| Asian Civilisations Museum 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555 Tel: 6332 7798 | www.acm.org.sg Mon: 1pm – 7pm Tue – Sun: 9am – 7pm |
National Museum of Singapore 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897 Tel: 6332 3659 | www.nationalmuseum.sg Daily: 10am – 6pm |
| Peranakan Museum 39 Armenian Street, Singapore 179941 Tel: 6332 7591 | www.peranakanmuseum.sg Mon: 1pm – 7pm Tue – Sun: 9.30am – 7pm |
Singapore Art Museum 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 188555 SAM (8Q) is located at 8 Queen Street, Singapore 188535 Tel: 6332 3222 | www.singaporeartmuseum.sg Mon to Sun: 10am – 7pm Fri: 10am – 9pm |
| Singapore Philatelic Museum 23-B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807 Tel: 6337 3888 | www.spm.org.sg Mon: 1pm – 7pm Tue – Sun: 9am – 7pm |
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