OH! Kampong Gelam: Palimpsest (2024)
Kampong Gelam, Art Walk
Click on image to view in full size.
In 1824, two roads halve the Sultan’s compound.
In 1966, the precinct is emptied out.
In 2023, the boundaries are redrawn once again.
Explore how maps have constantly rewritten the story of Kampong Gelam. Join us on a guided walk to see 12 site-specific art installations that unearth stories within this neighbourhood.
Lines and boundaries, scraped and scratched into the surface over and over, until they blend into a palimpsest of fickle lines and faithless memories. For each road drawn, each building gazetted, each heritage plaque erected, there is a missing story that speaks of fractured spaces and communities long gone. This neighbourhood still holds its scars, scrapes and scratches, its dreams and tragedies.
EVENT DETAILS
Dates: 30 Mar - 12 May 2024 (Sat & Sun, closed on 13, 14 April)
Time: 10:30am to 5pm (Last tour at 3pm)
Starting Point: Aliwal Arts Centre
Ending Point: Jalan Kubor Cemetery
Tickets: $35 (Single Admission)
Booking Link: Klook (the Official Experience Partner)
In 1966, the precinct is emptied out.
In 2023, the boundaries are redrawn once again.
Explore how maps have constantly rewritten the story of Kampong Gelam. Join us on a guided walk to see 12 site-specific art installations that unearth stories within this neighbourhood.
Lines and boundaries, scraped and scratched into the surface over and over, until they blend into a palimpsest of fickle lines and faithless memories. For each road drawn, each building gazetted, each heritage plaque erected, there is a missing story that speaks of fractured spaces and communities long gone. This neighbourhood still holds its scars, scrapes and scratches, its dreams and tragedies.
EVENT DETAILS
Dates: 30 Mar - 12 May 2024 (Sat & Sun, closed on 13, 14 April)
Time: 10:30am to 5pm (Last tour at 3pm)
Starting Point: Aliwal Arts Centre
Ending Point: Jalan Kubor Cemetery
Tickets: $35 (Single Admission)
Booking Link: Klook (the Official Experience Partner)
Curator
Alan Oei
Artists
Anthony Chin [SG]
Chok Si Xuan [SG]
Ezzam Rahman [SG]
Hothouse [SG] (with Kerem Ozan Bayraktar [TR], Rafi Abdullah, Ruby Jayaseelan, Safuan Johari [SG])
Isabella Ong [SG]
Jane Lee [SG]
Latiff Mohidin [MY] (with Syed Muhd Hafiz [SG])
NEO_ARTEFACTS [SG]
nor [SG]
Pangrok Sulap [MY]
Ruangsak Anuwatwimon [TH]
Wantanee Siripattananuntakul [TH]
PAST PROGRAMMES
Tanah Air: Kampong Gelam by Another Name
Date: 2 March 2024, Saturday
Time: 10am - 11:30am
Venue: 45 Sultan Gate S(198492) Level 2
Admission: Free
Register here
Tanah – land. Air – water. Tanah air – homeland.
Kampong Gelam today is a patchwork of bars and cafes, souvenir stores and capsule hotels. It is where indie crowds and tourists flock to eat and shop in the day; at night, hotel guests remain. But this was not always the case – entire communities used to live here for centuries. Despite attempts to transform Kampong Gelam, what personal histories remain and what community memories defy erasure?
Join our speakers as they discuss their respective research, reflections, and lived experiences of Kampong Gelam – the land of a former thriving Malay port town and the waters of early riverine settlements. Learn to call Kampong Gelam by its other name: home.
Moderator
Syafiqah Jaaffar (Curator, Writer, Researcher)
Speakers
Faizah Jamal (Resident of Kampong Gelam)
Dr Imran Tajudeen (Senior Lecturer, National University of Singapore)
Sara Lau (Cultural Worker)
Date: 2 March 2024, Saturday
Time: 10am - 11:30am
Venue: 45 Sultan Gate S(198492) Level 2
Admission: Free
Register here
Tanah – land. Air – water. Tanah air – homeland.
Kampong Gelam today is a patchwork of bars and cafes, souvenir stores and capsule hotels. It is where indie crowds and tourists flock to eat and shop in the day; at night, hotel guests remain. But this was not always the case – entire communities used to live here for centuries. Despite attempts to transform Kampong Gelam, what personal histories remain and what community memories defy erasure?
Join our speakers as they discuss their respective research, reflections, and lived experiences of Kampong Gelam – the land of a former thriving Malay port town and the waters of early riverine settlements. Learn to call Kampong Gelam by its other name: home.
Moderator
Syafiqah Jaaffar (Curator, Writer, Researcher)
Speakers
Faizah Jamal (Resident of Kampong Gelam)
Dr Imran Tajudeen (Senior Lecturer, National University of Singapore)
Sara Lau (Cultural Worker)
Food, Fashion, Faith: The Faces of Women Leadership in Kampong Gelam
Date: 9 March 2024, Saturday
Time: 10am - 11:30am
Venue: 45 Sultan Gate S(198492) Level 2
Admission: Free
Register here
The first local mosque to be named after a woman. The first magazine for Malay women in the region.
Kampong Gelam is historically a centre of enterprise in Singapore and the Malay world. It is also a place of many firsts for women. From Hajjah Fatimah to Saleha Mohd Shah, women pioneers made a name for themselves and paved new paths for their communities. Their legacy continues to inspire new generations of trailblazing Malay women in an increasing number of fields.
Join us for a conversation with Kampong Gelam entrepreneurs in the fields of food, faith, and fashion.
Moderator
Oniatta Effendi (Founder, Galeri Tokokita)
Speakers
Maria Didih (Second-Generation Owner, Hjh Maimunah Restaurant)
Ustazah Liyana Musfirah (CEO and Founder, Hayaa’ Network)
Zahra Aljunied (Third-Generation Representative, Toko Aljunied)
Date: 9 March 2024, Saturday
Time: 10am - 11:30am
Venue: 45 Sultan Gate S(198492) Level 2
Admission: Free
Register here
The first local mosque to be named after a woman. The first magazine for Malay women in the region.
Kampong Gelam is historically a centre of enterprise in Singapore and the Malay world. It is also a place of many firsts for women. From Hajjah Fatimah to Saleha Mohd Shah, women pioneers made a name for themselves and paved new paths for their communities. Their legacy continues to inspire new generations of trailblazing Malay women in an increasing number of fields.
Join us for a conversation with Kampong Gelam entrepreneurs in the fields of food, faith, and fashion.
Moderator
Oniatta Effendi (Founder, Galeri Tokokita)
Speakers
Maria Didih (Second-Generation Owner, Hjh Maimunah Restaurant)
Ustazah Liyana Musfirah (CEO and Founder, Hayaa’ Network)
Zahra Aljunied (Third-Generation Representative, Toko Aljunied)
FREE ART PRINT FOR THOSE JOINING US ON 30 & 31 MAR!
To celebrate our 10th art walk with you, we have a special surprise for fans joining us on 30 & 31 Mar — a FREE limited art print (worth $69.90) celebrating OH!'s past art walks, painstakingly drawn by our artistic director Alan Oei!
This beautiful print with familiar scenes from our past art walks could be yours!
Can you spot Anthony Chin's giant boot artwork from OH! Emerald Hill? Or Randy Chan's wayang stage installation from OH! Potong Pasir?
Terms and conditions apply.
This beautiful print with familiar scenes from our past art walks could be yours!
Can you spot Anthony Chin's giant boot artwork from OH! Emerald Hill? Or Randy Chan's wayang stage installation from OH! Potong Pasir?
Terms and conditions apply.
Photos: Axel Toh & Marvin Lee
For the House; Against the House: _____ is Dead
5 - 15 January 2023, Tanglin Shopping Centre,Art Experience
Click on image to view in full size.
“We must forget in order to remain present, forget in order not to die, forget in order to remain faithful.”- Marc Augé, Oblivion
For the House; Against the House returned for the Singapore Art Week 2023 with two new motions up for debate. Through a unique debate format where art illustrates the arguments, OH! worked with collectors to present selected works from their collections alongside new commissions from Singapore and international artists.
Set to _____ is Dead, the third iteration of the show presented a double bill explored the mortality of two cherished concepts The Museum is Dead and Desire is Dead conceptualised by Singaporean curators John Tung and Adele Tan respectively. Taking place within Tanglin Shopping Centre – a mall scheduled for enbloc – the exhibitions’ manifestation at the site went beyond their topics of inquiry, revealing the entanglements between Singapore’s ubiquitous shopping malls and our cultural identity.
In an epoch defined by excesses of time, space, and individuality, we are also barraged with obsolescence and erasure: it must be gone for us to remember; must it die so as to live forever?
What do desires and the museum have to do with Tanglin Shopping Centre? Take a read here to find out.
For the House; Against the House returned for the Singapore Art Week 2023 with two new motions up for debate. Through a unique debate format where art illustrates the arguments, OH! worked with collectors to present selected works from their collections alongside new commissions from Singapore and international artists.
Set to _____ is Dead, the third iteration of the show presented a double bill explored the mortality of two cherished concepts The Museum is Dead and Desire is Dead conceptualised by Singaporean curators John Tung and Adele Tan respectively. Taking place within Tanglin Shopping Centre – a mall scheduled for enbloc – the exhibitions’ manifestation at the site went beyond their topics of inquiry, revealing the entanglements between Singapore’s ubiquitous shopping malls and our cultural identity.
In an epoch defined by excesses of time, space, and individuality, we are also barraged with obsolescence and erasure: it must be gone for us to remember; must it die so as to live forever?
What do desires and the museum have to do with Tanglin Shopping Centre? Take a read here to find out.
This edition of For the House; Against the House had two motions up for debate. Click on each motion to learn more about the debate and its artists and works behind them.
THE MUSEUM IS DEAD
Curated by John TungCommissions
- Joanne Lim (Singapore)
- Michael Lee (Singapore)
- Miguel Aquilizan (Philippines)
- Mit Jai Inn (Thailand)
- Thitibodee Rungteerawattananon (Thailand)
- Wantanee Siripattananuntakul (Thailand)
Jim Amberson
- Gaston Damag (Philippines)
- Priyageetha Dia (Singapore)
- Moe Satt (Myanmar)
Michelangelo & Lourdes Samson Collection
- Annie Cabigting (Philippines)
-
Geraldine Javier (Philippines)
- Grace Tan (Singapore)
DESIRE IS DEAD
Curated by Adele TanCommissions
- Joshua Kon (Singapore)
- Kray Chen (Singapore)
- Liana Yang (Singapore)
- Marla Bendini (Singapore)
Shi’ai Liang Collection
- Irene Chou (China)
- Jimmy Ong (Singapore)
- Kara Inez (Singapore, courtesy of Ken-Hin Teo)
- Natisa Jones (Indonesia)
The Yan Collection
-
Guo-Liang Tan (Singapore)
- Khairullah Rahim (Singapore)
- Zulkhairi Zulkiflee (Singapore)
Artist/Curator Loans
- Kray Chen (Singapore)
- Susie Wong (Singapore)
Programmes
Panel Discussions
The Museum is Dead
Moderated by John Tung with featured curators including Berny Tan, Michelle Ho and Syed Muhd Hafiz.
Desire is Dead
Moderated by Adele Tan with invited speakers Yanyun Chen and Zulkhairi Zulkiflee.
Curator Tours
The Museum is Dead
Led by curator John Tung, audiences were guided through the exhibition where they were prompted to rethink purpose of the museum in today’s context.
Desire is Dead
Led by curator Adele Tan, audiences were guided through the exhibition in exploring the playful juxtaposition of the presented works and unspoken pulse of desire.
Volunteer-led Tours
The Museum is Dead
Led by OH! Volunteers - Hao Yang, Koon Yen and Shin Dee.
Desire is Dead Led by OH! Volunteers - Hao Yang, Koon Yen and Shin Dee.
For more details on the programmes, learn more here.
Associate Artist Programme
(2022/23 Cycle)
OH! Open House is Singapore's leading art institution that develops curatorial programmes on site-specificity centred around the neighbourhood - people, places, stories - as the unit of exhibition and representation.
A group of artists selected by our Advisory Committee will take part in our inaugural Associate Artist Programme (AAP) over a one-year period (1 Sep 2022 to 31 Aug 2023). The programme immerses artists within the next art walk neighbourhood, Kampong Gelam and connects artists to local communities, businesses and historical places.
This programme serves as an alternative model and offers neighbourhood immersion, curatorial support, peer-to-peer dialogues and engagements with communities. It does not expect any exhibitional outcome beyond a public-facing work-in-progress presentations or sharing sessions.
A group of artists selected by our Advisory Committee will take part in our inaugural Associate Artist Programme (AAP) over a one-year period (1 Sep 2022 to 31 Aug 2023). The programme immerses artists within the next art walk neighbourhood, Kampong Gelam and connects artists to local communities, businesses and historical places.
This programme serves as an alternative model and offers neighbourhood immersion, curatorial support, peer-to-peer dialogues and engagements with communities. It does not expect any exhibitional outcome beyond a public-facing work-in-progress presentations or sharing sessions.
Singapore Artists & Collaborators
Erzan Adam (b.1976, Singapore) is an artist and arts educator at LASALLE College of the Arts (Fine Art).
Erzan plans to work with the invisible communities of Kampong Gelam, where research and conversations with the communities will shape the projects he'd like to develop.
Learn more
Farhan Idris (b.1987, Singapore) is an arts educator/critic, philosopher and a curatorial writer. Through the lens of dynamics of translation, Farhan will look into how the transmission and translation of Wayang Parsi as a cosmopolitan and intercultural encounter in Kampong Gelam.
Learn more
Jimmy Ong (b.1964, Singapore) works on objects, installations as well as relational work about minority communities.Together with his research-collaborator, Kelvin Soh, Jimmy will facilitate test kitchens that situate bakeries past and present to relate with each other around Singapore's colonial history.
Learn more
Kelvin Soh (b.1980, Singappore) (collaborator of Jimmy Ong) comes from a Hainanese family of bakers. He used to run a cafe with his father on Kandahar Street featuring his family's traditional recipes.He looks forward to connecting food culture and colonial history in a neighbourhood he has grown fond of.
Learn more
Kanchana Gupta (b.1974, India) investigates the framework of femininity and the narrative of sexualised presentations of the female body.
Kanchana will explore the origins, economics and market forces of textile shops in Kampong Gelam, and build on her research of femininity through the lens of textiles and fashion.
Learn more
nor (b.1993, Singapore)’s artistic practice is rooted in self-portraiture. nor will explore the theme of ikatan ("temporary ties" in Malay) through ropes as a device that ties the boat of migrants on the land; maritime trade; as well as interpretations of what "ties" could mean in all permutations of the future.
Learn more
International Artists
Mit Jai Inn (b.1960, Chiangmai, Thailand) is a leading figure of contemporary art in Thailand. He is known for his colourful artworks that merge painting and sculpture.
Mit will return to his early social-activism work, and initiate a series of art activations with local businesses.
Learn more
Pangrok Sulap (est. 2010, Sabah, Malaysia) confronts socio-political issues surrounding the marginalised communities in Sabah. The artist group has consistently fought against censorship, spreading awareness of Sabah’s endangered rainforests. They will be developing a series of woodcut workshops in collaboration with the communities of Kampong Gelam.
Learn more
Ruangsak Anuwatwimon (b.1975, Bangkok, Thailand) investigates the relationship between mankind and the natural world. More recently, he's focusing his practice on the idea of spirituality and superstitions as a set of rules and governing power.For this residency, he will look into the origins of the well-loved medicinal product, Tiger Balm — the gelam tree.
Learn more
Programmes
NEIGHBOURHOOD IMMERSION (SEP 2022 - FEB 2023)
- 30 Sep - 2 Oct 2022: Artists will take part in a 3-day bootcamp (talks, meetings with the communities of Kampong Gelam)
- Oct 2022 - Feb 2023: Participate in a residency/attachment based on their programme (e.g. a homestay, apprenticeship with a business)
WORK-IN-PROGRESS PRESENTATION (MAR 2023)
- A public-facing sharing on artist’s process and explorations
ONGOING RESEARCH (APR - AUG 2023)
- Engage in research based on the research proposal submitted
- Establish dialogue with residents, businesses in Kampong Gelam, with the support and facilitation of OH!
CLOSING PRESENTATIONS (30 SEP - 7 OCT)
Learn more
Learn more
- A series of public-facing site-specific programme (in the form of a walk, work-in-progress sharing, presentation or workshops in a format they’d like to propose)
Advisory Committee
Artists are nominated by the committee based on the merit of their artistic practice. A further selection took place with an interview round where artists are assessed based on their research interests, openness to engaging and working with the community, as well as their ability to commit to this programme.
Seng Yu Jin (Chairperson)
Senior Curator and Deputy Director (Curatorial Research), National Gallery Singapore
Linda Neo
Co-Founder, Primz Gallery
Shabbir Hussain Mustafa
Senior Curator, National Gallery Singapore and Singapore Art Museum
Tan Boon Hui (1968-2022)
Former Executive Director, Arts House Limited
Tan Guo-Liang
Artist, writer, curator
Learn more about our advisory committee here.
Seng Yu Jin (Chairperson)
Senior Curator and Deputy Director (Curatorial Research), National Gallery Singapore
Linda Neo
Co-Founder, Primz Gallery
Shabbir Hussain Mustafa
Senior Curator, National Gallery Singapore and Singapore Art Museum
Tan Boon Hui (1968-2022)
Former Executive Director, Arts House Limited
Tan Guo-Liang
Artist, writer, curator
Learn more about our advisory committee here.
[Media Release] OH! Open House launches its inaugural artist residency — Associate Artist Programme
20 September 2022, Singapore — OH! Open House launches its inaugural artist residency, the Associate Artist Programme (AAP). Centred around the neighbourhood — people, places, and stories — the first edition takes place in Kampong Gelam over a one-year period with five local and three international artists...
Learn more
Supporters
Patrons
We would like to thank the generosity of our patrons. Your support allow us to continue supporting artists in developing their practices and new body of works and facilitate exchange of ideas and art practices between local and international artists.
Supported by
Organised by
OH! Open House
OH! Open House
Patrons
We would like to thank the generosity of our patrons. Your support allow us to continue supporting artists in developing their practices and new body of works and facilitate exchange of ideas and art practices between local and international artists.
Platinum
Gergana Stoyanova
Lisa Robins and Hervé Pauze
Liang Shi’ai
The Gouws
Gergana Stoyanova
Lisa Robins and Hervé Pauze
Liang Shi’ai
The Gouws
Gold
Anonymous
Anonymous
Special Thanks
FACTORY
FACTORY
Supported by
National Arts Council
(Under the Major Company Scheme for the period from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2026)
(Under the Major Company Scheme for the period from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2026)
Tote Board Arts Fund
Designers: FACTORY
Erzan Adam (b.1976, Singapore) is an artist and arts educator at LASALLE College of the Arts (Fine Art).
Erzan plans to work with the invisible communities of Kampong Gelam, where research and conversations with the communities will shape the projects he'd like to develop.
Learn more
Farhan Idris (b.1987, Singapore) is an arts educator/critic and philosopher.
Farhan will be working on the political and historical trajectories of Persian Nights through its translation in Urdu and Malay. Drawing relations to Wayang Parsi, the trope and imagery of Bakawali/曇花 used in such performances will also be explored.
Learn more
Jimmy Ong (b.1964, Singapore) works on objects, installations as well as relational work about minority communities. Together with his research-collaborator, Kelvin Soh, Jimmy will facilitate test kitchens that situate bakeries past and present to relate with each other around Singapore's colonial history.
Learn more
Kelvin Soh (b.1980, Singappore) comes from a Hainanese family of bakers and used to run a cafe with his father on Kandahar Street featuring his family's traditional recipes.
As a research-collaborator with Jimmy Ong, he looks forward to connecting food culture and colonial history in a neighbourhood he has grown fond of.
Learn more
Kanchana Gupta (b.1974, India) investigates the framework of femininity and the narrative of sexualised presentations of the female body.
Kanchana will explore the origins, economics and market forces of textile shops in Kampong Gelam, and build on her research of femininity through the lens of textiles and fashion.
Learn more
nor (b.1993, Singapore)’s artistic practice is rooted in self-portraiture. nor will explore the theme of ikatan ("temporary ties" in Malay) through ropes as a device that ties the boat of migrants on the land; maritime trade; as well as interpretations of what "ties" could mean in all permutations of the future.
Learn more
International Artists
Mit Jai Inn (b.1960, Chiangmai, Thailand) is a leading figure of contemporary art in Thailand. He is known for his colourful artworks that merge painting and sculpture.
Mit will return to his early social-activism work, and initiate a series of art activations with local businesses.
Learn more
Pangrok Sulap (est. 2010, Sabah, Malaysia) confronts socio-political issues surrounding the marginalised communities in Sabah. The artist group has consistently fought against censorship, spreading awareness of Sabah’s endangered rainforests. They will be developing a series of woodcut workshops in collaboration with the communities of Kampong Gelam.
Learn more
Ruangsak Anuwatwimon (b.1975, Bangkok, Thailand) investigates the relationship between mankind and the natural world. More recently, he's focusing his practice on the idea of spirituality and superstitions as a set of rules and governing power. For this residency, he will look into the origins of the well-loved medicinal product, Tiger Balm — the gelam tree.
Learn more
NEIGHBOURHOOD IMMERSION (SEP 2022 - FEB 2023)
WORK-IN-PROGRESS PRESENTATION (MAR 2023)
ONGOING RESEARCH (APR - JUL 2023)
PUBLIC PROGRAMMES (AUG 2023)
- 30 Sep - 2 Oct 2022: Artists will take part in a 3-day workshop (talks, meetings with the communities of Kampong Gelam)
- Oct 2022 - Feb 2023: Participate in a residency/attachment based on their programme (e.g. a homestay, apprenticeship with a business)
WORK-IN-PROGRESS PRESENTATION (MAR 2023)
- A series of public-facing site-specific programme (in the form of a walk, work-in-progress sharing, presentation or workshops in a format they’d like to propose)
ONGOING RESEARCH (APR - JUL 2023)
- Engage in research based on the research proposal submitted
- Establish dialogue with residents, businesses in Kampong Gelam, with the support and facilitation of OH!
PUBLIC PROGRAMMES (AUG 2023)
- Artists roundtable/discussion
Artists are nominated by the committee based on the merit of their artistic practice. A further selection took place with an interview round where artists are assessed based on their research interests, openness to engaging and working with the community, as well as their ability to commit to this programme.
Seng Yu Jin (Chairperson)
Senior Curator and Deputy Director (Curatorial Research), National Gallery Singapore
Linda Neo
Co-Founder, Primz Gallery
Shabbir Hussain Mustafa
Senior Curator, National Gallery Singapore and Singapore Art Museum
Tan Boon Hui (1968-2022)
Former Executive Director, Arts House Limited
Tan Guo-Liang
Artist, writer, curator
Learn more about our advisory committee here.
Seng Yu Jin (Chairperson)
Senior Curator and Deputy Director (Curatorial Research), National Gallery Singapore
Linda Neo
Co-Founder, Primz Gallery
Shabbir Hussain Mustafa
Senior Curator, National Gallery Singapore and Singapore Art Museum
Tan Boon Hui (1968-2022)
Former Executive Director, Arts House Limited
Tan Guo-Liang
Artist, writer, curator
Learn more about our advisory committee here.
[Media Release] OH! Open House launches its inaugural artist residency — Associate Artist Programme
20 September 2022, Singapore — OH! Open House launches its inaugural artist residency, the Associate Artist Programme (AAP). Centred around the neighbourhood — people, places, and stories — the first edition takes place in Kampong Gelam over a one-year period with five local and three international artists...
Learn more
Organised by
OH! Open House
OH! Open House
Patrons
We would like to thank the generosity of our patrons. Your support allow us to continue supporting artists in developing their practices and new body of works and facilitate exchange of ideas and art practices between local and international artists.
Platinum
Lisa Robins and Hervé Pauze
Liang Shi’ai
Gergana Stoyanova
The Gouws
Lisa Robins and Hervé Pauze
Liang Shi’ai
Gergana Stoyanova
The Gouws
Gold
Anonymous
Anonymous
Special Thanks
FACTORY
FACTORY
Supported by
National Arts Council
(Under the Major Company Scheme for the period from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2023)
(Under the Major Company Scheme for the period from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2023)
Tote Board Arts Fund
For the House; Against the House: Life Imitates Art
14 - 23 January 2022, Gillman Barracks, Art Experience
"Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life" — Oscar Wilde, “The Decay of Lying” (1889)
In the year 1959, Singapore had just gained full internal self-governance. The Ministry of Culture was then established to focus on the “creation of a sense of national identity”. How far have we come in achieving this goal today?
The common refrain art imitates life bears serious implications for the use of art in nation-building. If such a statement holds true, art would simply reflect the non-presence of a Singaporean identity. Art must introduce something into the realm of everyday life, one that is not already present in lived experiences, so as to effect a change. For art to have any impact on life itself, life must necessarily imitate art.
For the House; Against the House looks at the evolution of Singapore's arts and cultural landscape through a unique debate format where art illustrates the arguments. Let curator John Tung take you through the propositions and oppositions as artworks from private collections and new commissions chart Singapore’s path towards a "cultural renaissance". You get the final vote on the role art has had to play in shaping our national identity today.
This event was part of Singapore Art Week 2022 and supported by the National Arts Council (NAC).
The exhibition comprised of three sections. Click on the respective titles to learn more about the artists and their works!
In the year 1959, Singapore had just gained full internal self-governance. The Ministry of Culture was then established to focus on the “creation of a sense of national identity”. How far have we come in achieving this goal today?
The common refrain art imitates life bears serious implications for the use of art in nation-building. If such a statement holds true, art would simply reflect the non-presence of a Singaporean identity. Art must introduce something into the realm of everyday life, one that is not already present in lived experiences, so as to effect a change. For art to have any impact on life itself, life must necessarily imitate art.
For the House; Against the House looks at the evolution of Singapore's arts and cultural landscape through a unique debate format where art illustrates the arguments. Let curator John Tung take you through the propositions and oppositions as artworks from private collections and new commissions chart Singapore’s path towards a "cultural renaissance". You get the final vote on the role art has had to play in shaping our national identity today.
This event was part of Singapore Art Week 2022 and supported by the National Arts Council (NAC).
The exhibition comprised of three sections. Click on the respective titles to learn more about the artists and their works!
Shaping the Ways of Seeing
Commissions
The Gouws Collection
Commissions
- Agan Harahap (Indonesia)
- Jimmy Ong (Singapore)
The Gouws Collection
- Eddy Susanto (Indonesia)
- Yee I-Lann (Malaysia)
A Divergence of Realities
Commissions
JH & KH Collection
Commissions
- Anthony Chin (Singapore)
- Dennis Tan (Singapore)
- Fyerool Darma (Singapore)
JH & KH Collection
- Chen Wen Hsi (Singapore)
- Chuah Thean Teng (Malaysia)
- Tew Nai Tong (Malaysia)
A Chronicle of Pasts and Vision of Futures
Commissions
The Gouws Collection
Commissions
- Dusadee Huntrakul (Thailand)
- Kentaro Hiroki (Japan/Thailand)
- Nila Choo (Singapore)
The Gouws Collection
- Ian Woo (Singapore)
- Kanchana Gupta (India/Singapore)
- Lavender Chang (Singapore)
JH & KH Collection
For Jan Hau and Katrina, the love for collecting has always been in them. Toys, stamps, seashells, and little trinkets are displayed alongside their apartment walls filled with artworks. “It’s like when you were a kid, you couldn’t afford to collect these things. So now, as an adult…,” Jan Hau related. The enjoyment stems from the desire to hold onto history and stories. Each artwork, and sometimes even the frame they come in, connects to Singapore and speaks of who we are. They would look out for modern works by local artists located overseas. “You wonder how they ended up there. There's so much to trace. There's so much to learn,” they shared.
For Jan Hau and Katrina, the love for collecting has always been in them. Toys, stamps, seashells, and little trinkets are displayed alongside their apartment walls filled with artworks. “It’s like when you were a kid, you couldn’t afford to collect these things. So now, as an adult…,” Jan Hau related. The enjoyment stems from the desire to hold onto history and stories. Each artwork, and sometimes even the frame they come in, connects to Singapore and speaks of who we are. They would look out for modern works by local artists located overseas. “You wonder how they ended up there. There's so much to trace. There's so much to learn,” they shared.
The Gouws Collection
The beginnings of the Gouws collection traces back to the very first art piece that the couple bought in their 20s — a set of Renoir coasters from the now defunct MPH books along Armenian Street. Despite not having the financial means to purchase artworks, that did not deter the Gouws from the love of collecting. They even went on to mount the coasters with a wooden frame, and proudly featured it in their first home. “Art should not serve a decorative purpose, but to live with and to teach,” they said. As a lover of the arts, the Gouws believe that every single piece of work acquired should be featured at some point in their home.
The beginnings of the Gouws collection traces back to the very first art piece that the couple bought in their 20s — a set of Renoir coasters from the now defunct MPH books along Armenian Street. Despite not having the financial means to purchase artworks, that did not deter the Gouws from the love of collecting. They even went on to mount the coasters with a wooden frame, and proudly featured it in their first home. “Art should not serve a decorative purpose, but to live with and to teach,” they said. As a lover of the arts, the Gouws believe that every single piece of work acquired should be featured at some point in their home.
John Tung (Curator)
John Tung is an independent curator and exhibition-maker. To date, he has overseen more than 50 artwork commissions and site-specific artwork adaptations ranging in scale from the minute to monumental. Three of the artwork commissions he curated have been finalists for the prestigious Benesse Prize, of which one was a winner.
John Tung is an independent curator and exhibition-maker. To date, he has overseen more than 50 artwork commissions and site-specific artwork adaptations ranging in scale from the minute to monumental. Three of the artwork commissions he curated have been finalists for the prestigious Benesse Prize, of which one was a winner.
OH! Jalan Besar (2021)
4 Sep – 31 Oct 2021, Jalan Besar, Art Walk
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Besar is big in Malay; its big-ness lies in complexity. Jalan is to walk.
OH! Jalan Besar: Refuge for Strangers is a guided mini art walk that grapples with the Other-ness of Jalan Besar.
Scattered across secret spaces in Jalan Besar are the works of 4 artists. The artists' gaze is not only about Jalan Besar and its ever-evolving communities, but also the indeterminacy of meaning to say: we can never truly know Jalan Besar, because it is not ours. It's theirs, the transient workers, the fringes of society, the sunset trades and disappearing clans. And we can only begin to enter as outsiders to this underbelly: this refuge for strangers.
Learn more about the artists and their works here.
OH! Jalan Besar: Refuge for Strangers is a guided mini art walk that grapples with the Other-ness of Jalan Besar.
Scattered across secret spaces in Jalan Besar are the works of 4 artists. The artists' gaze is not only about Jalan Besar and its ever-evolving communities, but also the indeterminacy of meaning to say: we can never truly know Jalan Besar, because it is not ours. It's theirs, the transient workers, the fringes of society, the sunset trades and disappearing clans. And we can only begin to enter as outsiders to this underbelly: this refuge for strangers.
Learn more about the artists and their works here.
Artists
Alan Oei (b.1976, Singapore) is an artist-curator whose work and projects examine the intersection of art history and politics. He has a BA in Art History from Columbia University and a Diploma in Fine Arts from LASALLE College of the Arts. Oei is the artistic director of OH! Open House. He was formerly the artistic director of The Substation from 2016 to 2019 and Sculpture Square from 2012 to 2014. He was Associate Artist with The Substation from 2000 to 2005, and has exhibited in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Melbourne and New York.
Min-Wei Ting (b.1976, Singapore) is an artist-filmmaker. Working mainly on his own, his films are gestures in protracted observation and movement with the camera. He explores the landscape of streets, buildings and forests, as a way to speak of natural and man-made phenomena, human and non-human existence, or the complex tangle of people with the state and the land. His work has been presented in art spaces and film festivals such as The Substation, International Film Festival Rotterdam, and Singapore International Film Festival. In 2019, he was shortlisted for the Berlin Art Prize, and exhibited at The Institute for Endotic Research (TIER).
Nature Shankar (b.1996, Singapore) graduated with BA Honours at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, in partnership with Loughborough University. Her practice revolves around textiles and hand embroidery. Through her process-driven work, she investigates belonging and existence in its raw and often uncomfortable uncertainty by contextualising personal experiences and narratives. Her works have been exhibited at The Hive Gallery and Studios, USA (2018), Gajah Gallery, Indonesia (2018), C On temporary, Indonesia (2020) and Jendela Visual Arts Space, Singapore (2021). She has participated in residencies at ChaNorth by ChaShama, New York City, USA, OH! Open House, Singapore and Studio Batur in Bandung, Indonesia. She co-founded and runs the arts initiative Our Softest Hour.
Subhas (b.1992, Singapore) is a Tamil-Malayali independent rap/hip-hop artist who works to make his music obsolete; artefacts of a more oppressive, authoritarian times. He creates music to be the soundtrack to revolutionary change. Subhas recently released his two-part sophomore album, 'Tabula Rasa (Tak Boleh Rasa)' on Telegram and it was produced without state sponsorship or censorship.
Special thanks to:
Mr Phua (Wayman Enterprise)
Mr Mohsin (Editor, Banglar Kantha, Bangladesh Centre Singapore)
Design: @madebybeverley
OH! Stories: New World’s End
Audio Immersive Experience (Permanent)
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New World’s End is an immersive audio experience set in the 1960s that tells the story of Kiran and Rosa as they fall in love at the defunct New World’s Amusement Park, where City Square Mall and City Square Residences now stand. In this tale of yearning, loss and regret, discover their old haunts and memories - glittering cabaret lights, a dingy apartment, a collapsed hotel room.
Put on a pair of headphones and listen to Kiran and Rosa’s story through 16 tracks in an MP3 player. By following the narration and directions in the story, be guided on a night walk through back alleys and hidden fantasy rooms. Experience Singapore’s Jalan Besar like never before.
New World’s End is OH! Open House’s first permanent installation under a separate name, OH! Stories.
Dates & Timing
Wednesdays - Saturday
Every half hour from 5.30pm to 9.30pm
(Duration: 60 to 90 minutes)
Tickets at $35/person.
Available on ohstories.sg.
For any enquiries, please email the team at hello@ohstories.sg.
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Put on a pair of headphones and listen to Kiran and Rosa’s story through 16 tracks in an MP3 player. By following the narration and directions in the story, be guided on a night walk through back alleys and hidden fantasy rooms. Experience Singapore’s Jalan Besar like never before.
New World’s End is OH! Open House’s first permanent installation under a separate name, OH! Stories.
Dates & Timing
Wednesdays - Saturday
Every half hour from 5.30pm to 9.30pm
(Duration: 60 to 90 minutes)
Tickets at $35/person.
Available on ohstories.sg.
For any enquiries, please email the team at hello@ohstories.sg.
Cast and Collaborators
Director/Writer
Kaylene Tan
Actress
Moira Loh
Kaylene Tan
Actress
Moira Loh
Set Designer
Alan Oei
Actor
Salif Hardie
Alan Oei
Actor
Salif Hardie
Filmmaker
Brian Gothong Tan
Music Artists
NADA
Brian Gothong Tan
Music Artists
NADA
Dramaturg
Janice Koh
Janice Koh
Days — and counting
30 October 2020 - onwards, Online Art Experience
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Days — and counting is an on-going portrait of COVID-19 that captures the surreal and strange times we live in through the lens of art and artists. The programme unfolds in three seasons each taking the form of an immersive digital experience that explores our new reality under the pandemic.
The digital art walk takes the metaphor of a dream. The seasons mirror Singapore slowly awakening and having to adapt to new measures and an inescapable reality. These experiences unpack the effects of COVID-19 on a personal and collective level.
Season 1: Walls Crumble
Walls Crumble explores the idea of home during the circuit breaker as a teletext adventure, a now defunct service that allowed Singaporeans to get information such as news, stock prices and weather on the television. Audiences can traverse a surrealist narrative of a sleeping man’s dreamscape via multiple teletext channels, and encounter artworks by local artists Ang Kia Yee, Hunny & Lummy, Kevin Fee, Pat Toh and Tristan Lim.
The season debuted on 30 October 2020, and ended on 31 December 2020.
Season 2: The distance between us
The distance between us is the second season of OH!’s three-part digital art walk on the effects of COVID-19 on Singapore. The season investigates how we now experience ‘distance’ has changed, for example how we maintain and find new relationships in a pandemic. Seven local artists respond to the way distance manifests in our current reality.
In this experience, audiences will continue to explore the story in the Sleeping Man (first shown in Season 1)’s bedroom over four episodes. Each episode will feature new objects in the Sleeping Man’s bedroom that reveal new artworks and narratives. Each episode will also be available only for a week at certain times to enhance the viewing experience.
The experience debuted on Friday, 19 February 2021 and ended on 30 April 2021.
The digital art walk takes the metaphor of a dream. The seasons mirror Singapore slowly awakening and having to adapt to new measures and an inescapable reality. These experiences unpack the effects of COVID-19 on a personal and collective level.
Season 1: Walls Crumble
Walls Crumble explores the idea of home during the circuit breaker as a teletext adventure, a now defunct service that allowed Singaporeans to get information such as news, stock prices and weather on the television. Audiences can traverse a surrealist narrative of a sleeping man’s dreamscape via multiple teletext channels, and encounter artworks by local artists Ang Kia Yee, Hunny & Lummy, Kevin Fee, Pat Toh and Tristan Lim.
The season debuted on 30 October 2020, and ended on 31 December 2020.
Season 2: The distance between us
The distance between us is the second season of OH!’s three-part digital art walk on the effects of COVID-19 on Singapore. The season investigates how we now experience ‘distance’ has changed, for example how we maintain and find new relationships in a pandemic. Seven local artists respond to the way distance manifests in our current reality.
In this experience, audiences will continue to explore the story in the Sleeping Man (first shown in Season 1)’s bedroom over four episodes. Each episode will feature new objects in the Sleeping Man’s bedroom that reveal new artworks and narratives. Each episode will also be available only for a week at certain times to enhance the viewing experience.
The experience debuted on Friday, 19 February 2021 and ended on 30 April 2021.
Season 1 Curators: Alan Oei, Daniel Chong
Season 1 Web Development: Eugene.tyz
Season 1 Web Development: Eugene.tyz
Season 2 Curators: Alan Oei, Kirti Upadhyaya
Season 2 Web Development: Keith Chia
Season 2 Web Development: Keith Chia
Designers: Factory
For the House; Against the House
22 January 2021 - 31 January 2021, Art Experience
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For the House; Against the House looks at social issues in Singapore through a unique debate format where art establishes the arguments. In conjunction with the private art collections of Jo and the DUO Collection, curators John Tung and Syed Muhd Hafiz set propositions eliciting contemporary responses through new artwork commissions.
The propositions set forth by the curators were:
In both experiences, guests were guided through select artworks from the private collections and new commissions, before the experience culminates in a live debate.
In addition to the physical experiences, a free digital experience was also offered, consisting of two interactive text-based games inspired by the propositions. The digital experience saw players making choices to reach one of many outcomes. Players were encouraged to replay the many scenarios and experience all the branches that the experience had to offer.
This event is part of Singapore Art Week 2021.
The propositions set forth by the curators were:
- Passion Made Impossible: Should we have our own ambitions in Singapore? by John Tung
-
Judging Labels: Are they useful? by Syed Muhd Hafiz
In both experiences, guests were guided through select artworks from the private collections and new commissions, before the experience culminates in a live debate.
In addition to the physical experiences, a free digital experience was also offered, consisting of two interactive text-based games inspired by the propositions. The digital experience saw players making choices to reach one of many outcomes. Players were encouraged to replay the many scenarios and experience all the branches that the experience had to offer.
This event is part of Singapore Art Week 2021.
Judging Labels
Artists from the Collection
Commissioned Artists
Artists from the Collection
- Choy Weng Yang
- Goh Beng Kwan
- Ho Ho Ying
- Teo Eng Seng
Commissioned Artists
- Aisha Rosli
- Faris Heizer
- Masuri Mazlan
- Shen Jiaqi
Passion Made Impossible
Artists from the Collection
Commissioned Artists
Artists from the Collection
-
Ali Esmaeilipour
-
Martin Constable
-
Nadiah Bamadhaj
-
Tang Da Wu
Commissioned Artists
-
Felicia Low
-
Nino Sarabutra
- Wong Lip Chin
Designers: Factory
ART IN YOUR OWN HOME (AIYOH)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Is this an art walkabout?
2. Where is the meeting point?
3. What if I get lost?
4. How do I know if I’ve found the right place?
5. How early should I arrive?
6. What if I am late?
7. How long is each experience?
8. Are the experiences family friendly?
9. Is there a toilet?
10. What if it rains?
2. Where is the meeting point?
3. What if I get lost?
4. How do I know if I’ve found the right place?
5. How early should I arrive?
6. What if I am late?
7. How long is each experience?
8. Are the experiences family friendly?
9. Is there a toilet?
10. What if it rains?
Is this an art walkabout? What is an art experience?
This is not an art walkabout! There is no tour and no volunteer tour guide. Your ticket gives you admission to one 45 minute experience at one site. Experiences vary from site to site and may include performance or installations. There are six experiences in total that you can choose from, each at a different location across Singapore.
Where is the meeting point?
You will be informed of the specific meeting point via email a week before the event date! Please look out for this email. On the day of the event, a friendly OH! guide will greet you at the meeting point and usher you to the site.
What if I get lost?
Call the OH! Team at +65 86572013 for help and we’ll do our best to guide you to the meeting point over the phone.
How do I know if I’ve found the right place?
There will be a friendly volunteer in an OH! Open House shirt holding up a sign! If you are unsure, you can call the OH! Team for help at +65 86572013.
How early should I arrive?
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your experience.
What if I am late?
Latecomers will not be admitted. Experiences will start without you. Please arrive early for your experience.
How long is each experience?
Each experience will be 45 minutes to an hour.
Are the experiences family friendly?
We believe our experiences are most suited to audiences aged 15 and above. Please note that there is no space for prams and strollers.
Is there a toilet?
To respect our homeowners’ privacy, OH!’s policy is that guests cannot use homeowners’ washrooms.
What if it rains?
Some art experiences may held indoors, while others may be held partially or fully outdoors.
Do check the event page of each experience for more information.
Please bring an umbrella in the case of inclement weather.
This is not an art walkabout! There is no tour and no volunteer tour guide. Your ticket gives you admission to one 45 minute experience at one site. Experiences vary from site to site and may include performance or installations. There are six experiences in total that you can choose from, each at a different location across Singapore.
Where is the meeting point?
You will be informed of the specific meeting point via email a week before the event date! Please look out for this email. On the day of the event, a friendly OH! guide will greet you at the meeting point and usher you to the site.
What if I get lost?
Call the OH! Team at +65 86572013 for help and we’ll do our best to guide you to the meeting point over the phone.
How do I know if I’ve found the right place?
There will be a friendly volunteer in an OH! Open House shirt holding up a sign! If you are unsure, you can call the OH! Team for help at +65 86572013.
How early should I arrive?
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your experience.
What if I am late?
Latecomers will not be admitted. Experiences will start without you. Please arrive early for your experience.
How long is each experience?
Each experience will be 45 minutes to an hour.
Are the experiences family friendly?
We believe our experiences are most suited to audiences aged 15 and above. Please note that there is no space for prams and strollers.
Is there a toilet?
To respect our homeowners’ privacy, OH!’s policy is that guests cannot use homeowners’ washrooms.
What if it rains?
Some art experiences may held indoors, while others may be held partially or fully outdoors.
Do check the event page of each experience for more information.
Please bring an umbrella in the case of inclement weather.
AIYOH: BEING WELL (2019)
16 — 24 Nov 2019, Multiple Locations Across Singapore, Art Experience
Art In Your Own Home (AIYOH) brings artists and hosts together to build stories. This edition started with the question: 'What is being well?'
Over the past 3 months, 3 pairs of artists and hosts came to discuss being well, taking the conversation beyond contemporary wellness and lifestyle trends to everyday rituals and activities they carry out in pursuit of wellness.
This November, each pair will present their own unique art experiences encapsulating these conversations. Come to AIYOH: BEING WELL to explore how we eat, shape our bodies and create safe spaces for ourselves for the sake of wellness.
AIYOH: BEING WELL is a Collateral Event of Singapore Biennale 2019.
Over the past 3 months, 3 pairs of artists and hosts came to discuss being well, taking the conversation beyond contemporary wellness and lifestyle trends to everyday rituals and activities they carry out in pursuit of wellness.
This November, each pair will present their own unique art experiences encapsulating these conversations. Come to AIYOH: BEING WELL to explore how we eat, shape our bodies and create safe spaces for ourselves for the sake of wellness.
AIYOH: BEING WELL is a Collateral Event of Singapore Biennale 2019.
Curators: Kirti Bhaskar Upadhyaya, Daniel Chong, Hane Cho
Design: Factory
Design: Factory
OH!PEN CALL (2016)
12— 27 Mar 2016, Potong Pasir, Art Exhibition
OH!pen Call was an experimental satellite programme running alongside OH! Potong Pasir that explored the possibilities of meaningful community engagement in our everyday spaces.
Seven art and community projects were installed in the public spaces of Potong Pasir – in void decks, up staircases, in the Community Club and so on. The projects were installed for a total of sixteen days and were free for the public to enjoy.
Seven art and community projects were installed in the public spaces of Potong Pasir – in void decks, up staircases, in the Community Club and so on. The projects were installed for a total of sixteen days and were free for the public to enjoy.
Artworks & Artists
– FuturePresentPast by Artizens
– HOP; in the Heart of Play by Lai Wei Min & Phoebe Zoe Ho
– (HOUSE)plants byJoscelin Chew & Megan Miao
– Meet-the-People Session by Adrian Tan & Jennifer Ng
– Pock Pock Rock byJustin Tan Jianyang & Tay Ining
– Tommy's Place by Elvis Wang
– Two Storey Poetry by Lorraine Lee & Matthew Crawshaw
Design: Lim Qi Xuan