The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is thrilled to announce the opening of its Learning Gallery at Tanjong Pagar Distripark. This transformation of Gallery 2 on Level 1 into a vibrant, interactive space aims to spark curiosity and authentic encounters with contemporary art for visitors of all ages. This initiative reflects SAM’s commitment to art education, encouraging exploration, imagination, and spontaneous engagement with broader issues through contemporary art.
Opening on July 20, 2024
The Learning Gallery will welcome visitors starting July 20, 2024. It leverages the creative potential of viewing contemporary art from a childlike perspective, offering opportunities for reflection and meaningful interaction. Featuring five artworks by prominent local and regional artists, the gallery seeks to extend contemporary art learning to all ages. To keep the experience fresh, selected artworks will be refreshed annually, introducing new perspectives and insights.
Embracing Exploration and Diverse Perspectives
Upon entering the gallery, adults are greeted by a letter addressed to their inner child, encouraging an open-minded approach to the exhibition. Children are invited to experience the artworks in their own special way, promoting curiosity, imaginative playfulness, and spontaneity. The gallery is designed as a calm environment conducive to reflection and focused learning, with minimal visual and auditory stimuli to foster personal connections with the artworks. Separate sets of wall text tailored to children and adults further facilitate shared experiences and dialogue.
Interactive Elements for Deeper Engagement
The Learning Gallery incorporates various interactive elements to deepen engagement with the artworks. A library within the space offers a selection of books related to the artworks and the emotions they evoke, catering to readers of all ages. An interactive wall encourages free play and creativity, while a response wall invites visitors to write letters to themselves, fostering impactful interactions with the artworks.
Featured Artworks
The gallery showcases a diverse range of works that respond to themes of home, nature, environment, people, places, memory, and time:
- Nguan’s “Untitled,” from the series “Singapore”: A series of photographs capturing quiet, everyday scenes in Singapore, evoking feelings of alienation and nostalgia.
- Han Sai Por’s “Black Forest”: An installation of charcoal logs reflecting the impact of human activities on nature and the resilience of the natural world.
- Migrant Ecologies Project’s “{if your bait can sing the wild ones will come} Like Shadows Through Leaves”: A film capturing the essence of Tanglin Halt, one of Singapore’s oldest social housing estates, during its urban transformation.
- Tang Da Wu’s “深疤凰 SEMBAWANG”: Inspired by the “tok-tok bird” of Sembawang, featuring diamond-shaped mirrors representing the bird’s tears.
- Julian Abraham “Togar”’s “A Gesture”: A sonic work exploring the act of listening and how people interpret sounds based on their cultural background and experiences.
Opening Carnival and Special Programs
To celebrate the launch, an Opening Carnival will be held on July 20, 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm, featuring traditional games, art activities, and free childhood snacks. Visitors can collect a free activity guide and a “Stick with SAM” sticker book inspired by the artworks. In the coming months, SAM will host special programs conducted by artists and specialists, including art therapists.
Extending the Experience Beyond the Museum
SAM extends the Learning Gallery experience with “ChildISH at the libraries,” featuring poems by local poets and artwork by local illustrator Tan Zi Xi. This multisensorial showcase is currently at Punggol Regional Library until July 21, 2024, and will travel to various regional libraries across Singapore until December 16, 2024.
Admission to the Learning Gallery is free. Visit Gallery 2 at SAM, Tanjong Pagar Distripark, starting July 20, 2024, for a unique and engaging contemporary art experience.
