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i’ve wandered through a good number of art galleries in singapore, and the one thing that i’m the most drawn to is the actual space of the gallery itself. recently, i was able to pay a visit to indigo blue art, an unassuming little space along neil road, to look at the showcase of contemporary indian work they have on sale there. it’s in a shophouse, so there’s a lot of space with a lot of light. it’s all out of my price range, but they have some great, fresh pieces. the artist on showcase when i was there was qadri, a yogi mystic who paints while in a meditative state. the people there were superb, points to lloyd for rushing back from lunch to speak with us, and for continuing to play tour guide despite noticing how unlikely we were to buy. it’s always exciting to be around other people who like what they do, so it was an all around feel-good visit. pop by if you get the chance.
indigo blue art, 33 neil road, tel: 63721719
there aren’t any pictures to accompany this post really, just a description. there’s a house along mountbatten road, nestled amidst the stretch of big houses with newly repaved pavement, which stands out from the row. its got an asymmetrical exterior gate and three large paper lampshades encased in an attic of glass at the very tip of the house. during the day, the house already looks quite interesting, but at night, that’s when the house comes alive for me. at night, the purple exterior gate looks black, and everything on the quiet road is dark, except these three glowing orbs, an illuminated installation piece.
i realise i’ve yet to write about one of my favourite places in singapore– the esplanade. if you talk about getting all warm and fuzzy about being singaporean, this is it. i like:
- how there has been a clever use of the tunnel linking citylink mall to the esplanade building. they’ve made dead space a great place for emerging artists to display their works to a high volume of foot traffic, with minimal installation needed
- the ongoing free performances held in the concourse area, so even if you’re not watching a performance that night, you get your music or dance fix. it’s about art for the people.
- the installation art scattered throughout the building
- the library@esplanade, with all its sheet music, cds, and arts-related books. it’s a really fitting location for an arts library if you ask me.
- all the performance spaces, especially the smaller theatre and recital studios which are ideal for music gigs or experimental performances. i don’t think i’ve ever had a bad seat regardless of my ticket price bracket.
- the roof terrace space, because it is set apart from the crowds below and offers an unusual view of the esplanade’s spiky surface and the surrounding marina south/cbd area
- the newly completed outdoor stage, because it can be a great place to sit and talk on the cheap over drinks and snacks from the convenience stores around
all in all, i think the esplanade is great because it has done its job– that of showcasing quality performances in quality venues– well, and gone beyond that with its community programming. one of the things which can often be lacking in singapore is space for public interaction and engagement. the esplanade provides plenty of this and more :}
popiah
this road has admittedly become a little overrun with lots of men and girls who look like their daughters, but are not. despite this, a walk along joo chiat road is great fun. there’s puteri mas, of durian puff fame. obolo of cheesecake fame, there’s a great otah place further down, and kway guan huat, which makes popiah skins fresh and also serves up popiah and pie tee. this is an old world sort of place, and the decor on the inside looks like it hasn’t been changed for a bit. there’s a cute little lady who will run over to you and surreptitously whisper if you’d like some mango pudding made by this friend of hers. it’s quite funny. egg3, a lifestyle clothes and homeware store sits in a non-descript white shophouse space, while artholic gallery boasts a humble little cafe round the back and changing photo exhibitions round the front. the black earth art museum is also a great space for changing art exhibitions. it’s a large, airy space that has been whitewashed so it gives any of the works maximum set-off. there are also bicycle and birdcage stores, old provision shops, vietnamese food (for the “daughters”), etc. all housed in lovely old shophouse spaces.
- Joo Chiat Road
a cinema specialising in showcasing local films, it’s a much more personal and relaxed set-up than your golden village and cathay bigwigs. here the movie snacks are a little more humble like (untainted hopefully!) white rabbit sweets, jack and jill potato chips, while the “ticketing staff” sort of amble over to you when you step into the store to ask if you’re catching the next film.
upstairs, the seats are heavily padded and done up in red vinyl. i love the seats, but i’ve heard some other strongly differing views. maybe it’s different if you’re tall! overall, a much more enjoyable movie going experience :}
- Sinema Old School, Old School, Mt Sophia Rdhttp://www.sinema.sg/
contemporary art might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but i think the setting of this contemporary arts space is really great. whitewashed walls and exposed structures set the displayed works off very well. the space showcases rotating exhibitions, so pop in and see what they have to offer!
- Singapore Art Museum, 8 Queen Street Singapore (189555)/Tel:+65 63323200 http://www.singart.com/8qsam/
