One of his favorite destinations is Bras Basah Complex. “Most of my art is influenced by what’s happening in Singapore,” he says. Inspired by the sights and sounds of his hometown and its people, Mahmod heads to the streets and parks, occasionally with a recording device, to capture the soundscapes and conversations around him. One of Singapore’s leading sound artists, Mahmod creates sound installation using copper pipes, glass apparatus, and electromagnets. Photograph by Andrew JK Tanįor Zulkifle Mahmod, art is everywhere in Singapore, permeating through the air-and all you have to do is listen. Right: Gathered in front of Plaza Singapura, the smiling “Jelly Baby Family,” by Italian pop artist Mauro Perucchetti, are playful resin sculptures that capture the essence of the family unity and the multicultural aspect of society. These culturally diverse communities represent the crossroads between the past and the future-and serve as inspirations for artists, photographers, and filmmakers. Less than 1 km south of Little India, Kampong Gelam is Singapore’s oldest urban quarters, which underwent a youthful, art-filled makeover, with shops selling everything from Malay artefacts to quirky fashion to vintage curios. Lined with late 19th-century shophouses and prewar buildings, these historic neighborhoods are popular weekend spots for folks who are nostalgic for old-school coffee shops and traditional artisans, as well as the Gen-Z and millennials who come for the hip bakeries, trendy bars, and Instagrammable street art. “Strolling around Jalan Besar conservation area, Little India, Tanjong Pagar, and downtown in the CBD (Central Business District) gives me a lot of energy and pride knowing of the rich cultural heritage we have,” says Loh. Credited as being the first local artist to bring street art to galleries in Singapore and China, Loh’s artwork reflects daily life in Singapore and the inspiration he draws from walking around the city. “Our cityscape is so inspiring-futuristic buildings and old 19th century buildings preserved in a time capsule,” says Loh. For contemporary artist Jahan Loh, it was important to capture that dynamic in his artwork. The film and art scene in Singapore is one of constant transformation, while holding on to traditions and heritage. Visitors interested in learning about the history of Singapore can embark on public trails like the art-focused Jubilee Walk or a nature-themed Civic District Tree Trail. The art and cultural hub is also dotted with sculptures, monuments, and memorials that document the country’s evolution from a humble fishing village to a flourishing metropolis. The former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings now house the National Gallery Singapore, while The Art House took over the Old Parliament House. Anthony’s Convent, and Saint Joseph’s Institution, as well as colonial-era government buildings in Singapore’s Civic District have been converted to museums, galleries, design centers, and music venues. Over the past few decades, missionary schools like CHIJMES, St. In a serendipitous turn of events, the iconic wedding scene in Crazy Rich Asians was filmed in the chapel of Tan’s alma mater, where the historic Neo-Classical building complex was reimagined in the 1990s as CHIJMES, a lifestyle and entertainment complex that also houses spas, restaurants, and bars. Photograph Courtesy National Gallery Singapore Housed within the two national monuments, the National Gallery displays the largest collection of modern and contemporary Singapore and Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to the present. Right: The former City Hall and Supreme Court Building were painstakingly restored, reopening in 2015 as the National Gallery Singapore. Meanwhile, Capitol Theatre still retains the opulence of its yesteryear, continuing to showcase live concerts, dance performances, musicals, and comedy shows by Asian and international acts like Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng and American musician Jack White. “So that definitely fed into my love of movies.” Cathay Cinema has since been converted to a state-of-the-art multiplex movie theater, but visitors can still learn about Singapore’s film history that dates back to the mid-1800s at the free Cathay Gallery, tucked in the second floor of the complex. As a young girl, I would go and watch movies after school at the Capitol Theatre or Cathay Cinema,” says Tan. “My school, Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, was right in that area. While she splits her time between Canada, the U.S., and Singapore, one of the places that remain a constant inspiration to Tan is the Civic District. Unauthorized use is prohibited.īefore furthering her career in Hollywood, Tan was a mainstay in Singapore’s theater, film, and TV scene for nearly three decades.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |