The revamped DBS Singapore Gallery unveils Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art, tracing the nation’s rich history through over 200 masterpieces and artefacts.
SINGAPORE, 28 November 2024 – The National Gallery Singapore has launched the first part of its long-term exhibition Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art in the newly revamped DBS Singapore Gallery. This exhibition showcases over 200 significant artworks and artefacts from the National Collection, alongside notable loans from private and institutional collections. It offers visitors a nuanced exploration of Singapore’s history and culture as reflected through its art.
The exhibition delves into the stories of Singapore’s transformation, highlighting how artists have responded to themes such as colonialism, urbanisation, and globalisation. The first part, spanning from the 19th century to the 1960s, celebrates pivotal moments in Singapore’s art history, with featured works by luminaries such as Chen Wen Hsi, Georgette Chen, and P. Ramlee. Visitors can experience an immersive journey through four distinct sections: Market of the Tropics, Community and Self, Imagining Nation, and Seeking Connections.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Eugene Tan, CEO and Director of National Gallery Singapore, said, “As we approach our 10th anniversary in 2025, Singapore Stories builds on the legacy of Siapa Nama Kamu? to deepen public appreciation of Singapore’s artistic heritage. This preview sets the stage for the full exhibition next year, coinciding with Singapore’s 60th anniversary celebrations.”
DBS, the gallery’s partner, continues to play a vital role in supporting Singapore’s cultural narrative. Ms Karen Ngui, Head of DBS Foundation, remarked, “As a key part of Singapore’s story since 1968, DBS is proud to support the DBS Singapore Gallery in preserving and celebrating the nation’s journey through art.”
The exhibition includes rare artefacts such as colonial-era trade posters and iconic artworks like Georgette Chen’s Self-Portrait and Chen Wen Hsi’s monumental Gibbons. A highlight is the restored Gibbons, which underwent a 15-month conservation process funded by the Bank of America Art Conservation Project.
The gallery invites the public to embark on this artistic journey and reflect on the diverse pathways that have shaped Singapore’s cultural and creative identity.
Come explore Singapore Stories
The first part of Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art opens on 2 December 2024, with the full exhibition opening in July 2025. The new long-term exhibition boasts a broader footprint and new spaces across Level 2 of the Gallery’s City Hall Wing, including a new project space for smaller, more agile narratives, and a digital immersive space. Admission is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, while General Admission applies for other visitors.
