The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) has opened its Learning Gallery at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, transforming Gallery 2 on Level 1 into a venue dedicated to encouraging curious and authentic interactions with contemporary art. This effort demonstrates SAM's dedication to art education, intending to help visitors of all ages comprehend broader societal challenges via the lens of contemporary art.
The Learning Gallery, which opens to the public on July 20, fosters a childish approach to contemporary art by giving chances for thought and meaningful involvement with various artworks. The gallery houses five pieces by famous local and regional artists, carefully chosen from the National Collection or commissioned expressly for this area. These artworks will be updated annually to present new perspectives and keep the gallery interesting.
June Yap, Director of Curatorial and Research at SAM, emphasised the gallery's importance in encouraging deep and intimate involvement with contemporary art. She emphasised the importance of childhood as a universal experience that unites people of all ages, enabling a collaborative learning environment. The gallery's design intends to promote art education and conversation on critical societal concerns and extend perspectives and enrich lives through art.
When adult visitors arrive, they are greeted with a letter addressed to their inner child, inviting them to approach the exhibition with open minds. The gallery is intended to provide a low-stimulation atmosphere suitable for concentrated learning and reflection. Visual and auditory stimuli are deliberately limited, allowing viewers to create personal associations with the artworks. Each artwork is accompanied by separate wall writings geared towards children and adults, encouraging shared experiences and discourse across age levels.
Interactive components in the gallery increase engagement with the artworks, allowing families to bond over art. A library within the area houses a collection of publications relating to the artworks and the feelings they inspire, suitable for readers of all ages. An interactive wall enables for artistic expression and responds to each visitor's unique touch. Near the gallery exit, a response wall allows visitors to write messages to themselves about their experiences with the artworks.
The exhibited artworks use a variety of media and explore topics such as home, nature, memory, and time. Notable works include Nguan's "Untitled" from the series "Singapore," which captures daily sights filled with feelings of alienation and melancholy, and Han Sai Por's "Black Forest," an installation that examines the impact of human activity on environment.
The gallery also exhibits Migrant Ecologies Project's "{if your bait can sing, the wild ones will come} Like Shadows Through Leaves," recording the evolution of Tanglin Halt, and Tang Da Wu's "深疤凰 SEMBAWANG," inspired by the large-tailed nightjar. Julian Abraham "Togar"'s "A Gesture" delves into the process of listening, putting the audience's sensitivity to audio works to the test in a visually stimulating environment.
To commemorate the gallery's opening, an Opening Carnival on 20 July 2024, will include traditional games, art activities and free childhood delicacies. Visitors can also receive a free activity guide and a "Stick with SAM" sticker book. Special programmes led by artists and specialists, such as art therapists, are also planned for later this year.
SAM extends its influence beyond the museum by presenting "ChildISH" at regional libraries, which features poetry by local poets in reaction to the Learning Gallery's artworks, accompanied by visuals by local artist Tan Zi Xi. With "ChildISH" on display at Punggol Regional Library and slated to tour several libraries in Singapore, this multisensory presentation aims to bring art closer to the community.
The Learning Gallery at SAM will be open on July 20, 2024, in Gallery 2, SAM in Tanjong Pagar Distripark. Admission is free. Visit www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/art-events/exhibitions/learning-gallery to learn more.
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