After a six-month showcase and a steady stream of support from the public, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) brings back its Russel Wong in Kyoto special exhibition by popular demand.
The show initially part of the double-billed Life in Edo | Russel Wong in Kyoto exhibition has been both extended and expanded, now as a standalone display with new prints that offer fresh vignettes of Kyoto and exciting new behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of geisha.
From 29 November 2021 to 10 April 2022, visitors can continue their exploration of Japanese art and culture through the black-and-white prints from the original display, enhanced with more photographs that broaden perspectives on the traditions of the geiko community and Kyoto landscapes.
These 37 never- before-seen prints spotlight customs such as the geikos' hour-long makeup application process; ohaguro - teeth blackening, which signifies a coming of age; entertainments and tending to guests at mainstay festivities like the Baikasai Plum Blossom Festival; and even portraits of Kyoto's oldest geiko of the early 2010s. Visitors will also be able to explore the seasonal colours and cuisine of Kyoto through a selection of vibrant, colour prints that spotlight familiar facets of Japanese life, culture, and tourism.
Russel Wong has promised that all 79 prints in the exhibition will be donated to ACM at the conclusion of the exhibition, in celebration of the relationship forged between him and the museum, and the overwhelming support for the show.
Admission charges to the exhibition apply.
For more information, please visit www.nhb.gov.sg/acm, www.facebook.com/asiancivilisationsmuseum.
Stay tuned for activities, workshops, and tours to accompany this exhibition. Watch for more details here: acmevents.peatix.com.
About the Asian Civilisations Museum
ACM is Singapore's national museum of Asian antiquities and decorative art. As the only museum in Asia with a pan-Asian scope, ACM is devoted to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Asia through our outstanding collection of masterpieces, and through ground-breaking special exhibitions. Opened in 1997 and in its present building by the Singapore River since 2003, the museum traces its roots to the Raffles Museum, founded in the middle of the 19th century. ACM focuses on the many historical connections between cultures and civilisations in Asia, and between Asia and the world.
Singapore's history as a port city that brought people together from all over the world is used as a means of examining the history of Asia. Objects on display tell stories of the trade and the exchange of ideas that were the result of international commerce, as well as the flow of religions and faith through Asia.
Special exhibitions bring magnificent objects from around the world to our Singapore audience. For more information, visit www.acm.org.sg or follow the museum on Facebook (@asiancivilisationsmuseum) and Instagram (@acm_sg).
a. 1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555
About Russel Wong
Russel Wong (born 1961) is an internationally renowned, Singaporean, fashion and portrait photographer with 25 years of experience working with Oscar-winning directors and Hollywood celebrities, including Richard Gere, Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, and Isabella Rossellini. Russel is one of an elite group assigned to photograph covers for Time magazine. In addition to his portrait photography, his body of work includes still-life compositions, architecture, landscapes, and more.
a. 115A Commonwealth Dr, Singapore 149596
s. www.facebook.com/russelwongphoto
t. +65 9694 7938