It is hard to believe the journey we have been on in the last two years - especially for those of us here on the Little Red Dot we call home. We have lived a life in limbo - adjusting to new restrictions and new rules on an ever changing basis.
Two years of fear and uncertainty - but also with a loss of connection. Despite the frenetic schedule of Christmas events that closed out 2021, there was still an empty feeling for the most part.
Last night, however, on a whim - which has been unmanageable for even the most simple things because you have to have planned and pre booked - we decided to go to the Civic District and check out the Light To Night Festival Art Skins projections. Touted as "New ways of seeing, thinking and being"this seemed like a nice place to wander around on a Saturday night instead of sitting at home.
What we discovered warmed my heart and gave hope to my soul.
We meandered under the Esplanade Bridge to Esplanade Park, we started to catch glimpses of the projections. Our first show was at Victoria Concert Hall, with the projections coming from Empress Lawn. Vibrant story telling to the beat of music - it was literally music to my ears.
The second installation is at the Asian Civilisations Museum (facing the Victoria Concert Hall). We walked all the way around the museum and along Boat Quay before finding it - but that was no hardship!
The third installation is on The Arts House facade (The Old Parliament Building) and again is an enthralling and clever use of the building's own features as the projection brings it all to life. The biggest projections across the enormous frontage of the National Gallery - and this is where the real magic is.
On the grass of The Padang which holds so many incredible memories of concerts during the F1 each year, were people; here were families; here were friends. There was laughter and indistinct chatter, as groups stayed to their limited 5 persons - but despite masks and restrictions, here was life.
The projections and music filled my senses and the feeling of joy rose through me as I walked through the park. It was mixed with hope and it made me smile - really smile. This was something that brought people together, safely, but didn't need to be planned. The spontaneity added to the frissons of the evening because it was all rather unexpected.
I urge you to go and experience it for yourselves. Grab the kids and a picnic blanket and find a space on The Padang and relish in being nearly normal.
Information
By car - we parked at Esplanade Theatres and it was free! but I'm not sure why .. otherwise it should have been SG$6.50 per entry after 6pm. I believe that the projections start around 5pm. We didn't get there until about 7:30pm. The projections finish at 10pm. Each "show" lasts 5 minutes and is on a loop - so there's no fear of missing anything!
There is a lot more to the festival than the four light projections - check out the National Gallery's information here. Explore late night activities and selected exhibitions from Friday to Sunday. Enjoy live music performance across various outdoor and indoor locations. Explore the Kolektif Takeover at the National Gallery Singapore. Come as you are! Check out how you can have the best experience possible at Light to Night. Light to Night Festival
For detailed access information about specific venues, please refer to:
Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall
