A Singapore Minute (Part 1 of 5): The National Gallery

Earnest Mangulabnan-Zabala

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

A Singapore Minute (Part 1 of 5): The National Gallery
Singapore's National Gallery is a modern art marvel

SINGAPORE – From a struggling, newly independent country just half a century ago, Singapore has blossomed into one of the region’s economic leaders. Not only has it evolved a robust environment for businesses, it is also a magnet for regional and international tourists. Just last year, it was able to draw in 16 million visitors from all over the world. Not bad for a country that endearingly calls itself The Little Red Dot.

On August 24, 2017 it marked yet another milestone. Both the Singapore Tourism Board and the Singapore Economic Development Board came together to jointly launch the latest incarnation of Singapore as a place where passion is made possible.

As Mr. Lionel Yeo, chief executive of STB said, “With Passion Made Possible, STB is presenting a brand that can tell a fuller Singapore story beyond just tourism. This brand articulates what we stand for as a country and supports the telling of many stories about this destination and its people.”

I have been traveling to Singapore for varying reasons (read: mainly concerts) for the past 2 decades. I have witnessed how the country has blossomed spectacularly: from the towering virtual trees of Gardens by the Bay to the equally dominating cluster of glamour that is Orchard Road. While these architecture and displays of affluence fills the tourist with awe and (for us Filipinos, a tinge of envy), it can sometimes underwhelm. It can be quite sterile. I mean, where’s the grit, lah?

It’s wonderful to hear about this pivot and it’s heartwarming to see them embrace the human side of their story. After all, as it was reiterated again and again during the launch: people do not remember facts, they remember stories.

The National Gallery

Opened 2 years ago in 2015, the National Gallery has the largest collection of modern art in Southeast Asia. It has over 8,000 works of art, recounting the art history of the region from the 19th century to the present.

The museum sits on two adjacent landmark buildings – City Hall and the former Supreme Court. Refurbished at a cost of S$532 million, it is a testament to Singapore’s bid to become a top player within the international art scene.

There are two permanent exhibitions on display: the DBS Singapore Gallery and the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery. Another prominent feature is a center that focuses on learning through art. The Keppel Centre is where “visitors can enjoy immersive spaces that encourage imagination, creativity and self-led exploration.”

It just closed its wildly popular exhibit, “Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow.” For nearly 4 months, it hosted over 120 works of the 88-year old Japanese artist, the largest exhibition of her works to be held in the region. – Rappler.com

The Singapore Travel Showcase will be held at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall from September 15-17. This 3-day event will feature a myriad of activities, performances as well as collaborations between key personalities from Singapore and the Philippines

 

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See the National Gallery yourself! Let us take you to Singapore for less.

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