Trip to SAM:

In Week 5, we had a class visit to the Singapore Art Museum (SAM). It was a real eye opener for me as the previous time I was there was over 5 Years ago. There was an array of exhibits put up, some I found really interesting while others seemed a little peculiar to me. Either way I feel that the trip was a very fruitful one as it really allowed me to understand the many "different" forms of Art existing in our present society. 

There was more than just one exhibit put up, one of which is called "After Utopia: Revisiting the Ideal, in contemporary Asian Art". I found it really astounding walking through the different parts of the exhibits, each Art piece was very individual and captivating in it's own way. 

Photo by Author 

There were many different pieces in each exhibit, I have taken some of the most interesting ones to me to be posted here. Along with each Art Piece comes a description that explains what the Art Pieces are portraying and the messages the Artists are trying to pass on through their work.

Photos by Author

This exhibition shows the attempts of the Artist trying to show people the Great Leaders of China at the summit yielding power. But there is a great amount of irony present, as every model of the Leaders are in a resting position, laid down as if sleeping. From what I see, it was as if the Artist was "against" these Leaders and portrayed them to be dead. 

Photos by Author 

This Artwork depicts a wedding altar of Hindu culture, it shows the many characteristics of their diverse culture. All the designs and colours used for the altar are really captivating, it truly shows you what is present and used for in their Wedding Ceremonies. It also shows the many social requirements, customs and religious practices. 

I found this exhibit really amazing in terms of how the Artwork was presented and how many miniatures there were to make up one complete piece. It's the installation of 366 carved, wooden sculptures. I feel that this portrayed the definition of patience, motivation and strength to pursue the competition of something.  

 One must be really focused to one able to apprehend the competition of an Art Piece as large as this one. I really respect the Artist's patience and perseverance.  

Photo by Author 

I felt the presence of irony and sarcasm in this Piece. When I walked into the room, I was in awe as I saw these large displays of reflective pieces of artworks hung from the ceiling.

Little did I know that they were actually the representation of missiles/bombs in the war. One thought just came into my mind, how could something so beautiful be something so harmful? What was the message and idea of this Artist? 



Photo by Author                                                                                                       
     



Some other pieces throughout the whole exhibition: 

Photo by Author 

Photo by Author 

Photo by Author

* All credits of Artworks to their respective Artists 

I've learnt much from the visit, I used to think that Art was just about what you put on paper. I never gave much thought to how diverse the three letter word "Art" can be until this visit.