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18 N O V 2 0 2 3 – Tropical: Stories from Southeast
               An essential compendium of Elevate your style with a curated collection of

    

24 M A R 2 0 24
Asia and Latin America explores In conjunction with the exhibition, we bring the exhibition, this richly high-quality, art-inspired merchandise from
The stories within this exhibition have depicted
the vibrant narratives of artists, Southeast Asian and Latin American artists as
together a variety of discussions and artist ‚  ­ ƒ‚„  illustrated catalogue presents The Gallery Store by Abry, including postcards,

dreamers and writers who
challenged conventions and
fostered solidarities across these
two regions. Their unwavering
The season after the arrival of European During the 1940s, a shift of seismic proportions advocates for the dispossessed and champions
talks for you to explore the dynamic artistic † ‚‡ ˆ‰ˆŠ‹ over 220 full-colour artwork cushion covers, bucket hats and umbrellas.
expressions from Southeast Asia and plates, primary documents, The Tropical merchandise have been produced
colonial rule in Southeast Asia and was underway in Southeast Asia and Latin of reclaiming what remained in the wake of Performance dates: 27 Jan, 24 Feb, 23 Mar
dissipating colonial shadows. Across the 20th
Latin America. artists’ and curatorial texts and with environmentally conscious sources and
Latin America is said to be modern time. America. Many regions were either gaining full resource lists, venturing the eco-conscious practices, ensuring your choices
century, they wielded modern painting and Join Latin pianist and composer Alina Ramirez
While colonialism persisted until the independence or teetering on the brink of For more information about the programmes, tropical as a constellation of align with your values.
sculpture as powerful tools for instigating and her collaborators as she presents a series of
mid-20th century, dissenting voices transformation. Amid these tumultuous times, please visit nationalgallery.sg/tropical.
change, boldly breaking free from the reductive workshops and performances responding to the
the material and magical,

S I N G T E L S P E C I A L E X H I B I T I O N G A L L E R Y A N D V A R I O U S L O C AT I O N S
quest to reclaim their rightful
position within the story of art
forms the core of this exhibition.
Spanning the entirety of the
20th century and featuring a
diverse collection of over 200
groundbreaking artworks created
by more than 70 artists, Tropical
stands as a critical and inspiring
endeavour—the world’s first
that challenged colonial rule began artists were grappling with a pressing question: relational and radical stories. City Hall Wing, Level 1
notion that all artistic endeavours must defer to shared musical histories of Southeast Asia and
to surface in the realms of art, poetry How could they truthfully depict themselves?
Western influences. Latin America. For more information, please visit
and literature by the late 1920s.
Their response was a powerful one—they turned Latiff Mohidin. Tumbuhan Tropika (Tropical Growth). 1968. Oil on canvas, 99 × 89 cm. Private collection. © the artist.
nationalgallery.sg/resonateswithresidency.
These artists embarked on a to the self-portrait as a means to depict the This one-hundred-year pursuit had transformed 
transformative journey to challenge shared heritage of mankind. This new world held these artists into half-rebels and half-lovers,    ­ € „ 
™­‹
and reshape the alluring yet distorted the promise of a future that was democratic and willing to stand at the edge of creative expression,     Œ   „ „ 
depiction of the “natives” living in prosperous, and where everyone was equal. like a bridge between what we know and what
13–14 Jan, 17–18 Jan | 11am–noon, Sun, 3 Dec | 2.30–3pm |
tranquil and exotic tropical landscapes. Racing alongside this was a growing eagerness we think we know. This gallery presents 15 bold
2.30–3.30pm | City Hall Wing, Level 2, Level 1, Padang Atrium
They actively confronted such portrayals to pioneer and innovate with techniques like propositions that epitomise this defiant and
Singapore Courtyard | $5 per participant
and sought to paint a more truthful weaving, carving and batik. These methods creative attitude that is considered Tropical.
Frida Kahlo. Self-Portrait with Monkey. 1945. Oil on masonite, 60 × 42.5 cm. Collection of Robert Brady Museum. © 2023 Bank of Mexico
Join us for a participatory performance,
representation, featuring labourers, became their tools in their quest to establish Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo Museums Trust. Av. May 5. No. 2, col. Center, alc. Cuauhtémoc, cp 06000, Mexico City. Image courtesy of In this guided workshop, participants are invited Parangolés, inspired by Hélio Oiticica’s series,
Humberto Tachiquín Benito “Tachi” / Tachiphoto.
The artworks in this section are arranged
to take part in a session of collective making as
farmers, freedom fighters and even a shared earth for mankind. which was developed from 1964 to 1973.
 
 on freestanding structures resembling a
part of the activation of Lygia Clark's artwork and
their own mothers. Victorio C. Edades, Galo B. Ocampo and Carlos “Botong” Francisco. Mother Nature’s Bounty Harvest. 1935.
Oil on canvas, 257.5 × 273 cm. Private collection. © Armin Christopher E. Cuadra.
 constellation of ideas, dreams and aspirations.
Audiences are invited to dance and move
participatory proposition, the Elastic Net. along with the sounds and rhythms of samba.



  Paperback | 260 pages Postcards, cushion cover and bucket hat are designed and sold by
    S$50 (excluding GST)
The Gallery Store (managed by Abry Pte Ltd).

large-scale exhibition to adopt a ISBN: 978-981-18-7153-5

Available at our museum store,
comparative approach towards Rubem Valentim. Objeto Emblematico 1 (Emblematic Object 1). 1969.
Oil on wood, 152 × 102 × 25 cm. Private collection. Photo by Jaime Acioli.
City Hall Wing, Level 1
artistic expressions in Southeast      
’   „’“„˜‹
Asia and Latin America. These

nationalgallery.sg/tropical
expressions are uniquely animated
by the shared struggles against
   
colonialism that have significantly
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G ALLE RY PA S S T YPE S TA N D A R D L O C A L*

SPECIAL EXHIBITION PASS $25 $15 defined their histories.  
TROPICAL
    Unlock the world of art with National Gallery Ž    

     ˜
Over
ALL ACCESS PASS $30 – The Library of the Tropics is a special zone Sat–Sun, 13–14 Jan | 2.30–3.15pm, Singapore membership. Enjoy admission $100 worth
of vouchers
GENERAL ADMISSION + TROPICAL
within the exhibition that showcases an 3.30–4.15pm | City Hall Wing, Level 1, English | Thu–Sun | 2pm privileges, free parking and discounts on
upon sign-up!

CONCESSION ($5 OFF) Many of these artworks are Tarsila do Amaral. O vendedor de frutas (The Fruit Seller). 1925. Oil on canvas, 108.5 × 84.5 cm.
Gilberto Chateaubriand Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro Collection. © Tarsila do Amaral intriguing collection of books, films, paintings,

Ž

 Keppel Centre for Art Education | Mandarin | Sat–Sun | 1.30pm dining and shopping. Join a community of art
For children aged 7–12 | Seniors aged 60 and above | Empreendimentos; photo by Romulo Fialdini and Valentino Fialdini.
$10 per adult-child pair
Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) excluding foreign personnel |
presented for the first time in posters and cultural objects on and from two 
 Level 1, Padang Atrium, Visitor Services enthusiasts and elevate your art experience.
Overseas students and teachers^   remarkable islands: Bali and Tahiti. The islands Immerse yourself in the world of art and let your Counter | Free for Tropical ticket holders,
FREE ADMISSION
For Gallery Insiders | Children aged 6 and below |
Singapore and showcased ­  ‹ hold a pivotal role in the narrative of 20th-century imagination soar with Art Alive! The programme registration required For more information,
  
Local/locally-based students and teachers^ |
through thought-provoking   art, especially when it comes to depictions of   please scan the QR code or email
Persons with disabilities (PWD) and their caregiver  
         Ž 
offers families a fun and exciting journey with
membership@nationalgallery.sg.
exhibition designs the Gallery has
paradise and stories of untouched cultures that          drama and storytelling activities that bring
* Rates for locals apply to Singaporeans and PRs.
^ From qualifying institutions only. Valid verification is required.
The artworks in this section are presented on
are equal parts intriguing and exotic. Today, both   different artworks from the exhibition to life. SCAN TO SIGN UP

developed in close collaboration

“crystal easels,” a groundbreaking approach
Bali and Tahiti have become renowned tourist  EXPLORER INSIDER
for the presentation of paintings developed by ­   Ž   ‘   
destinations, drawing visitors from around the FREE
Purchase your passes online at
with internationally acclaimed  ­    Ž 
STANDARD: $35 / $30^
nationalgallery.sg/tropical
the Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi in 1968 for
the São Paulo Museum of Art.
world. As you browse through the materials, we Hélio Oiticica. Tropicália. 1966–1967, remade 2023. Wooden structures, fabric, plastic, carpet, wire mesh, tulle, patchouli, sandalwood,
television, sand, gravel, plants, birds and poems by Roberta Camila Salgado, dimensions variable. Collection of Projeto Hélio Oiticica.
    On this series of tours, gain behind-the-scenes
LOCAL: $20 / $15^
to enjoy 10% off. architecture firm WOHA. invite you to reflect upon the fascinating and     
Installation view of Whitechapel Art Gallery, London, 1969. Image courtesy of Projeto Hélio Oiticica and Lisson Gallery.

  Sat–Sun, 3–4 Feb | 2.30–3.15pm, 3.30–4.15pm | insights and learn about the making of the
troubling intersections that persist between
     •
     ˆ
modern art, mass tourism and their combined
 City Hall Wing, Level 1, Keppel Centre for Art exhibition. For more information, please visit Free parking daily 1-hour 2-hour
    
      — 
  Education | $10 per adult-child pair
nationalgallery.sg/tropical.
Daily 10am–7pm 6271 7000 Come discover lively dialogues desire for the exotic. Stay updated on seasonal offers
General ticket sales end 30 minutes info@nationalgallery.sg The grid system in this gallery Through guided discussions led by our facilitator,
Check out works by David Medalla and Zinny Maidagan, and interact with various works by Lygia Clark!
before closing time
between artists from parts of the was first designed by Lina Bo Bardi families will deepen their connections with the Unlimited free access to all exhibitions
        Ž    –                for an exhibition in 1970, using selected paintings as they discuss the artist’s  ’ Žƒ  ƒ“ “
The Gallery is committed
world that are seemingly far apart
nationalgallerysg
locally sourced Brazilian wood. inspirations and themes addressed in the exhibition. Sat, 3 Feb | 11am | Meet at Singtel Special Pre-opening and after hours exhibition viewing
to creating an inclusive
experience that can be
nationalgallerysingapore
natgallerysg
and join us in uncovering how art For Tropical, this system has been Exhibition Gallery 1 (near Lift Lobby B) | Free
enjoyed by visitors with
constructed with timbre planks for Tropical ticket holders, registration required Exclusive festival film screenings and workshops
access needs. nationalgallerysg
can become a story of solidarity
新加坡国家美术馆
salvaged from Singapore’s Jurong
SCAN FOR
ACCESS GUIDE nationalgallery.sg and transformation. Shipyard in the 1980s.   ­€ Boedi Widjaja is a multidisciplinary artist whose Members-only concierge for enquiries
practice draws on his early family history in
Sat, 17 Feb | 2–3.30pm | City Hall Wing, Shopping and dining discounts Up to 20%
STRATE G I C PARTN E R LEAD PARTN E R
As you move through the space, Indonesia, and revolves around the themes of
notice how the grid-like structures  Level 1, Keppel Centre for Art Education |
house, home and homeland. In this tour led by

$12 per person
Earn points and redeem for rewards
enable multiple artworks to be €€ Lygia Clark. Máquina (Machine). 1962. Aluminium, dimensions variable. Courtesy of Associação Cultural “O Mundo de
Widjaja, hear directly from the artist about his work
 ‚ƒ„ Learn charcoal drawing techniques from artist
Lygia Clark,” Rio de Janeiro. Photo by Eduardo Clark.
viewed from various vantage points, and practice as well as his take on the exhibition.

†  „­ ‚‹
Copyright in the content in this brochure may also reside in persons and entities other than, and in addition to the Patrick Ng Kah Onn. Self-Portrait. 1958. Oil on paper, 49.3 × 75.3 cm. Collection of National Gallery Singapore. This acquisition was made possible * Rate for locals apply to Singaporeans and PRs.
 Dahlia Osman and create your own masterpiece
Gallery. The Gallery seeks to share our artworks with as many people as we can. We are fully committed to
with donations to the Art Adoption & Acquisition Programme. © Family of Patrick Ng. Image courtesy of National Heritage Board, Singapore.
respecting the intellectual property rights of others and always use our best efforts to obtain permission for artwork
a feat that would otherwise be  ^ Concessions are available for students, children aged 7–12


images used. Please contact us should you have any queries about this. This brochure is published by National

    inspired by the exhibition.

Gallery Singapore. All rights reserved. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced in part or in whole without
and seniors aged 60 and above.
written consent of the Gallery. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information within this brochure.
However, changes are sometimes unavoidable and the Gallery reserves the right to make modifications to the   impossible with conventional walls! David Medalla. Cloud Canyons No. 24. 2015, first version in series:
Offers are accurate at time of print.
programmes and ticketing policy without prior notice. Please visit www.nationalgallery.sg for the most updated 1964. Wood, perspex, compressors, timer, water and detergent.
information. The views and opinions expressed by speakers, facilitators and docents at the workshops and tours do
not necessarily represent the position of the Gallery. Published in Nov 2023. All information is correct at time of print.
Miguel Covarrubias. Portrait of Ayu Ktut (also known as Bali Beauty), c. 1936, reproduced on the
cover of Vanity Fair, February 1936. Collection of National Gallery Singapore Library & Archive.    310 × 150 × 150 cm. Collection of National Gallery Singapore.
Image courtesy of National Heritage Board, Singapore.

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