Just quietly, we tend to look forward to the Singapore Art Museum’s annual children-focused exhibition just as much as the kids do (if not more), and this year is no exception. In its sixth edition, the 2016 exhibition Imaginarium: Over the Ocean, Under the Sea conjures up images of colourful sea creatures, underwater legends and the mysteries of the deep, all delivered with an important environmental conservation message. Let’s join hands, hold our breath, and dive in together…
We all know the ocean is a pretty magical place. But when viewed through the eyes of contemporary artists, the wonders of the sea reach a whole new level of whimsy and beauty. Add the ever-curious eyes of children to the mix and you’ve got a fairly inspiring way for the family to spend the day. This exhibition invites adventurers of all ages to explore and play, partly for the pure fun of it, but also to encourage us to think about the impact we all have on the natural world. The artists of Imaginarium: Over the Ocean, Under the Sea provoke the viewer with innovative ideas and stories to think about how we can do more to save our earth and its watery realms.
This is no ordinary ‘aquarium in a gallery’ exhibit. Moving through the different areas you’ll find an installation by Singaporean chef Janice Wong, who has re-created a deep seabed of ‘coral’ made from more than 1,300 kilograms of sugar, chocolate and confectionery (just wait for the cries of “can we eat it? Can we?”). You’ll also see – and play with – a wooly underwater seascape tirelessly crocheted by Indonesian artist Mulyana, and a surreal giant sphere that needs your help to move around the gallery, making art on the walls, ceiling and floors as you go. Thai artist Krit Ngamsom has created sculptures inspired by the likes of Damien Hirst and Dali, while Singaporean Tan Zi Xi’s version of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch will provoke all of us to think hard about our contribution to ocean pollution.
The exhibition can be enjoyed simply by wandering through and playing with the tactile elements, or by joining one of these interactive workshops, all being held at SAM at 8Q, Imaginarium Workshop Space (Level 2):
Plastic Ocean – Illustration workshop with Tan Zi Xi
When: Sat 30 Jul, 2–3.30pm and Tue 9 Aug, 10.30am–12pm
Singaporean artist and illustrator Tan Zi Xi constantly seeks new ways of sharing her creative illustrations. Taking inspiration from her artworks An Effort Most Futile and Plastic Ocean, participants will reflect on their daily plastic consumption, wastage and its repercussions on environmental pollution, while jointly creating a mural painting with Zi Xi and learning to find beauty in the everyday.
The Totally Awesomely Amazing Story of Sri Tri Buana – Descendant of the Sea
When: Fri 17 Jun, 11am and Sat 18 Jun, 11am
Join Rosemarie Somaiah, otherwise known as ‘Aunty Rose’, for an imaginative and fun-filled day out with the family. Through engaging, interactive storytelling sessions, she will share the legends of a King who fell in love with the Princess of the Sea, and their life in the underwater kingdom.
Curator-led tour: family night at the museum
When: Wed 1 Jun, 7pm
Join a night of fun and parent-child bonding at the museum as Imaginarium co-curator, Andrea Fam, introduces you to the artworks and brings you on a journey of discovery around Imaginarium: Over the Ocean, Under the Sea.
Entry is free for Singaporeans, PRs, and children aged below six. Adult tickets are $10, and it’s $5 for students and senior citizens.
This post is sponsored by Singapore Art Museum.