The Children's Biennale is back with loads of thought-provoking pieces for all the family to enjoy. Here's five of our favourite artworks that are not to be missed!
Fans of the Children’s Biennale by National Gallery Singapore can rejoice with the return of its fourth edition this year! From 27 May 2023 to 31 May 2024, you and your little one can immerse yourselves in artworks by local and international artists that spotlight specific core values and impart on key issues of climate. All of the artworks bring to the fore these issues in an easy-to-understand manner for children. Here’s what you can expect…
Children’s Biennale 2023 at the National Gallery Singapore: 5 unmissable artworks
1. I Love You by Arahmaiani
Jump straight into love with Indonesian artist Arahmaiani’s Jawi explorative works to encourage interpersonal collaborations, allowing children to understand empathy, acceptance and harmony in their diverse environments. Kiddos are invited to reflect on how they can show love to one another through an art-making activity and are encouraged to display their creations in the space.
As they navigate this exhibit, little ones can pull out the small Jawi cushion letters and express themselves and also head to the corner for an art activity. What we love is the sensory aspect of this activity that invites little ones to be a part of the process; pulling out the cushions, interacting freely with the space and capping their experiences with an art activity is pretty cool!
2. SAMA-SAMA (TOGETHER) by Fadilah Karim
Inspired by key moments Malaysian artist Fadilah Karim spent with her daughter Aira – both at home and in her studio, this artwork brings forth the joys of childhood through the perspective of a mother (or a parent).
Families are invited to create artworks inspired by their favourite memories, build and spend time in a fort and draw quirky portraits of themselves and their loved ones. Each activity invites you and the kids to experience the artwork by making memories through art-making and interactive play together. Plus, you and the little one can head into one of her “forts”, too!
3. The Magic Forest by the International Museum of Children’s Art
The Norway institution presents The Magic Forest, which features artwork by children that responds to the theme of the ‘environment around us’. The kids can admire the display of art, create pieces at the activity table, and contribute to the forest’s growth. The Magic Forest aims to inspire visitors to respect their surroundings and consider the future they want to create together.
4. Tide by Wang Ruobing
This exhibit represents an immersive kinetic artwork inspired by the moving tide and the rise and fall of sea levels. Simulating the movement of the tide, the artwork uses marine debris collected from the coastlines of Singapore by nonprofit groups like Our Singapore Reefs to draw attention to the dangers of pollution and the harm it causes to the environment. Kiddos can go up and hit the button on the kinetic machine and experience tides. They can also learn about the harmful effects of illegal dumping on the environment. What better way to get them thinking about how our actions can impact the environment?
5. When I Am With You by Ly Yeow
Children are invited to walk through, feel, connect and identify with the artwork by Ly Yeow – When I Am With You. The exhibition is inspired by Singapore’s very own intertidal areas, such as Changi Beach. Ly Yeow drew inspiration from her personal memories and experiences with marine life, as well as the reports in recent years of visitors to the intertidal areas bringing wildlife home. Focusing on the core value of Respect, When I Am With You seeks to educate and emphasise the mutual relationship between the environment and the community – encouraging children to be more conscious of their surroundings and be intentional in respecting the spaces they occupy.
And the above is just for starters! Head over to the National Gallery for even more…
