Take the kids to Singapore Art Museum’s Learning Gallery at Tanjong Pagar Distripark to learn about contemporary art. The transformed space at Gallery 2 on Level 1 is a colourful space designed to spark curious and authentic encounters with contemporary art for all visitors.
The new SAM Learning Gallery has taken on the theme of “Childhood” for its opening. This is a unifying theme in everyone’s lives and invites all to think and reflect on experiences as a child.
SAM’s Learning Gallery: Contemporary Art Space for Kids
Art galleries and children can be like oil and water, but with the right approach, a beautiful emulsion can form.
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The Learning Gallery has five artworks by local and regional artists specially selected from the National Collection or commissioned to extend the learning of contemporary art to all.
You might feel like a child again stepping into the gallery with mirror clouds hanging and space to wander. It is meant to be an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life with a low-stimulation, screen-free and calm environment.
Each artwork is accompanied by pairs of wall text – one for the children, the other for the adults. This allows everyone to engage with the artwork and understand the artists as well as their intent.
June Yap, Director of Curatorial and Research at SAM, said, “SAM’s new Learning Gallery at Tanjong Pagar Distripark is a dedicated space for visitors of all ages to engage deeply and personally with contemporary art through the uninhibited curiosity and openness of a child. Exploring childhood as a shared experience that connects us all regardless of age, we hope that the exhibition provides visitors with the opportunity to gather and learn from each other. By nurturing art education and facilitating dialogue on pressing social issues, SAM remains committed to broadening perspectives and enriching lives through the power of art.”
Five Artworks at Singapore Art Museum’s Learning Gallery
The artworks at SAM’s Learning Gallery are changed annually.
Presently, there are five artworks visitors can encounter, one of which cannot be seen!
Black Forest by Han Sai Por
The first artwork that greets visitors at the entrance is Han Sai Por’s artpiece made of wood branches and charcoal. The story behind this ongoing project was about Han’s childhood story of a forest behind her home in Changi. The forest had caught fire and she tried to douse the fire with water from the well. She used a Tembusu tree given by NParks, using the top branches to recreate a miniature forest burnt and covered by soot. It reminds us of the resilience of nature even with deforestation by humans.
Togar, A Gesture by Julian Abraham
This work cannot be seen but can be heard. The soundwork by Julian Abraham explores the act of listening and highlights the visitors’ relationship with sound within a space. It was certainly quite humorous hearing the abrupt “shh” and clearing of throat in the somewhat quiet space. The vocalisations might be disruptive these are sounds that could be heard during a typical gallery experience. The artist tests our sensitivity to the unseen aspects of the exhibition space.
Untitled, from the series Singapore by Nguan
Everyday scenes on the streets of Singapore are captured by Nguan. The sense of loneliness and alienation is alsp captured. Nguan explores Singapore on foot and takes portraits of strangers, presenting overlooked aspects of the mundane. Themes explored are sombre and soft, conveying a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Children are asked to think about what comes to mind when they think of Singapore.
Like Shadows Through Leaves by Migrant Ecologies Project
Step into a forest in the section where a film is screened on Tanglin Halt, its process of urban renewal and the 32 birds that can be heard in the film.
The collective Migrant Ecologies made repeated visits to Tanglin Halt to trace the echoes and memories that animate the area, like shadows through leaves. Over 500 species of birds were documented in the zone along the rail tracks at Tanglin Halt, viewers are invited into the stories of the people who lived in Tanglin Halt along with their interactions with nature.
Malay poetry, narration and bird calls are peppered through the film, forming a layered tale in which both humans and birds search for a place that once existed.
深疤凰 SEMBAWANG by Tang Da Wu
Is it a bird? Is it a gargoyle? Is it a beast? The metal artwork bears a resemblance to the large-tailed nightjar which appeared frequently at The Artists Village. This was founded by Tang and located in Sembawang.
The piece coneys Tang’s feelings about TAV leaving Sembawang. The creature is perched on its tears, represented by diamond-shaped mirrors, calling out “Where are my children?”
Programming Space & Cloud Library
Browse through a selection of books related to the artworks, write a letter to yourself, play at the interactive wall or interact with the specimens at the programming space.
Visitors can browse through the selection of books placed at different heights according to the age-appropriateness of the content. The well-curated books have themes on loss, moving, sickness which are difficult topics to broach sometimes. Parents can read the books with their child and start conversations about the themes.
Sit on a bean bag, enjoy the books or write a letter to yourself at the response wall. Express thoughts and feeling after experiencing the artworks.
Visitors can also collect a sticker book and sticker pack when they visit Learning Gallery.
Opening Carnival at SAM’s Learning Gallery on 20 July 2024
Families are invited to the opening fair and carnival which include art activities, an indoor picnic area with traditional games and snacks. More details can be found at SAM’s site.
The Learning Gallery at Singapore Art Museum is open from 10 am to 7 pm daily at Gallery 2, SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark from 20 July 2024.
What Else to See at Singapore Art Museum
While at at Singapore Art Museum, we also recommend viewing the Olafur Eliasson: Your Curious Journey exhibition which is open till September 2024.
If you enjoyed this story, we think that you will also enjoy reading about the Keppel Centre for Art Education at National Gallery Singapore.
