In January, we learned that the Singapore Biennale will be making a comeback after three years (yes, we know biennale means every two years, but who’s counting). This fifth edition of the contemporary art exhibition will showcase site-specific artwork displayed at the Singapore Art Museum, Queen Street and other surrounding areas over the span of four months from Oct 27, 2016–Feb 26, 2017. Titled “Atlas of Mirrors”, this year’s Singapore Biennale has shortlisted a number of artists based on their past work and art practices by creative director Susie Lingham and a bunch of museum and associate curators.
We’re already looking forward to Malaysian mixed-media artist Ahman Fuad Osman; Rathnin Barmanff, an Indian national who’s highly regarded for socio-political commentary; Singaporean Cultural Medallion winner Han Sai Por; and Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook from Thailand, who did these amazing videos on Thai farmers commenting on European pastoral art.
Susie Lingham (5th from right), creative director of this year’s Singapore Biennale, along with the other curators who shortlisted the artworks
The organizers recently added 11 more participating artists to the lineup, bringing it to a total of more than 50 artists from various disciplines who will be be present at this years Biennale. Among the new additions are Ade Darmawan from Indonesia, who recently held a solo exhibition at the Portikus contemporary art centre in Frankfurt, Germany; Philippines’ Martha Atienza, whose works are a reflection of her keen observation of nature and the environment; and Singaporean Fyerool Darma, whose debut show a couple years ago, Moyang, used the language of painting to explore the historical forces at play in the Malay archipelago era.
For a full line-up, check out the Singapore Biennale website.
