Gillman Barracks has always been the place to be for art lovers, but it got just a lot cooler this month with lots of Singapore Art Week-related events. There’s an appearence by Steve McCurry (yes, of Afghan Girl fame), thought-provoking showcases by local artists like Donna Ong, and of course, a couple of boozy parties to get into.
Applehops Beer Bash (Jan 16)
Steve McCurry (Jan 16-Feb 21)
Most famous for his photograph of the Afghan Girl, National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry will be in town to open an exhibition of his best work, The Iconic Photographs, from Myanmar, Pakistan and China at the Sundaram Tagore Gallery. If you’re a die-hard fan, sign up for a spot at the Q&A session on Jan 16, 3-5pm, though spots are limited. Free.
My Forest Has No Name Exhibition (Jan 16-28)
If you need to get up to speed on local contemporary artists, head to Donna Ong’s latest exhibition, titled, “My Forest Has No Name” at FOST Gallery. Her work explores how Singaporeans have interacted with the forest from colonial times to present day, with the artist using text, and readymades to flesh out social, political and environmental themes. Free.
Andy Warhol: Social Circus (Jan 16-29)
The artist who made Pop Art a major movement may have passed, but his polaroids live on. The Andy Warhol: Social Circus exhibition will feature polaroids of him and his squad, like socialite and ex Mrs Mick Jagger, Bianca Jagger, modern dancer Martha Graham, front row fixture Andre Leon Talley, and many more of creatives and the fabulous Studio 54 set. It is said that these polaroids inspired his large potraits, like his 1979 Liza Minelli acrylic and silkscreen work, plus, it’s also the first time they are being put together for an exhibition in Asia. Head to Block 47 Malan Road, #01-26, Gillman Barracks from 11am to 7pm. Free.
Art After Dark (Jan 22)
For the first time this year, Art After Dark is back at Gillman Barracks again for a special edition. It not only features work from local and international galleries like Arndt, Mizuma Gallery, Fost Gallery and the NTU Centre for Contemporary Art, there is also the launch of a month-long curated exhibition of outdoor art around the vicinity by visual art gallery Arnoldii Arts Club, along with guest exhibitions like SCOUT Singapore : Emerging Art Practices and the M1 Fringe Festival’s Railtracks Songmaps. Noise Singapore’s music alumni will be providing tunes throughout the night with food and drink pop-ups lining the barracks. Once you’re done, head on down to the afterparty just around the corner at Red Baron for craft beers. Free.
