Even though the vividly-coloured Marvel and DC comics are having a moment, the rough and sketchy ones we grew up with will always have a special place in our hearts. From Nov 3, 2018 to Jul 7, 2019, you’ll get to see over 150 Chinese cartoons—from both Singapore and China—artefacts and images related to Chinese comics at the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall.
This special exhibition, titled Between the Lines – The Chinese Cartoon Revolution will take you through the late 19th century—following China’s defeat in the first Sino-Japanese War—through to the first half of the 20th century before the revolution, giving insights into the aspirations and experiences of those in China through comics. Communicating the evolving political situation in China and incoming foreign threats by superpowers, thought-provoking messsages were deftly weaved within these cartoons.
For the newly-settled Chinese diaspora in Singapore, cartoons featured in local newspapers were a type of news and social commentary the common man could easily tune into, as a way of staying close to their homeland they still feel deeply connected to. An attempt to add a modern, relatable twist on these comics will see Singapore’s own illustrator Lee Kow Fong, providing a contemporary take on the exhibition’s narratives; and local students have adapted cartoons to parody modern realities and hardships too.
Check out some highlights that will be featured in the exhibition below.
Vying for a slice of China
Officials and Rice Barrels
The Victory of 1939 (1939), Sin Chew Jit Poh © Singapore Press Holdings Limited
The Rice Bowl of the Overseas Chinese
Between the Lines – The Chinese Cartoon Revolution takes place Nov 3, 2018 to Jul 7, 2019 at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, 12 Tai Gin Rd. More info here.
