Before the indignant screams of “Orientalism!” or “cultural appropriation!” take over—hear us out. The internationally renowned Mazel Galerie from Brussels has commissioned a brand new exhibition for their Singapore post (the gallery’s first foray into Asia), and the artworks are quite the sight for sore eyes. Happening through Jun 30, “The Great Race” takes its source material from the traditional Chinese zodiac, in Mazel Galerie’s first Asian-themed art show.
On display are more than 40 diverse works—presented in mediums ranging from sculpture to spray paint to good ol’ oil on canvas. Twelve European artists were invited to reinterpret the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, in what gallery owner Kevin Troyano Cuturi calls an “East-meets-West exhibition”. Of the 40 works, 24 were specially commissioned for the Singapore show. The eight commissioned artists are Stephane Pencreac’h, Vincent Corpet, Lionel Sabatte, C215, Noir, Quentin Garel, Monk, and Laurina Paperina; Paperina’s kooky piece “Contemporary Chinese Zodiac”—which features in its ragtag gang Banksy’s rat and Takashi Murakami’s rabbit, among others—is sure to be a fan favorite.
The Great Race, Stephane Pencreac’h
Contemporary Chinese Zodiac, Laurina Paperina
Rat St, Lionel Sabatte
Odilon, Hubert Le Gall
3824, Vincent Corpet
The gallery even scheduled the “animals” to arrive in the right zodiac order of the mythological race—with French artist Lionel Sabatte’s metallic rat sculpture leading the pack; and painter Vincent Corpet’s pig paintings bringing up the rear. You have to give it to them; that’s effort right there.
The Great Race runs from now through Jun 30 at Mazel Galerie, Pacific Plaza Singapore, #02-16. Admission is free and more information here.
