NESTLED within Tanjong Pagar Distripark, the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) unveils its newest gem: the Learning Gallery. Far more than a mere exhibition hall, this innovative space beckons visitors of all ages to rediscover the joy of art through a lens of uninhibited curiosity and boundless imagination.
Gallery 2, located on Level 1, has been transformed into a sanctuary where contemporary art comes alive, handpicked from SAM's National Collection or commissioned to provoke thought and introspection.
From artist Nguan's nostalgic snapshots of everyday Singapore to Han Sai Por's poignant reflections on nature's resilience, each artwork serves as a portal into diverse narratives of home, environment and human experience.
SAM's director of Curatorial and Research, June Yap, underscores the gallery's role as an oasis amidst the chaos of modern life. "SAM's new Learning Gallery 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," she begins, tone laced with enthusiasm.
Adding, she points out that by exploring childhood as a shared experience that connects us all regardless of age, it's hoped that "… the exhibition will be able to provide 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."
Outside the gallery, adult visitors are greeted by a letter addressed to their inner child, prompting them to approach the exhibition with an open mind and tap into the formative experiences of their childhood.
Upon entering the space, children are invited to experience the artworks in their own special way. With this focus on the inhibited perspective of a child, this edition of the Learning Gallery proposes that new dimensions to appreciating and learning about contemporary art can arise when one embraces a spirit of curiosity, imaginative playfulness and spontaneity.
PLAYFUL EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY
At its heart, the Learning Gallery champions inclusivity in art education. Interactive elements abound, from a curated library offering literature that echoes the exhibition's themes to an imaginative wall that responds to touch, inviting visitors to leave their mark in a space where creativity knows no boundaries.
Beyond its physical confines, SAM extends the Learning Gallery's influence through the innovative ChildISH project. ChildISH features poems by five local poets, namely Amanda Chong, Hamid Roslan, Pooja Nansi, Charlene Shepherdson and Daryl Qilin Yam that were crafted in response to the works featured in the Learning Gallery at SAM.
The poems are complemented by an artwork from local illustrator Tan Zi Xi, featuring drawings by pupils from Ang Mo Kio Primary School, creating a rich, multisensorial showcase.
The presentation is currently on view at Punggol Regional Library and will travel to various regional libraries across Singapore until Dec 16, 2024. More details on ChildISH can be found in Annex B.
As SAM continues to expand horizons and enrich lives through the power of art, the Learning Gallery is testament to the enduring relevance of curiosity and creativity. Whether one is a seasoned art aficionado or just a first-time visitor, this gallery promises an immersive journey where every encounter sparks new insights, connections, and possibilities.
Discover the Learning Gallery at SAM and embark on a voyage where art, imagination, and exploration converge in a celebration of the human spirit and its infinite capacity for wonder.
Admission to the Learning Gallery is free for all visitors. It will be open at Gallery 2, SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark. For info, visit bit.ly/SAM-LearningGallery.