Get Up Close and Personal with Giant Insects at ArtScience Museum 

Insects: Microsculptures Magnified is making its Southeast Asia debut at ArtScience Museum on 17th January 2026, get up and personal with giant insects, with images towering up to 7 feet high. This exhibition showcases larger-than-life realm of insects, observe the beauty and intricacy of the insects forms far beyond what the naked eye can perceive.

“Insects: Microsculptures Magnified is ArtScience Museum’s first exhibition on insects. It invites audiences to reconsider these often-overlooked creatures as complex, beautifully structured, and essential to life on Earth. Created in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History and enriched by scientific research from Singapore institutions including Nanyang Technological University, the National University of Singapore, and A*STAR, the exhibition brings global perspectives into dialogue with local discovery. The exhibition reveals how in Singapore’s forests and laboratories, scientists are making discoveries that sound almost unbelievable—beetles that clean ecosystems, cicadas that inspire futuristic materials, and bugs never before seen by science. The exhibition speaks directly to Singapore’s active nature and wildlife photography communities, inviting them to look more closely at the insect world,” said Honor Harger, Vice President of ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands. 

Extraordinary Large-scale Insects Photography by Levon Biss

Through the lens of award-winning British photographer Levon Biss, visitors can observe the microscopic details of each insect, that are transformed into mind-blowing, eye-catching, and captivating visual up close counters with insects world. 

Widely regarded as one of the leading macro photographers of his generation, Levon Biss macro photography is known for his meticulous images of insects, seeds, fruits and botanical forms, life to monumental scale. By magnifying insect life to monumental scale, his photography works invites a renewed sense of attention to the intricacy of nature ecosystem that one often overlooks. 

His pioneering photographic technique captures what entomologists refer to as an insect’s “micro sculpture”, from the exterior armour of the insect, to its velvet-like textures and saw-toothed mandibles, to the finely pigmented scales that define the amazing diversity of the insect world.

“The opportunity to display Microsculpture at ArtScience Museum is without doubt a highlight for the project and one that I could never have imagined when photographing the first insect. It is hugely satisfying to see the images enjoyed by different audiences around the world and it is clear evidence of a public appreciation and curiosity for these incredible creatures,” said Levon Biss. 

“Each photograph is created from over 8,000 individual images using a bespoke photo rig and microscope lenses. This achieves extreme levels of detail, allowing visitors to experience and appreciate microscopic textures and adaptations that would otherwise be lost to the naked eye. It’s both a technical challenge and an opportunity to celebrate the ingenuity of life at a tiny scale, a mixture of entertainment and education. By bringing these minute forms to monumental size, the exhibition invites viewers to look closely, to wonder, and care about the beauty and significance of these ingenious creatures we share this planet with,” he added. 

Insects: Microsculptures Magnified

This exhibition is created in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History, featuring 37 monumental, high-magnification portraits of insects from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History’s collection. The meticulous details of the insects world microscopic forms are the key spotlights, observe the breathtaking details and clarity, the textures and anatomical structures that are often remain invisible, even to close observers.

First presented at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History in 2016, ArtScience Museum has expanded upon the original exhibition to incorporate specimens from local institutions, including Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum’s Zoological Reference Collection, Nanyang Technology University (NTU) Asian School of the Environment’s Tropical Ecology and Entomology Lab and Blackcrow Taxidermy & Art.

Cutting-edge Scientific Research from Singapore

Insects: Microsculptures Magnified exhibition also features cutting-edge scientific research from Singapore, showcasing exciting new research from Singapore’s scientific community, revealing how insect discoveries here are shaping fields from ecology to engineering. 

Scientists from NTU School of the Environment’s Tropical Ecology and Entomology Lab are pioneering fieldwork on native dung beetles, uncovering the hidden diversity and ecological roles of these insects and building foundational knowledge for conservation in tropical urban landscapes.

At A*STAR Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging, researchers are translating the remarkable nanoscale textures of cicada wings into cutting-edge self-cleaning, anti-microbial surfaces, showcasing how nature’s designs can inspire nex-generation materials. 

This show also showcases the discovery of a new species of plant bug, Campylomma Singapura, documented by researchers at the National University of Singapore, giving visitors a chance to see and learn about a species previously unknown to science. 

Get Up Close and Personal with Giant Insects at ArtScience Museum

If you are a fan of nature, flora and fauna, outdoors, and especially into insects, this special exhibition “Insects: Microsculptures Magnified” that is held at ArtScience Museum, dob’t miss it! For those who are into nature, wildlife, flora and fauna, that are not that into the insects world, I invite you to visit this exhibition, to get up close and personal with giant insects at ArtScience Museum.

Once you visit Insects: Microsculptures Magnified, this exhibition would let you learn a lot more about the insects world, its diversity, the key roles they play in nature’s ecosystem that many of us do not know and understand. 

Do also take your time to view photographs of the world of insects up close and personal, would you ever think about viewing insects from such different perspectives and angles, and they can look pretty good and nice, not scary and ugly, as some of us might have some bad vibes, feels and perceptions about the insect world?

It’s educational, enriching, as well as an visual eye-opener that would make you view the insects world from new and different perspectives.

Insects: Microsculptures Magnified Information

• Venue: ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands
• Date: 17th January to 19th April 2026

Ticketing ** Launch Privileges: Visits until 28th February 2026 **

Tickets can be purchased at all Marina Bay Sands box offices and online.

Opening hours:

Address

• 6 Bayfront Avenue
• Singapore 018974

For more information on the exhibition, please visit https://www.marinabaysands.com/museum/exhibitions/insects.html 

The post Get Up Close and Personal with Giant Insects at ArtScience Museum appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Once Upon a Tide: Singapore’s Journey from Settlement to Global City

Once Upon a Tide: Singapore’s Journey from Settlement to Global City, runs from 24 May 2025 to 9 October 2026. This special exhibition anchors on Singapore’s maritime connections,  inviting visitors to discover and learn more about Singapore’s maritime history and heritage, how the sea and river have shaped Singapore’s evolution from a bustling 14th century port to a global maritime powerhouse of today. 

Featuring over 350 artefacts from the National Collection, the exhibition traces the constant flows of people, goods, and ideas from around the world that have ben collectively won the rich and diverse fabric of our nation, with centuries of history under its belt to its present day. This also further reflects our shared journey over the years and commitment to build a shared future.

Chung May Khuen, Director of the National Museum of Singapore, said, “As we celebrate SG60, Once Upon a Tide offers a timely opportunity for us to reflect on our nation’s remarkable journey of progress and transformation that is shaped by its connections in the region and beyond. These values of openness and interconnectedness remain relevant and crucial today, as we constantly adapt and innovate to navigate a landscape that is highly globalised and increasingly turbulent. We hope this exhibition will inspire Singaporeans to think about the collective future they envision for our nation.” 

Ms Tan Su-Yin, Senior Director (Grants), Tote Board, shared: “Tote Board is honoured to play a role in commemorating Singapore’s 60th year of independence through our support of various SG60 programmes. At the heart of these celebrations is Once Upon a Tide, which chronicles Singapore’s remarkable transformation. The exhibition is a testament to our collective achievements and the unwavering spirit that has defined Singapore’s progress over six decades. Through our support of Once Upon a Tide and other SG60 initiatives, Tote Board continues our commitment to fostering social cohesion and celebrating our shared heritage. These programmes provide platforms for Singaporeans to come together, reflect on our journey, and strengthen the bonds that make our society uniquely Singaporean.” 

Ashmita Acharya, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC Singapore, said, “As Principal Sponsor of Once Upon a Tide, HSBC is proud to play a part in celebrating Singapore’s remarkable growth from a small fishing village to a global financial powerhouse –a journey we’ve been a part of since opening our first branch here along the busy port of Singapore 148 years ago. Our support of this exhibition underscores our continued commitment towards fostering meaningful international connections, partnering businesses, and opening opportunities that contribute to the next chapter of the nation’s growth at this pivotal moment in history.” 

Five Immersive Sections in your Journey of Discovery at Once Upon a Tide

There are five immersive sections in this special exhibition, each represents different aspects of Singapore’s evolution that are brought to life through experiential storytelling. Let’s begin your voyage journey into Once Upon a Tide: Singapore’s Journey from Settlement to Global City.

First Section – Always on the Map

In the beginning, travel back in time to discover and learn Singapore’s deep historical roots and its prominence on a regional and global scale, long before the arrival of the British in 1819. Observe the maps on display inside this section, learn about how much of Singapore’s neighbouring waters were surveyed and drawn on those maps, prior to the arrival of the Sir Stamford Raffles and the East India Company into Singapore in 1819.

There are key artefacts on display inside this first section, showcasing Singapore’s strategic position at a crossroads of global flows, as one of the key port settlements in the Malay World and Chinese trade networks. 

Second Section – The River Road

As you continue travelling through history and time inside Once Upon a Tide, sail through the history of Singapore River. How important is Singapore River in Singapore’s maritime history and heritage? The evolution of Singapore River also mirrors the economic development of Singapore.

Singapore River played key roles in Singapore’s maritime trade routes, with known trading settlements along the Singapore River. Over the centuries, the Singapore River played a vital role in shaping Singapore’s transformation into a global trading hub, from coaling to shipbuilding industries, becoming an icon of Singapore’s growth and progress. 

There is a Sampan Challenge for visitors to take on! Come and “row across” the Singapore River!

Third Section – Expanding Horizons

For a small island country, Singapore grew bigger through land reclamation, as she has to constantly deal with land scarcity. Through land reclamation, this allows the widening of further development and growth, and also reshaping Singapore’s relationship with the sea.

There is a digital slider map that you have to experience it for yourself, you can visually trace and view the changing coastlines of Singapore across the centuries, from the colonial times to modern Singapore today.

Forth Section – Flows of People

Singapore’s identity is built on the bedrock of multiculturalism. Flows of People pays tribute to individuals that laid the hard work and foundations for Singapore’s development into a modern cosmopolitan city, from the early settlers to modern workers of today. 

For this section, it examines the living experiences of the people who built our nation, provided transport services, those that defended Singapore, and those that cared for others within society. Through intimate audio and video testimonials, visitors can hear directly from them, and be inspired by members of these communities. 

Check out the photographic artefacts and personal mementos, offering insights into the various trades, and also a slice of the diversity of those that helped to build the nation of today’s Singapore.

Fifth Section – Making Waves

At the finale section, Making Waves is dedicated to giving spotlight to Singaporeans, homegrown businesses and organisations that make waves and headlines globally, across the areas of diplomacy, humanitarian efforts, innovation and hub development from 1965 to the present day.

On the wall of this section, there is a quote/question, “How do we define success today? What does it mean to make an impact on the world?” Check out the stories of Singaporeans trailblazers who travelled on the road less travelled, redefining success and shaping an ever-evolving Singaporean identity on the world stage.

Don’t miss the Singlish words that make it into Oxford Dictionary, our favourite local cuisines celebrated around the world, celebrate Singapore’s uniqueness that gained international recognition. Do take part in an interactive Singlish quiz to test your knowledge of Singaporean language that has become a cultural marker of pride.

There is a diverse range of artefacts that document Singapore’s achievements across various fields that are on display, they are tangible reminders of Singapore’s global prominence. From athletes Joseph Schooling, Maximilian Maeder, Shanti Pereira, and Loh Kean Yew, to pianist Margaret Leng Tan, and filmmaker Eric Khoo, among others. 

If you are inspired by the stories and artefacts inside this section, you are invited to contribute objects and stories as part of National Museum’s Collecting Contemporary Singapore initiative that returns this year, with a focus on “Wave Makers”.

Your contributions will help National Museum of Singapore build up their collection and tell more diverse stories of Singaporeans who make us proud globally. For more information on this public call, please visit National Museum of Singapore website. 

Shaping Your Future: What does the future hold? What paths will Singapore take?

Before you exit the exhibition, you are invited to reflect and share, on how Singapore’s identity and definition of success have evolved over time through an RFID-based personalised experience. 

The questions are spread across the exhibition sections, and you van use the RFID wristbands collected at the start of the exhibition to answer them.

At the end of the exhibition, visitors will be assigned one of four avatars based on their response throughout the experience. Each avatar reflects one’s individual values, priorities, and aspirations for Singapore’s future. They also contribute to a larger cityscape visual that represents the collective vision of the future of Singapore, co-created by all who participated. 

Get Curious! Building Our Singapore

The National Museum of Singapore Children’s Season is a highly anticipated event, returning with Get Curious! Building Our Singapore, designed as a complement to Once Upon a Tide. 

Introducing younger visitors to the builders of Singapore

This year’s Children’s Season continues the journey for discovery for young visitors, especially on the themes of people who built Singapore, and how Singapore continues to build her identity and “Make Waves” internationally, in tandem with the Once Upon a Tide exhibition sections four and five, Flows of People & Making Waves.

This year’s Children’s Season edition features an interactive installation and an intergenerational showcase – Get Curious! Building Our Singapore and Our Mama Shop showcase. 

The installation invites children to explore how different communities contributed to the growth of Singapore. At the Our Mama Shop showcase, children can connect and learn more about our common Singapore identity and uniquely local cultural elements. 

My Personal Journey across Once Upon a Tide

This journey across into Once Upon a Tide was a very enriching and learning experience for me. The content and curation goes a lot deeper and further than what learn in our history books in school, and the time before Sir Stamford Raffles arrival in 1819.

In the first section, this was an area of great interest to me. What was Singapore like before the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819? That’s so much more to learn about Singapore’s history!

For those who love reading and analysing maps of all kinds (navigation, topographical etc), Once Upon a Tide will definitely interest you greatly, as it has done for me. Just by walking through the maps from the first section to the fifth section, you can see for yourselves how much Singapore has transformed over the centuries. 

A worthy and fitting theme, Once Upon a Tide is a rich and intense history, heritage and cultural exhibition to mark Singapore’s (SG60) 60th anniversary celebrations, how Singapore is making waves around the world, even though we are a young and small country (by land size). 

Once Upon a Tide and Children’s Season Information and Admission Details

Once Upon a Tide: Singapore’s Journey from Settlement to Global City

• Venue: National Museum of Singapore, Exhibition Gallery 1 and 2, Basement Level 
• Date: 24 May 2025 – 9 October 2026
• Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm daily (last ticket sales at 6pm, last gallery admission at 630pm)

Admission Fee: 

• Free admission for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents
• Tickets range from $18 (Concession) to $24 (Tourists and non Permanent Residents)

For more information, please visit https://go.gov.sg/onceuponatide 

Get Curious! Building Our Singapore

Entry to Get Curious! Building Our Singapore installation and showcase are free for all. Some programmes are ticketed. 

• Date: 24 May – 29 June
• Opening Hours: 10am – 12:30pm, 1:30pm – 6pm daily
• Venue: Gallery Theatre Foyer, Basement

Our Mama Shop Intergenerational Showcase

1. Date: 24 May – 29 June
2. Opening Hours: 10am – 12:30pm, 1:30pm – 6pm daily 
3. Venue: The Salon, Level 1

For more information on Children’s Season, please visit https://go.gov.sg/nms-cs2025 

The post Once Upon a Tide: NMS charts Singapore’s SG60 Voyage from Settlement to City appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photographer/Creative profile questions

1) Can you give us a short introduction on yourself and your creative fields of expertise?

Hello, my name is Agan Harahap. Photographer and artist based in Jogja, Indonesia. My base artistic expertise is photography and digital manipulation. And recently I’m using AI for my latest artworks.

2) What is the inspiration and the stories behind your creative work?

I always get my inspiration from my timeline in social media. Mostly is about politic, religion and history. I offer some silly solution for many problems that appear in society.

3) Do you have a piece of creative artwork or photograph that means a lot to you? Can you share more about this artwork?

The artwork that means a lot for me is my series ‘Mardijker Photo Studio’. I’m talking about nation identity and cultural originality and it’s connections with our society today.

4) Can you share about your journey as a creative/artist? What were some of the challenges, difficulties and setbacks that you faced in your creative journey? 

Well, it’s start in early 2000s at the beginning of digital transitions from manual. When suddenly we can almost create anything with digital software. At that time I already work as a photographer in music magazine. And I always challenged my self to dig more about other possibilities with digital photography. Asking my self is photography still can believed as a medium that can represent the reality. 

5) I read that you started off as an illustrator and digital imaging artist, what are the stories behind these experiences and how did you transition to photography?

As a graphic designer student, I have also learn photography. At that time, I don’t like photography because its expensive and don’t make sense to me. Because at that time I think photography is only for the people who cannot make a proper drawing or painting to express their ideas. And photography is their solution to cover up their inability to make art. Hahaha. But I have to pass the photography test in my study. So I learn how to manipulate photo with digital software. And I pass the test with success. And after graduate, I worked as a freelance illustrator and then become a digital imaging artist in some photography company before I become photographer in Trax Magazine. A music based magazine in Jakarta from 2006 – 2012. 

Generative AI Interview Questions

6) A topic of intense discussion currently is Artificial Intelligence (AI), what are your personal views and thoughts on AI? What is the potential positive and negative impact on the creative industry?

Based on my experienced in early 2000s when digital suddenly takeover many part in creative industry, So for me this is the new era when we have to preparing our self to this new kind of technology. For me, the main impact is the people’s way of thinking and behavior about things will change. And it will become a problem for people who cannot adapt their selves to this AI. So, like it or not, after more than 2 years we stayed at home because of covid, now suddenly we have to face this kind of technology and we have to adapt and adjust our self with it.

7) Do you think Generative AI can actually help us creatives, artists and photographers in ways that we may not see due to our personal bias or blind spots? Or do you think the onslaught of Generative AI will be detrimental for creatives? 

Before AI can help us in creativity, we first have to adapt and adjust ourself. Because at first, we have to positioning ourself between this new technology and our personal and social interest. For me, it’s quite similar like digital photography at the beginning, at the first we may think ‘Oh, with this tools, we don’t need dark room process anymore and we can save more time to create photography. But in the reality, there are many other problems arise due to this digital technology. Like for example, people start to questioning the reality behind photography ect. And after social media era, there is much more problems. We can see the rapid change in many aspects of our live. And that’s exactly will going to happen in our society with this AI technology.

Generative AI will be detrimental for creatives? It’s depend on how you adapt yourself. 

8) Which segments of the creative and arts industry would be most impacted by Generative AI? Artists? Photographers? Filmmakers?

All.

9) Is Generative AI is going to take away the livelihood of the art and creative industries? What are your personal thoughts and views on this point?

At the beginning, the answer is yes. But along with that, the emergence of AI technology, it will open up many new opportunities that may have never been thought of.

10) How do you envision the future for creatives in a new digital and social media world, powered by AI?

Hahaha I can’t imagine it yet. But I believe, sooner or later this AI will change people’s mindset and behavior.

Thank you Agan!  

I would like to say a big thank you to Agan Harahap for putting aside his precious time and agreeing to be interviewed for my article! From a fellow photographer/visual storyteller myself to another fellow photographer/visual storyteller, it’s always an interesting, enriching and enlightening experience to hear about creative/artist/photographer different perspectives, ideas and views, on photography and creative industries, their stories and journeys. 

Agan’s views and perspectives on generative AI would be part of my ongoing TGH Technology AI research/learning series, with an upcoming special article coverage on the impacts of AI on photography and creative industries that would be published on my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog. 

This special interview with Agan also marks the start of my new personal project series that I mentioned earlier in my earlier article “Reflecting H1 2023 & Q2 2023 (Photography and Travel)”, on interviewing and featuring creatives from various disciplines.

When you visit Singapore, let’s catch up and have a chat over coffee over everything and anything about photography!

Have you visit Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia exhibition?

Have you visit Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia exhibition? If you haven’t visit this amazing photography exhibition, you have to plan a visit to National Gallery Singapore and check out this exhibition! 

The exhibition size, magnitude, and diversity of photography works on display, some 300 of them would blow you away, ranging from colonial archival images, studio portraits, and documentary photography to photo albums, social media photos and modern photography in both offline and online formats.

Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia at National Gallery Singapore

Date and Time 

• 2nd December 2022 to 20th August 2023
• 10am to 7pm daily

Location 

• City Hall Wing, Level 3, Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery 

Admission Fees: (General Admission)

• Free for Singaporeans and PRs

Standard

• $20 
• Non-Singaporeans/PRs aged 13 to 59

Concession

• $15 
• Non-Singaporeans/PRs seniors (aged 65 & above) and children (aged 7 to 12)
• Overseas students and teachers

*I would like to thank National Gallery Singapore and Ogilvy for liaising and facilitating the interview with Agan Harahap.*  

The post A Special Visual Storyteller/Creative Artist Interview with Agan Harahap appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

In a special two part series, I would first bring you on my visual storytelling journey through 150 Years of Visual Stories: Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia. In my next article, I would be chatting with Agan Harahap, one of the four notable photographers from the Southeast Asia region, that is featured on National Gallery Singapore Instagram page, part of the Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia exhibition showcase.

Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia

This is an amazing photography exhibition, of its size, magnitude, and diversity of photography works on display, some 300 of them, ranging from colonial archival images, studio portraits, and documentary photography to photo albums, social media photos and modern photography in both offline and online formats.

What is the evolution of photography like over the past 150 years? What are some of the most iconic photographs that you have seen over the past few decades, especially in the Southeast Asia context? When you visit Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia, you are assured of a visual learning feast and eye-opener journey. 

Some of those visual stories are heart wrenching, some are heart warming. Be prepared to experience those emotions as you view, read and connect with those living pictures. Let’s start off in a chronological order and sequence to view, read and experience 150 years of visual stories. 

Section 1: Colonial Archives (Gallery 3) 

First and foremost, let us kick start our visual storytelling journey by going back in time and history, to the Colonial period in Southeast Asia in Section 1: Colonial Archives.

When did photography technology first started and arrived in Southeast Asia? They were brought over by European colonists in the 19th century. What were the views and impressions like during that era upon looking at those photographs?

During the colonial period, what was imperialism like? How did photography play a role during that period? What was the relationship that photography played for the European colonists and those people living in Southeast Asia at that time? 

Section 2: Portraits and Performance (Gallery 3)

Photography in its early days were a form of wealth and prestige for the Southeast Asia ruling elites. Who can imagined that photography had the power to influence perception and communication during those early days? 

Portraiture became the choice, the style for those who can afford it, showcasing their role through modern imagination and their role in a new modern world that was coming to them during that era period. 

As you looked at the photographs on display inside this section, I would like to think about your extended family and relatives, do you recall seeing any similar portraitures of your grandparents or great-grandparents in similar styles, fashion, poses, props and backdrops? 

If you have them in your extended family, you will have your family hierarchy to explore and discover so much further and deeper.

Section 3: In Real Life (Gallery 2)

As the title for this section suggests, it’s real life that photography brings to you. They always had a close and contentious relationship with reality. A photograph never shows everything, it can create a new world, based on your interpretation. 

There is a series of Vietnam war collections, most notably an iconic photograph titled, “Napalm Girl (1972)” by Nick Ut, a former Associated Press photographer. Some of the most iconic and powerful documentary photographs from the war were on display, the other photograph was by Eddie Adams, with his photograph “Saigon Execution”. 

Some of those iconic documentary war photographs could have played their part to change/stop the war. The question I would like to ask the visitors if they know about the stories behind those photographs? Although the photographs tell us the realities that took place during that era, it never show us or tell us the whole story behind it or leading up to the moment being captured down in a visual moment/history. 

Section 4: New Subjectivity (Gallery 2) 

From the 1970s onwards, the world saw greater experimentation beyond and away from important events or people. Photography transformed into a place for reflection and experimentation, a space for us understand things. 

Were you part of that era of photography, exploring beyond events and portraiture, experimenting with arts and other forms of artistic visual displays?

Community Art Space

In our digital and social media world, most people view and feel of images are not tangible, they are in digital format, online on the internet and social media world. Have you thought of printing your photographs, bringing them to life, in a tangible format?

At this Community Art Space, in between Gallery 2 and 1, when you are walking from Section 4 to Section 5, you can get into the world of photo booths and zine-making areas whereby you have the creative freedom with your photographs, producing something more memorable that you can ever imagine.

Why not take a break from viewing 150 years of visual stories journey and do some hands on art work and craft with your photography?

Section 5: Contemporary Imaginations (Gallery 1)

The final section of Living Pictures: Photography in Southeast Asia, this section is probably easier for many of us to connect and understand since it’s contemporary and closer to our current timeline. 

How can photography re-imagine the present and the future? How has photography changed and expanded during this contemporary era? How is contemporary and modern photography engaging you, right now, from the past and into the future?

In  this section, there is a particular exhibit that caught my attention, it’s titled “Crossing the Father Shore” by Dinh Q Le. This is an amazing collection of anonymous South Vietnamese families taken before the country’s reunification in 1975, stitched together like a mosquito net. More than just photos, the words and inscriptions at the back of those photos, you have to read them. 

I personally encountered old photos of similar nature that were available for sale at flea markets, there were times when I was thinking to myself if I should buy and keep them? That’s food for thought for me.

Before you finished visiting and exiting Living Pictures: Photography in Southeast Asia exhibition, there is a retail shop with three display areas packed with many interesting photo postcards collections that you can bring home as a souvenir. Something memorable for you to bring home from your visit to National Gallery Singapore. 

Personal thoughts and views from a visual storyteller myself 

As a visual storyteller myself, visiting Living Pictures: Photography in Southeast Asia, was like a pilgrimage itself for me. There hasn’t been a major photography exhibition of such scale and such diversity from its early history and beginnings to contemporary, documentary and modern digital/social media age.

My beginnings and foundations in my photography and visual storytelling that were started in my early years, were heavily inspired and influenced by National Geographic style of writing and photography. From a young age during my primary school days (close to 4 decades back), I was exposed to a rich and diverse world of exploration, documentary, nature, wildlife, culture, history etc through reading National Geographic magazines.

Yet I was never formally educated or trained in journalism or photography, I was self-taught, self-learned, learning from my many mistakes, gaining experiences, and also sometimes blessed by seniors who shared their photography wisdom, knowledge and skills with me. 

Personally, that is also why Living Pictures: Photography in Southeast Asia exhibition currently held at the National Gallery Singapore, resonates a lot of deep thoughts and thinking inside my mind, heart and soul.

No matter what type of photographer that you are specialised or interested in, whether you are young photographer starting to learn and explore more about the world, or you are a young adult or mature adult that has seen a number of life events, plan a visit to Living Pictures: Photography in Southeast Asia at the National Gallery of Singapore.

As the saying goes, “A picture speaks a thousand words”. There are so many stories packed inside Living Pictures exhibition, waiting to speak to you in various visual storytelling formats that will connect you to your eyes, brain, heart, mind and soul. 

Why not visit Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia at National Gallery Singapore, and let your eyes and heart connect your brain, mind and soul with the diverse collection of 300 photography works over 150 years of visual stories on display?

Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia at National Gallery Singapore

Date and Time 

• 2nd December 2022 to 20th August 2023
• 10am to 7pm daily

Location 

• City Hall Wing, Level 3, Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery 

Admission Fees: (General Admission)

• Free for Singaporeans and PRs

Standard

• $20 
• Non-Singaporeans/PRs aged 13 to 59

Concession

• $15 
• Non-Singaporeans/PRs seniors (aged 65 & above) and children (aged 7 to 12)
• Overseas students and teachers

* Information courtesy of National Gallery Singapore and Ogilvy * 

** A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production **

The post 150 Years of Visual Stories: Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

For those who are big fans and lovers of Japan history, culture, craftsmanship, landscapes and travel, I reckon you would love this amazing and beautiful double header exhibition at ACM as you travel through time, history and culture starting from Life in Edo to modern day Japan via master photographer Russel Wong in Kyoto. 

Now, let’s start our journey of a tale of two cities starting with a trip back in time to Life in Edo period.

Life in Edo 

The Edo period (江戸時代) in Japan took place between 1603 to 1868. This was also a period where the arts and culture grew and flourished such as kabuki and ukiyo-e (pictures of the floating world). Life in Edo is a showcase of woodblock prints and paintings known as ukiyo-e of the Edo period in Japan. 

When you visit this special exhibition, observe the artworks and paintings, they depict people’s travel, beauty, foods, entertainments and even their beloved pets of the Edo period. With an extensive collection of 157 colourful ukiyo-e prints, the most ever shown in a single exhibition in Singapore, you would be mesmerised by them. Life in Edo features works from great masters, including Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Hiroshige, Kitagawa Utamaro, Utagawa Kuniyoshi and more. 

As you are viewing and admiring the artworks on display inside this special exhibition at ACM, take your time, feel and connect with their lifestyle, culture and arts during the Edo period. Due to the nature of the prints being so light-sensitive, there will be a rotation of a completely new set of prints on display midway through the exhibition starting from 12th July onwards, this allows visitors to double their travel journeys into the life in old world of Japan during the Edo period. 

Russel Wong in Kyoto 

Exiting from Life in Edo section, you will now enter into contemporary Japan with Russel Wong in Kyoto exhibition. A master photographer, a celebrity photographer, very well known not just in Singapore, around the world too. As a photographer myself, I have also looked upon his works and greatly admired his portraiture photography works. 

The photographs in this Russel Wong in Kyoto exhibition showcases his 13-year long, ongoing personal project to document the Geiko of Kyoto, a glimpse into some of the rarely seen and lesser known traditions of this private community. There are forty black and white photographs on display, illustrating the customs and traditions of Geisha, known as “Geiko” in Kyoto. The photographs include the tea ceremony and the lesser known Erikae ceremony, a two week process where a Maiko (a Geiko in training) prepares herself to be come a Geiko. 

When you are viewing the photographs on display, observe the print size, almost all of the photographs there are printed in ōban (大判) size, the most popular woodblock print format during the Edo period. The ōban (大判) size photographs emulate the ukiyo-e prints from the Edo period. 

The photography masterpieces by Russel Wong in Kyoto are powerful, telling visual stories of how the popular arts and culture during Life in Edo continues on and merges into today’s modern contemporary Japan. 

Programmes 

Do visit their website and check out more of ACM onsite and online programmes as part of their special exhibition Life in Edo | Russel Wong in Kyoto. From workshops, talks to artist & curator tour, there might be something that interests you!

Not to be missed!

For fans and lovers of Japan history, culture, craftsmanship, landscapes and travel, don’t miss this amazing and beautiful double header exhibition at ACM as you travel through time, history and culture starting from Life in Edo to master photographer Russel Wong in Kyoto. 

Once you are inside this exhibition and get up close to the various artworks, crariftsmanship and photographs on display, you can feel that not only have you gone back in time to the Edo period, you are also visiting the sights, destinations and daily life of Kyoto, Japan, especially for those feeling the Japan travel wanderlust (like myself).

I would like to thank Asian Civilisations Museum for the invite to this special exhibition, Life in Edo | Russel Wong in Kyoto, with curator Clement Onn and artist master photographer Russel Wong leading the tour, sharing with us so much invaluable and priceless stories. 

Life in Edo | Russel Wong in Kyoto Exhibition at ACM

URL: https://www.nhb.gov.sg/acm/whats-on/exhibitions/life-in-edo-russel-wong-in-kyoto 

Venue: Asian Civilisations Museum 

Dates: 16th April to 19th September 2021 

            First rotation: 16th April to 11th July 2021

            Second rotation: 12th July to 19th September 2021

Admission: Singaporeans & Permanent Residents – $12

                   Foreign Residents & Tourists – $20 

*** You can use your Singapore Rediscovers Vouchers (SRV) packages to purchase your tickets to ACM’s special exhibition Life in Edo | Russel Wong in Kyoto, permanent galleries, plus discounts and a gift redemption from ACM MUSEUM LABEL Shop *** 

The post A Tale of Two Cities: Life in Edo | Russel Wong in Kyoto appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

The National Museum of Singapore is presenting Home, Truly: Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present in collaboration with The Straits Times. The exhibition will be held from August 2020 to February 2021 and explores moments and experiences in our history that express our identity and collective memory as Singaporeans.

The museum invites the public to share personal photographs or memories that vividly capture what it’s like growing up in Singapore and what makes Singapore home. The prompts for the public call can be found on https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/picture-this. Photographs and stories can be submitted on https://hometruly.photonico.asia/ by 1 March 2020.

I have been photographing for close to 35 years (and still counting), I do have some old printed photographs somewhere of my growing up days in Singapore, I reckon my Dad, Uncles and older cousins have just as much (prints and digital) memories of growing up with Singapore, to share since they had been a major influence on me to be interested in photography from a very young age. On the digital photography segment, I started to look back at my Singapore photographs collection on Flickr documented inside here since 2007, I also have a special collection dedicated to #OurSGHeritage too!

What photographs of Singapore from my growing up years am I am able to contribute and share? I have to look through my archives again, maybe there is a priceless photograph of my growing up years with Singapore that might be selected for display!

Last but not least, to my fellow Singaporeans,

“What is it like growing up in Singapore, and what makes Singapore home? Ask any of us that question, and memories of the games played in school, long queues at hawker centres, or moments of collective celebration or crisis may come to mind. Contribute your personal photographs and memories by 1 March 2020 for potential display in Home, Truly.”

Please help to Pay It Forward and Pass It On, to fellow Singaporeans, your family, loved ones and friends, to share your fond memories of (Singapore) home!

* Information and picture courtesy of National Museum of Singapore and Ogilvy *

The post Share Your Fond Memories of (Singapore) Home appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

At the Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends, an exhibition held at National Gallery Singapore from 6th December 2019 to 28th June 2020. There are close to 100 photographic works alongside archival materials, displaying the history and development of photography in Singapore, an area that is traditionally overlooked. Mr Chua Soo Bin photography works, tells more than just complex stories of his subjects. His portraiture artworks displayed great trust, close relationship and being up close and personal with the subjects and surroundings, through the Legends Series Photographs.

“Spotlighting the works of Singapore artists and educating the public of their artistic practices continue to be a priority for the Gallery. While photography has traditionally been under-researched in Singapore, it has played a significant role in our art history. The iconic works of Chua Soo Bin are excellent examples of the potential of photography as an art form. It has been exactly three decades since Legends was completed. We hope that this retrospective will raise awareness of Chua’s significant contributions to Singapore’s art scene as a photographer, a gallerist, art dealer and art patron. At the same time, visitors will be inspired to learn more about Singapore’s very own photographers and reflect on the changing role of photography,” said Dr Eugene Tan, Director of National Gallery Singapore.

Now, let me bring you a short walk through into this amazing artistic photography world of Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends

First Section: The Legends Series Photographs

The portraits of 14 ink masters, showcasing their portraitures, life, intimate moments and insights to a global audience through the eyes of Singaporean master photographer Chua Soo Bin.    

Second Section: Candid and informal portraits of Wu Guanzhong

A collection of photography artworks, candid and informal portraits of modern Chinese ink artist Wu Guanzhong over two decades. The trust and rapport between artist and photographer is more than just special, beyond amazing, reflected through this collection of photographs.

Third Section: The life and journey of Master Photographer Chua Soo Bin

In this final third section, we learnt a lot more about Master Photographer Chua Soo Bin life, career and his commercial photography works.

A short Q&A session with Master Photographer Chua Soo Bin

During the preview session of Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends, we had the honour of meeting the legend himself, master photographer Chua Soo Bin, who shared some insights of the photographs that were on display inside the gallery while we were on a short preview tour.

After that, we had a short Q&A session too, listening to his years of experience, not just in photography, the stories behind those portraitures and insights into the different eras of photography from film to digital.

My personal thoughts and feelings as a photographer

For all photographers out there, whether you are from the old school of film photography or a young person learning photography in today’s digital world, I strongly encourage you to visit Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends photography exhibition at National Gallery Singapore.

As the saying goes, a picture speaks a thousand words, when you visit this photography exhibition, you are not just walking into a master photographer’s eyes, works, and relationship with the person/people/environment. The portraits/photographs “speak to you” too, as you view the photography exhibition, a connection that bridge the photographer, subjects/people and their artworks across to you.

Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends, is a very inspiring photography exhibition, personally for me as a photographer. Having started my photography with film photography more than three decades back, viewing the photography prints shot on film cameras brought me back in time when it was just 36 frames in a roll of film and you had to print the photographs, versus the modern digital photography of today, instant gratification and sharing on social media.

I can continue writing and sharing, I feel that I would really like you to visit this truly special photography exhibition at National Gallery Singapore. I would just leave you with this quote below by the Master Photographer himself, that strikes a deep chord with me and my photography.

I would like to thank National Gallery Singapore and Tate Anzur for the invitation to the preview of Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends.

Information on Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends

Date: 6th December 2019 to 28th June 2020

Location: City Hall Wing, Level 4, Wu Guanzhong Gallery

Ticketing

General admission ticket required (Free for Singaporeans and PRs)

Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends is curated by Charmaine Toh from National Gallery Singapore. A series of complementary programmes through the course of the exhibition will also reflect the changing role of photography in today’s digital culture.

For more information, visit https://www.nationalgallery.sg/exhibitions/chua-soo-bin-truths-and-legends

* Information courtesy of National Gallery Singapore and Tate Anzur *

The post Truths & Legends of Singapore Photographer Chua Soo Bin appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Edwin Land: Scientist, Inventor, Visionary

As you enter into the world of In an Instant: Polaroid, you would be introduced to the history and origin of Polaroid – Edwin Land: Scientist, Inventor, Visionary. In the late 1940s, Edwin Land’s daughter posed a question to her father during a family vocation, “Why can’t we view the photographs now?”

Armed with his daughter’s intriguing question and driven by curiousity, Land spent the next few years researching and working with his team of scientists and engineers at Polaroid Corporation, in his quest to create the world’s first instant camera.

Walk into the story of Land and his quest to develop instant photography, the technological breakthrough that marked a new chapter in the world and history of photography.

Polaroid: Art and Technology at Play

The world and art of instant photography had an enormous impact on how artists expressed their creativity. A number of artists were asked by Land to come on board to test Polaroid equipment and film, to provide feedback on how to improve them.

In this segment, visitors are able to view and admire a diverse range of Polaroid artworks produced during the peak of Polaroid’s popularity and rise in the world of photography during the second half of the 20^th Century.

As you walk through the themes of Observations, Interrogations, Arrangements, Configurations, Contemplations, Theatres and Expressions, be mesmerised and brought back in time, place and moment, the inspiration and creativity behind those Polaroid artworks.

Don’t miss the Polaroid Cinema: The Fishbowl Experiment! Catch a movie with the special glasses!

The New Instant

In this era of internet connectivity, social media networks and smartphone apps. The digital and social media era is the equivalent of the Polaroid’s instant and perceived social network of its time.

For those and many of us, into digital photography nowadays and apps such as Instagram, instant photography has further evolved in today’s digital world as a channel and platform for our expression, for us to stage our self to our audiences, leading to the birth and rise of this phenomenon, in a good and bad way, this phenomenon known as “Selfie”.

Near to the end of this special exhibition, follow the rainbow on the ground, into the world of a few social media influencers in Singapore, as they shared their experiences on navigating their digital and social media journey.

Tell us what “instant” means to you

This special photography exhibition, In an Instant: Polaroid (At the intersection of Art and Technology), resonates deeply with photographers (from both the analogue and digital era) and instagrammers of the modern digital era.

While Instagram has both positive and negative impacts for modern photography today, in my personal humble opinion, the modern digital world of instant photography would continue to grow and expand (exponentially) in sheer volume of instant photographs shot around the world, right here, right now and shared on various social network services.

Although I have my personal reservations on how Instagram has changed, impacted and affected photography, publicity and marketing since the arrival of this photography/technology app, I am also glad that with modern Instant photography through digital, social media and technology, there are photographers heading back to and/or learning about film and Polaroid photography, the origins of Instant photography.

Take a momento home from this special Polaroid exhibition

• Don’t miss the photo booth outside Exhibition Gallery 2, for $6, you can get 3 strips of photos taken.
• Instant photos with Polaroid cameras on site (Recommended dontation of $2 for each Polaroid)
• “Selfie” photos through a polarised lens at the digital photo station
• Sunglasses by Polaroid Eyewear, are also available for sale at the Museum Label shop, located on the ground floor of the National Musuem of Singapore.

There are also a number of programmes being run in conjunction with this special exhibition. Do check out National Museum of Singapore website and social media accounts for more information and updates!

For more information, please visit

Website: National Museum of Singapore

Facebook Page: National Museum of Singapore

Instagram: National Museum of Singapore

Exhibition dates: Till 31^st March 2019

Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm

Exhibition Location: Exhibition Gallery 2, Basement Level

Hashtag: #InAnInstantatNMS

The post In an Instant: Polaroid at National Museum of Singapore appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Malay CultureFest 2018

This year’s Malay CultureFest 2018 focus on artistic expressions of devotion and faith, found throughout the Nusantara, in conjunction with the special exhibition titled, “Undangan ke Baitullah: Pilgrims’ Stories from the Malay World to Makkah / Kisah-kisah Haji dari Alam Melayu ke Makkah”

At the launch of the Malay CultureFest 2018, there was a musical drama performance that tell the stories of pilgrims from the Malay World, congregating together at Kampong Gelam, preparing for their steamship passage to Makkah, followed by the journey to Makkah. During the musical performance, the emotions and feelings of traveling far away for a long of time via steamship to fulfill their Haj pilgrimage, performed by the artistes, can be felt through their excellent singing and musical drama performance.

After the end of the musical performance, Mdm Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore, went up to stage, along with distinguished guests to officially declare the opening of the Malay CultureFest 2018 and the special exhibition, “Undangan ke Baitullah: Pilgrims’ Stories from the Malay World to Makkah / Kisah-kisah Haji dari Alam Melayu ke Makkah”.

Taking place from 12^th October to 28^th October 2018 on the weekends, there are a number of activities, including newly commissioned performances, talks and workshops taking place during Malay CultureFest 2018. More information can be found on the Malay Heritage Centre website and Facebook Page.

Special Exhibition: Undangan ke Baitullah: Pilgrims’ Stories from the Malay World to Makkah / Kisah-kisah Haji dari Alam Melayu ke Makkah

This special exhibition brings visitors into walk back in time, the days when Singapore was a major and important trading hub and port of call for the region. Kampong Gelam played a significant role in the history of Singapore, as an important port town where Muslims from all over the Malay Archipelago would gather together and prepare for the onward and long journey by steamship to Makkah in the late 19^thCentury into the early 1970s.

I took a short and quick tour of this special exhibition after the official launch of the Malay CultureFest 2018, it was a bit of a rush for me to take some photos while understanding the meaning, significance, history and culture behind each artefact on display inside the galleries.

Undangan ke Baituallah, has a Southeast Asia perspective to this annual pilgrimage made by devoted Muslims, a global movement, which for many pilgrims, this would be a once-in-a-lifetime journey of faith and devotion.

The stories shared inside the galleries were touching and heartwarming, gave visitors from other races and religions, a better and more in depth understanding of the Haj pilgrimage that the Muslims undertake, how it had changed from the 19^th Century to the modern days.

I would return and visit this special exhibition again and hope to share more insights into this special exhibition, “Undangan ke Baitullah: Pilgrims’ Stories from the Malay World to Makkah / Kisah-kisah Haji dari Alam Melayu ke Makkah”

Information and details of Malay CultureFest 2018 and Undangan ke Baitullah: Pilgrims’ Stories from the Malay World to Makkah / Kisah-kisah Haji dari Alam Melayu ke Makkah

Website: www.malayheritage.org.sg

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/malayheritage

Instagram:@malayheritage

Email: NHB_MHC@nhb.gov.sg 

Address: 85 Sultan Gate Singapore 195801

Telephone: +65 6391 0450

Opening Days and Hours: Tuesady to Sunday from 10:00am to 6:00pm (Closed on Monday)

Malay CultureFest 2018

Dates: 12^th October to 28^th October 2018

Undangan ke Baitullah: Pilgrims’ Stories from the Malay World to Makkah / Kisah-kisah Haji dari Alam Melayu ke Makkah

Exhibition Dates: 13^th October 2018 to 23^rd June 2019

Location: Malay Heritage Centre

Galleries: Galleries 1, 2 and Finale

The post Launch of Malay CultureFest 2018 & Undangan ke Baitullah appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

I visited Singapore Night Festival 2018 over a period of 4 nights, looking at the various Night Lights artworks on display and performances by different arts troupe. The style and direction for Singapore Night Festival 2018 had changed, there wasn’t a big international performance act to anchor the Singapore Night Festival like the previous 10 editions. Nevertheless, the international artists that came to Singapore Night Festival 2018 gave us an interesting time too.

The Duel by Lords of Lightning (UK), Automatarium by David Berg and FierS à Cheval By Compagnie des Quidams (FR) gave the visitors to Singapore Night Festival 2018 some nice dazzling performances and memories.

Automatarium by David Berg and FierS à Cheval By Compagnie des Quidams (FR)

The Duel by Lords of Lightning (UK)

Automatarium by David Berg

Night Lights 2018 had a few interesting artworks on display, it was great to see local artists making a mark in this event! Some of the Night Lights 2018 artworks that got my attention and admiration were:

• Hyperbands by KopI/O

• Pulse by Galina Mihaleva, Hedren Sum, Pat Pataranutaporn, Kathrin Albers, Audrey Ng

• The Search by The Search Party

• Ember Rain by Starlight Alchemy

• The Leap of Faith by Teng Kai Wei

During a visit to this Night Lights 2018 artwork “The Leap of Faith”, the artist Kai Wei was present while I was immersing myself photographing this artwork in action by the visitors on his Night Lights artwork. This artwork “The Leap of Faith” resonates with me deeply, the theme behind it and the artwork interaction when I entered it!

While at the “The Leap of Faith” Night Lights 2018 artwork, I had a great time chatting with Kai Wei, understanding more about his art, craft, inspiration and direction, we also had a chat on collaborating on potential multi-media artwork, his artwork and my photographs, let’s see how it turns out in the future! Check out my Instagram post on this artwork and my thoughts behind it!

My Singapore Night Festival 2018 photographs can be viewed in this Flickr album, do visit them and take a look! My collection of Singapore Night Festival photographs can be viewed inside this Flickr collection!

With the conclusion of the 11^th edition of Singapore Night Festival, let’s see how the 12^th edition of Singapore Night Festival in 2019 would turn out!

The post Singapore Night Festival 2018 (17-25 Aug) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.