Top 10 Exhibitions to Visit in November!

1. The Shophouse Edition: Singapore Art Treasures Exhibition

The Shophouse Edition: Singapore Art Treasures is an exhibition showcasing some of the best artworks by some of Singapore’s most renowned first and second-generation artists. From prominent Nanyang artists such as Lim Tze Peng, Chen Wen Hsi and Cheong Soo Pieng to other pioneering fine artists such as Mohammad Din Mohammad, Zhu Hong and beyond, The Shophouse Edition: Singapore Art Treasures is a celebration and reflection upon heritage and the local arts, through both the multitudes of works spanning Singapore’s societal development and history, as well as its location at the URA Heritage Award-winning shophouses at 11 Lorong 24A Geylang!

Dates/Time: 22 – 24 November, 11am – 9pm
Venue: 11 Lorong 24A Geylang Shophouses
Admission: Free

2. Animalia: A brush with the Chinese Zodiac

Explore the whimsy and wonder of the Chinese Zodiac together with the artist Sue Olivier in Animalia: A brush with the Chinese Zodiac! Harbouring a deep love of Asian Culture, Sue Olivier captures the quirky and unique traits of the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals – from the stubbornness of the Ox to the hopelessly romantical gallop of the Horse – through bold and playful brushwork that gives each rendition of the animals a familiar, modern personality that remains respectful to the rich traditions of the Chinese zodiac.

Dates/Time:
15 November 6PM – 9PM
16 November 12PM – 8PM
17 November 12PM – 7PM
Venue: VAC Dhoby Ghaut Gallery
Admission: Free

3. Affordable Art Fair 2024

The Affordable Art Fair is open from 7 to 10 November 2024 at the F1 Pit Building. Join the longest running international art fair in Singapore at the F1 Pit Building this month to behold 80+ renowned galleries from all over the world. The Affordable Art Fair offers hands-on workshops of all makes and mediums, large scale installations, and perhaps most importantly, attainable and relatively affordable art below S$15,000!

Dates/Time:
Private View (by invitation only)
Thursday 7 November, 2pm – 10pm
Public Opening Hours
Friday 8 November, 11am – 6pm
Saturday 9 November, 11am – 7pm
Sunday 10 November, 11am – 6pm
Venue: F1 Pit Building
Admission: Free

4. Becoming Lim Tze Peng

Becoming Lim Tze Peng is an exhibition that chronicles the artist’s progress and evolution through over 50 artworks curated from the art collections of both the Singapore’s public as well as the personal collection of the artist. Through these as well as rare archival materials, lose yourself in the classical landscapes of Lim’s most recognized paintings, from signature Singaporean landmarks such as the Singapore River, Kampong Glam and Chinatown, to the magnificence of scenes from his expeditions in Southeast Asia and beyond. Furthermore, discover “hutuzi”, a style of calligraphy that he himself invented.
Explore the rich artistic journey of Lim Tze Peng and contemplate the evolution of his ink paintings in this exhibition today!

Dates/Time:
25 Oct 2024 – 23 Mar 2025
Venue: City Hall Wing, Level 4 Gallery, National Gallery Singapore
Admission: Free for Singaporeans and PRs, admission ticket required

5. Cheong Soo Pieng: Layer by Layer

Cheong Soo Pieng: Layer by Layer is an Art exhibition that brings you up close and personal to his work alongside in-depth research about his artistic processes and his usage of mediums of all kinds, from painting and sculpture to batik and printmaking. Follow the journey of curators and researchers as they attempt to answer several research questions on Cheong Soo Pieng’s work, from “What makes a painting?” to “What makes a painting complete?”, and learn how Cheong Soo Pieng composed and created his pioneering artworks.

Dates/Time:
5 Apr to 24 Nov
Venue: City Hall Wing, Level B1, The Ngee Ann Kongsi Concourse Gallery, National Gallery Singapore
Admission: Free

6. Lost and Found: Embodied Archive

Lost & Found: Embodied Archive unpacks how artists radically re-envision the body as a reservoir of memory. This reservoir retains convergences of the past and present while offering the possibility of new encounters.

The participating artists demonstrate how memory is ingrained in history by incorporating physical encounters into their artworks. This is accomplished through a variety of bodily manifestations that use the body as a historical informant and a means of personalising social and cultural experiences. In making space for what lies in the body, these works choreograph our encounters with them, activating us as viewers.

Dates/Time:
25 Oct – 24 Nov 2024, 10am – 7pm
Venue: Level 3, Gallery 3, SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark
Admission: Free

7. Everyday Practices

Everyday Practices explores how artists have transformed daily routines and personal experiences into potent expressions of resilience and endurance. Their works confront us with the harsh realities of the world we live in today, rife in geopolitical conflict, humanitarian crises, and imbalanced power dynamics. However, through these works, the artists are able to push back against hopelessness and retain their autonomy in the face of such hardships.

Dates/Time:
30 Aug 2024 – 20 Jul 2025, 10am – 7pm
Venue: Level 3, Gallery 4, SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark
Admission: Free

8. Deja vu: Buddha is Hiding

STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery  presents Déjà vu: Buddha is Hiding by leading Thai contemporary artist, Natee Utarit. This exhibition is set to run from 28 September 2024 to 1 December 2024. The exhibition comprises of over 40 artworks by Utarit, and is curated by John Tung, one of Singapore’s most prominent curators with significant experience curating past editions of S.E.A. Focus (2024) and the Singapore Biennale (2016 and 2019).

Natee Utarit, BUDDHA PALAZZO (a.m.) (installation view), 2024, Acrylic paint, screenprint and flocking on linen, 240 x 650 cm (5 panels).
© Natee Utarit / STPI. Photo courtesy of the artist and STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery, Singapore.

Dates/Time:
28 Sep – 1 Dec 2024
Mon – Sat: 10am – 7pm
Sun: 11am – 5pm
Venue: STPI, 41 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238236
Admission: Free

9. Fistful of Colours: Moments of Chinese Cosmopolitanism

Fistful of Colours: Moments of Chinese Cosmopolitanism brings together artworks from the late Qing Dynasty to the present moment to explore the social history of art, with a particular emphasis on the situatedness of Chinese ink works amidst its political milieus. With reference to the concept of Chinese cosmopolitanism as proposed by scholar Pheng Cheah, the exhibition connects the artistic and scholarly advocation embodied by the artists presented, telling a story of the social life between artists and society through both modern and contemporary experiences of the overseas Chinese intellectual and mercantile communities, their pursuits of Chinese modernity, and their collective cultural commitments at the dawn of globalisation.

Dates/Time:
16 Sep 2021 – 31 Dec 2024
Venue: NUS Museum
Admission: Free

10. Happy Valley

In this long, tunnel-like walkway, solitude and gatherings, selfies and remnants, unspoken words, and reflections converge, revealing an uncanny yet familiar scene within a bustling Asian metropolis. Between 2014 and 2022, Pierfrancesco Celada’s encounters in Hong Kong evolved into poignant images that capture moments of restraint, contemplation, and unspoken murmurs, inviting viewers to uncover their deeper meanings.
People and places stand for time; time that one remembers, and time that one imagines to be. Happy Valley is assembled as an allegory weaving through time and narrating the state of mind in pursuit of an ordinary life in Hong Kong. In the words of Celada, “Through visual metaphors, I have explored my relationship with the city, aiming to create a contemporary portrait of Hong Kong, reflecting its complex and multi-layered realities”. This exhibition marks Celada’s first solo showcase in Southeast Asia and is accompanied by the release of a new publication in October 2024.

Dates/Time:
4 Oct 2024 – 5 Jan 2025
Venue: Esplanade Tunnel
Admission: Free

Foundation In Digital Art

Embark on a captivating journey into the vibrant world of digital art! Our Foundation in Digital Art workshop invites budding creatives aged nine and above to unleash their imagination and hone their artistic skills in a dynamic, supportive environment. From mastering basic digital tools to crafting mesmerizing digital masterpieces, children will explore a spectrum of techniques guided by seasoned mentors. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, participants will discover the endless possibilities of digital expression while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Join us for an exhilarating adventure where young artists transform ideas into stunning visual realities, igniting a passion for digital art

Colour & Texture Exploration With Acrylic Painting & Collage

Prepare to unleash your inner artist in a kaleidoscope of color and creativity with ‘Colour Blast: Acrylic Painting & Collage Techniques’! Dive into a whirlwind adventure where vibrant hues and mesmerizing textures collide in a symphony of imagination. From mastering the art of seamless color blending to discovering the magic of mixed media collage, this journey is a playground for your artistic soul. With each brushstroke, explore new techniques that breathe life into your canvas, transforming it into a vibrant tapestry of expression. Join us and let your creativity run wild as you embark on this colorful escapade!”

World of Manga [Foundation & Styling]

A manga art workshop for children and teenagers sounds like a fantastic idea! Here’s how you might structure it:
Introduction to Manga: Begin by introducing what manga is, its history, and its influence on popular culture worldwide. Show examples of different manga styles and genres to give participants an overview.
Basic Drawing Techniques: Start with the fundamentals of drawing, such as line work, shapes, and proportions. Provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw basic manga characters, focusing on simple shapes that can be built upon.
Character Design: Move on to character design concepts, including creating unique characters, designing their personalities, and developing backstories. Encourage participants to get creative and think outside the box.
Expression and Emotion: Teach how to convey emotions and expressions through facial expressions, body language, and positioning of characters. This can be a fun and interactive exercise where participants practice drawing various emotions.
Storytelling and Paneling: Explore the basics of storytelling in manga, including paneling techniques, pacing, and layout. Show examples of different panel structures and discuss how they affect the flow of the story.
Inking and Coloring: Introduce participants to inking techniques using pens or markers. You can also cover digital inking for those interested. Then, demonstrate basic coloring techniques using markers, colored pencils, or digital software.
Feedback and Collaboration: Provide opportunities for participants to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and instructors. Encourage collaboration by having them work together on short manga projects or collaborative drawings.
Final Showcase: End the workshop with a showcase of participants’ work. This could be in the form of an exhibition, digital gallery, or printed booklet. Celebrate everyone’s creativity and progress throughout the workshop.
Remember to create a supportive and encouraging environment where participants feel free to express themselves and explore their creativity. And don’t forget to have fun! Manga is all about imagination and passion, so let that spirit shine through in your workshop.

Academy Drawing Traditions

The academy drawing and sketching tradition, rooted in centuries of artistic practice, emphasizes disciplined study of form, proportion, and technique. Originating from Renaissance workshops and formalized by institutions like the Royal Academy, it prioritizes meticulous observation and mastery of fundamental skills. Students progress from basic exercises to complex compositions, learning to depict still life and common objects with precision and expression. This tradition values both classical principles and innovation, encouraging artists to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Through rigorous training and critique, artists within this tradition cultivate a strong foundation for creative exploration and artistic excellence.

Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy

This course on Chinese ink painting and calligraphy introduces young learners to the rich traditions of Chinese art. Through hands-on activities, students explore the basics of brush techniques, ink control, and the delicate art of Chinese script. They learn to appreciate the cultural significance of calligraphy and painting, developing skills in creating elegant strokes and expressive brushwork. The course fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills, while also providing insights into Chinese history and aesthetics. By the end, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural heritage.

Funk with Graffiti

Funk With Graffiti Workshop for children is an engaging and creative program aimed at introducing young artists to the vibrant world of graffiti and funk-inspired street style art. Participants learn the basics of graffiti history, techniques, and safety. Guided by professional graffiti artists, children explore the art of designing their unique tags, emphasizing creativity, expression, and individuality. The workshop includes hands-on activities, from sketching concepts to creating final designs with spray paint on provided surfaces. By the end of the session, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and an appreciation for graffiti and funk as legitimate forms of street art. Each child completes two original artworks, which they proudly take home, showcasing their newfound skills and personal style.

Batik Tales

In the Batik Introduction Handkerchief Painting workshop, participants will learn the traditional art of batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique originating from Indonesia. The workshop begins with a brief history and overview of batik, highlighting its cultural significance and various techniques. Participants will then observe a demonstration of applying wax with tjanting tools and dyeing the fabric. Following the demonstration, each participant will design and create their own batik handkerchief, applying wax to create patterns and then dyeing their fabric. The workshop concludes with a group discussion, allowing participants to share their creations and reflect on their learning experience.