Singapore Biennale 2013 Takes Regional Focus with 82 Artists
Running from October 26, 2013, to February 16, 2014, the fourth Singapore Biennale showcased Southeast Asian talent, featuring 82 artists chosen by 27 curators under the theme "If the World Changed." Organized by the Singapore Art Museum, the event emphasized artists from regions beyond major urban centers. Highlights included Robert Zhao Renhui's "Guide to the Flora and Fauna of the World" (2013), Urich Lau's fictional news piece, Kiri Dalena's reflection on the 2009 Maguindanao massacre, and the AX(i)S Art Project's modern Wunderkammer. Additionally, Ken and Julia Yonetani presented "Crystal Palace" (2012-2013), while Sookoon Ang's "Exorcise Me" reimagined Balthus's works. The biennale's catalogue was acclaimed for its insightful curation.
Key facts
- 4th Singapore Biennale ran from October 26, 2013 to February 16, 2014
- First time organized under Singapore Art Museum (SAM)
- 27 curators selected 82 artists around theme 'If the World Changed'
- Regional focus on Southeast Asia, especially Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar
- Emphasis on artists working outside capital cities
- Robert Zhao Renhui presented 'Guide to the Flora and Fauna of the World' (2013)
- Urich Lau's video featured fictional news about Singapore museums
- Kiri Dalena's work addressed the 2009 Maguindanao massacre
- AX(i)S Art Project included 150 participants across 13 activities
- Ken and Julia Yonetani created 31 chandeliers representing nuclear countries
- Sookoon Ang's 'Exorcise Me' referenced Balthus paintings
- Tran Tran's sculptures referenced Vietnam War draft dodgers
- Jeremy Sharma created ontological paintings of pulsars
- Works by Changi Prison inmates were included
- Boonsri Tangtrongsin's video featured Superbarbara doll
- Catalogue included curators' explanations of their choices
Entities
Artists
- Robert Zhao Renhui
- Urich Lau
- Kiri Dalena
- Ken Yonetani
- Julia Yonetani
- Sookoon Ang
- Tran Tran
- Jeremy Sharma
- Boonsri Tangtrongsin
- Balthus
- Peter Hill
Institutions
- Singapore Art Museum
- National Art Gallery Singapore
- AX(i)S Art Project
- Katipunan
- Changi Prison
Locations
- Singapore
- Tokyo
- Sydney
- Indonesia
- Philippines
- Vietnam
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Quezon City
- Baguio City
- Manila
- Hue
- Hanoi
- London
Sources
- artpress —