GENG Jianyi, Immersing 23 About Immersing Time 1, 1999; 25 double pages, Thread-Bound Water color on paper, 25.2(H)160.6cm

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, languages, nationalities and cultures. Whilst it is often perceived as a beacon for South East Asian narratives it is also a prime platform from which to explore the trans-cultural narratives and practices through contemporary art of the African and Asian diaspora. The subtleties between these two groups will allow a better illustration and understanding of the two cultures and whilst there are obvious narratives that point out the differences between the two diasporic entities, the focus should be on our similarities; our conversations, our trials and tribulations, our spiritual practices and more that ultimately unite us all as people rather than divide us according to geography and colour.

SUN Xun, The Heads of Thearchy, 2014; Oil painting stick, handmade mulberry paper, insets specimen, 300(H)200cm

'When one lives in a multicultural society like Singapore, there will always be a need for translation– not just linguistic translation but cultural translation, which I see as the act of making certain cultural practices legible for those outside the culture.'– Alfian Sa'at.

TANG Da Wu, Untitled, 2019; Metal, wood and ink on paper, 305(H)18062cm

The Institutum is a non-profit institution based in Singapore focused on expanding the horizons for Singapore art by developing relationships with the global contemporary art community through international projects that respond also to the local and Southeast Asian context. The Institutum has two pillars: Public Outreach and Education. The public outreach programs will connect the general public to the global world of leading artists, curators and educators collaborating with local and foreign institutions, industries and talents. The Institutum is also committed to staging unique art exhibitions and events of international stature specially curated for Singapore.

Robert ZHAO Renhui, New Worlds, 2021; Matt diasec in frame 44.4(H)6163.5cm, WITHFRAME 22.230.83.5cm (x 40 pieces), Edition of 3 + 1AP

The education arm is an initiative to promote educational programming with a view to exploring and extending discussion about art and the region, with a particular concentration on 'ideas of Asia'. The Institutum is exploring partnerships in accredited programs with leading international institutions for South East Asian artists and organising programs in Singapore to raise awareness and standards of art education and develop the art scene in Singapore to a global scale.

APICHATPONG WEERASETHAKUL, On Blue, 2022; Single-channel video, 16 minutes 16 seconds

About the Exhibition

Duration: 01.17, 2024 - 01.30, 2024

Artists: Apichatpong Weerasethakul, GENG Jianyi 耿建翌, SUN Xun 孙逊, TANG Da Wu, Robert ZHAO Renhui

Courtesy of ShanghART.