Singapore Biennale 2008

Once again, the Japanese curator and art critic Fumio Nanjo, who is also the head of the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo, will chart the direction and programming for Singapore's visual arts Biennale, as he already did in 2006. With this re-appointment, the organizers expect a greater continuity for the event, and a deepening in its reach and engagement with the city and audiences. Joselina Cruz and Matthew Ngui were appointed as co-curators.

Theme "Wonder"

SB2008, through its theme "Wonder," proposes to investigate the articulation and creation of marvels, riddles and illusions in our world today. The artworks in the exhibition will call on us to question and be curious; to reach beyond the surface, surpassing the apparent and to allow ourselves be surprised, awed, tantalized and challenged. All of which is an aperture to the World.

According to Fumio Nanjo, "The artworks selected or to be newly developed with the artists, will attempt to cut through the fabric of the politically and socially constructed and perceptual limits, of our world."

Exhibition venue

In contrast to the multi-venue presentation of the first edition in 2006, the Singapore Biennale 2008 will be concentrated in two large indoor spaces and a connecting outdoor area, all venues within walking distance.

City Hall
Constructed between 1926 and 1929 for Singapore's municipal administration. Until 2005, facilities of the municipal and national administration and of Singapore's Supreme Court were located in the building. It will be converted into the country's national art gallery by 2010. Was already one of the key venues of the 1st Singapore Biennale in 2006.

South Beach Development
Buildings of the former Beach Road Camp and Old Police Station from colonial times along the Beach Road, opposite to the Raffles Hotel. Until 2012, the area will be developed to become the "revolutionary New Eco-Quarter in Singapore".

Outdoor areas
Installations along Marina Bay, from the recently opened Singapore Flyer (a giant observation wheel) to the Central Promontory Site (a new urban development). Biennale artworks will also be displayed at the Esplanade Waterfront and the Fullerton Heritage Area.

The Parallel Program includes:

Showcase:Singapore
Art fair at the City Hall during the opening days of the biennale with 25 specially invited galleries from around the world.

Exhibitions organized by the Museum of the National University of Singapore:

Bound for Glory: Wong Hoy Cheong 2002 - 2007
Works by one of Southeast Asia’s most influential artists.

Ronald Ventura
Recent works by the Filipino artist.

Like in the case of the 1st Singapore Biennale, Universes in Universe will again cooperate with the organizers, accompanying the preparations of the 2nd Edition, and covering extensively the exhibition and event.



Organized by

National Arts Council Singapore (NAC)

Contact:

Low Kee Hong
General Manager, Singapore Biennale

Singapore Biennale Secretariat
The Adelphi
1 Coleman Street #05-06
Singapore 179803

Phone: (+65) 6837 9270
Fax: (+65) 6837 3654

Email: info@singaporebiennale.org

Website: www.singaporebiennale.org