2024 Art Exhibitions Team EnVi Loves: A Curated Selection
What’s more relaxing (and exciting) than a day visiting art exhibitions? Art itself has many different forms, whether it represents family warmth, spiritual prophecy, or romanticism. To wrap up the first half of 2024, EnVi lists our favorite art exhibitions across Asia from January to June.
January: Reminiscing Family Feels At “Eat Play Love” In Singapore
Nestled in C-1 Holland Park Singapore lies a home of Dr. Tan Kheng Hoo that evokes nostalgia of a bygone era. It is the very heart of the “Eat Play Love” art exhibition, an intimate homage to family life, architectural heritage, and the ever-evolving landscapes that define our lives. Curated by Michael Lee, this exhibition transforms the late Dr. Tan Kheng Khoo’s family home into a vibrant canvas of memories and reflections. The idea came from Dr. Tan’s youngest son, Tan Ngiap Heng, and his desire to celebrate his childhood home before it is put up for sale.
As you step into the historic home at C1 Holland Park, you are greeted by the warmth and artistic expressions of Tan and six other talented artists — Catherine Hu, Cynthia Delaney Suwito, Khoo Guo Jie, Lei Yuan Bin, Mike HJ Chang, and Susanna Tan. Each piece invites you to pause and ponder the ordinary yet profound activities that are woven into the fabric of our daily lives.
Walking through the rooms, you encounter the essence of family life captured in various forms. In the kitchen, a sculpture might evoke the warmth of shared meals, while a series of photographs in the living room capture moments of play and joy. In the study, paintings reflect the quiet intensity of familial love and the occasional discord that is part of every household’s story. The garden, once a playground and a sanctuary, now serves as a backdrop for installations that contemplate the future of our living spaces and the legacies we leave behind.
February: Nostalgic Homages of Yoshitomo Nara in Aomori, Japan
In the serene and snowy landscape of Aomori, Japan, the Yoshitomo Nara exhibition unfolds as a deeply personal and evocative journey through the artist’s life and work. This is Nara’s first solo exhibition at the Aomori Museum of Art in a decade, showcasing around 200 pieces that span from his early student days to his latest creations. The exhibition is a nostalgic homage to Nara’s roots, inviting visitors to explore themes such as “House,” “Layered Time and Space,” “Traveling,” and “No War”.
A highlight of the exhibition is the recreation of Rock Cafe 33 1/3, a beloved hangout from Nara’s youth. The space serves as a gateway into the artist’s formative years and the cultural surrounding that shaped his distinctive style of child-like figures that captures the essence of simplicity. Alongside new works, the exhibition includes never-seen-before pieces in Japan, making it a unique and intimate experience.
The exhibition also features iconic installations like the colossal “Aomori Dog” sculpture and the bronze “Miss Forest,” seamlessly blending with the museum’s architectural spaces to create an immersive environment. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on the intersection of memory, art, and the passage of time, all while surrounded by the quiet, contemplative beauty of Aomori in winter.
March: Art Basel 2024 Hong Kong Bridges Past and Future
In the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong, the art world eagerly anticipated the grand opening of Art Basel Hong Kong 2024. This year, Art Basel Hong Kong explored the theme of “Echoes of Tomorrow,” encapsulating the spirit of forward-thinking creativity and exploration. This theme serves as a bridge between the past and the future, inviting both artists and visitors to reflect on the enduring impact of art and its ability to shape the world of tomorrow.
On a lively Thursday evening, the historic site of Tai Kwun came alive with the buzz of creativity and artistic expression. For the first time, Art Basel Hong Kong collaborated with Tai Kwun to present Artists’ Night, an annual hallmark event that shines a spotlight on the region’s experimental artists.
The event, eagerly anticipated by both local visitors and Art Basel guests, transformed Tai Kwun into a dynamic hub of activity. The heritage and arts compound, renowned for its blend of historical significance and modern design by Herzog & de Meuron, served as the perfect backdrop for this celebration of contemporary art. As the night unfolded, attendees were treated to a feast for the senses: live musical and dance performances filled the air with energy, special installations captivated the imagination, and late-night exhibition viewings.
April: “Intersection of Existence” At Tang Contemporary Art Bangkok
The exhibition “Intersection of Existence” at Tang Contemporary Art in Bangkok delves into the complex tapestry of human life, exploring themes of identity, presence, and the multifaceted nature of existence. This show brings together a diverse group of artists whose works traverse various mediums, including painting, sculpture, video, and installation.It also offers viewers a profound reflection on what it means to exist in the contemporary world.
One of the striking artworks is a piece by Sriwan Janehuttakarnkit, where she pays homage to Edouard Manet’s Luncheon on the Grass, Janehuttakarnkit uses skeletons as symbols to convey the uncertainties and unpredictability of life. The four skeleton figures enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Set against a backdrop inspired by the artist’s own backyard, these figures are depicted sharing food and spending quality time with loved ones, emphasizing the importance of Thai culture and values. In the background, another figure is seen collecting lotus flowers, a familiar scene in Thai local parks. The painting reflects contemporary events and the world we observe, yet the future remains uncertain and unpredictable.
On the other hand, Sakarin Krue-On‘s artworks delve into themes of faith and belief. One of his pieces on display, recreated from his original 2000 work that gained him international acclaim, prominently features the color red. This bold hue symbolizes heaven or Nirvana in Buddhism. Viewers are invited to closely examine the paintings to discern the form of the red temple subtly embedded within the vibrant color, prompting contemplation on the nature of reality and existence.
Through a diverse collection of artistic expressions, it encourages viewers to engage with the profound questions of identity, memory, and the interconnectedness of all life. This exploration of existence, with its myriad intersections and reflections, offers a rich and thought-provoking experience for all who visit.
May: “Human and Nature: From Romance to Horror” At MMCA Seoul
The exhibition “Human and Nature: From Romance to Horror,” hosted by the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in Seoul, offers a compelling exploration of the intricate and evolving relationship between humans and the natural world.
At its core, the exhibition examines how artists interpret and respond to nature through various lenses. Romanticism, a movement that celebrates the beauty and sublime power of the natural world, forms one pillar of the exhibit. Romantic artists often depicted nature as a source of inspiration and emotional depth.
In contrast, the exhibition also delves into the darker aspects of the relationship between humans and nature. The horror genre, with its focus on the grotesque and the eerie, explores nature as a force that can be menacing and uncontrollable.
By juxtaposing these contrasting themes, “Human and Nature: From Romance to Horror” invites visitors to reflect on how our perceptions of nature have shifted over time. It encourages a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological dimensions of our interactions with the natural world. Through this exploration, the exhibition underscores the complexity of our relationship with nature — highlighting both its capacity to inspire awe and its potential to evoke fear.
June: ARTJOG 2024 Jogja Explores Imaginary Prophecy
In the heart of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the much-anticipated ARTJOG 2024 is set to captivate audiences once again with its compelling theme, “Motif: Ramalan,” or “Motive: Prophecy.” This year’s exhibition delves into the mystical realm of prophecies, weaving together the threads of past, present, and future through the imaginative visions of talented artists.
Prophecies have always been a powerful force in shaping human perception, transcending the boundaries of time to offer glimpses of what might come. ARTJOG 2024 invites visitors to explore how these prophetic visions influence the creative process, serving as both inspiration and a canvas upon which artists project their hopes, fears, and dreams for the future.
Steeped in a rich cultural heritage, prophecies in Indonesia draw from a tapestry of literary forms, including “jangka” (terms), “serat” (literature), “ilmu titen” (observational knowledge), poetry, ballads, and “piwulang” (teachings). These traditions offer profound insights into the human condition, with signs and symbols that speak of events yet to unfold. Whether perceived as predetermined (pinesti) or predestined (tinitah), these cultural elements provide fertile ground for artistic exploration.
Fortune tellers or seers — those who claim to “weruh sakdurunge winarah” or to foresee events before they happen — embody the essence of prophecy. Their visions, shaped by both literary and religious traditions, serve as a guide for artists at ARTJOG 2024. This exhibition becomes a sanctuary where ancient wisdom and modern creativity converge, allowing visitors to witness the transformative power of prophecy.
As ARTJOG 2024 unfolds, it invites visitors to embark on a journey through this intriguing interplay of prophecy and imagination. The exhibition becomes a canvas where artists reflect on and reinterpret these timeless cultural elements, guiding audiences through a narrative that bridges the mystical with the contemporary, the past with the future. It’s a celebration of how ancient wisdom and creative foresight can come together to inspire and shape the world of art.
Want more travel guides spotlighting Southeast Asia? Check out EnVi‘s Jakarta Culinary Guide here!
