A VISUAL ARTS STROLL IN SINGAPORE
The
riverside architecture of every first world country is a postcard perfect
landscape. Marina Bay of Singapore is no
exception.
Holding
on to our expensive bottles of beer unmindful of the amount consumed and nearly
bloated budget diminution, the sight of happy couples and groups taking the
shutters of their camera infinitely put into use was our inevitable view while
seated in a riverfront bar one sunset.
Before
the said scenario, we walked and claimed to be fine arts connoisseurs. Taking
the time to appreciate Singapore’s noteworthy architectural façade, we actually
strolled around the Marina Bay and visited the National Gallery as the
commencing point.
NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE
1 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore
Opening Hours: Sun to Thursday and Public
Holidays (10AM to 7PM)
Friday-Saturday, Eve of Public Holidays (10AM
to 10PM)
Consisting
of over 8000 art works, the National Gallery is said to be the world’s largest
public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian art. The Gallery consists of two national
monuments, the former Supreme Court Building and City Hall. With a combined floor area of 64,000 square
meters, it is the largest visual art venue and the largest museum in Singapore.
The
National Gallery is indeed spacious.
Interiors are kept simple yet elegantly constructed in wooden
floorings. We started the tour at the
City Hall then transferred to the former Supreme Court.
The
City Hall’s original layout is one of neoclassical British architecture. It houses collections that spans from early
20th century naturalistic paintings to contemporary video
installations. I can’t help but notice
the number of paintings created by Filipino renowned artists. Some are considered “controversial” artworks,
as my friends would put it.
The
former Supreme Court building on the other hand exemplifies British colonial
architecture, comprising four blocks of offices and courtrooms surrounding a
central rotunda with a dome that was originally used to house a circular law
library. It is the last classical
building built in Singapore.
Of
all the installations featured in the Gallery, I was particularly amazed of the
piled shirts neatly folded which is already considered an art installation.
There
is likewise a mini bar in the National Gallery providing a good vantage of the
city skyscrapers and landmarks. After
hours of going through the gallery and showing appreciation of culture and the
arts, refreshing drinks are now in order.
THE ARTS HOUSE AT THE OLD PARLIAMENT
The
bronze elephant statue at the façade of the Arts House is the subject of
interest for the group. Honestly, I had
too much art appreciation for the day after the National Gallery visit and so, just
passing by the Arts House is sufficient.
The
Arts House is currently a multi-disciplinary arts venue hosting art exhibitions
and concerts. There were cosplayers and
models (I guess) doing photo shoots in the vicinity when we passed by.
Singapore
was the first foreign nation visited by King Chulalongkorn or King Rama V of
Thailand. The bronze statue of an
elephant was his gift as a token of appreciation after his stay.
CAVENAGH BRIDGE
Passing
through a suspension bridge after the National Gallery visit, I had no idea if
the same has historical value. But a
Notice from the police issued in the year 1910 caught my attention and it still
stands until the present time. Later on,
I have learned that this pedestrian bridge is the only suspension bridge and
one of the oldest bridges in Singapore.
It crosses the Singapore River in the Downtown core.
There
are statues as well near the bridge adding charm to its landscape.
FULLERTON HOTEL
Located
near the mouth of the Singapore River, the five star luxury hotel does not only
exist for pure luxurious vacation. It
has won several awards for architectural heritage and was a former General Post
Office.
MARINA BAY SANDS
Fronting
Marina Bay, the Marina Bay Sands is in itself a destination while in Singapore. Exterior and interior details are definitely
outstanding. Every night, the
skyscrapers of Singapore lit up in a 13-minute showcase of visual effects by
the waterfront. The show is a
convergence of light, music and sound where the universal tale of the journey
of life is told by combining both electric lights and laser effects.
GARDENS BY THE BAY – SUPERTREE GROVE
Each
time I visit Singapore, there is always a new attraction. This would be my first time to visit the
Gardens By The Bay since the last time I was in Singapore. The super trees are just amazing and a treat
to the visuals.
The
Gardens By The Bay itself has a lot of offerings to the public. But for purposes of a cheap stroll, in fact
for free admission, the Supertree Grove is the answer. Open daily from 5AM to 2AM, the iconic
tree-like vertical gardens are designed with large canopies that provide shade
during daytime and a colourful landscape at night.
Fortunately,
I was able to witness the Garden
Rhapsody. It is the signature light and sound show of the Gardens by the
Bay and its over-all creative vision is led by award-winning Lighting Designer
Adrian Tan, and one of Singapore’s most sought after music composer and
arranger, Bang Wenfu, since 2015. I was
truly amazed of the show that no words can describe of how surreal it was.
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