URBAN PULSE: SPECTRUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART IN SINGAPORE

The Embassy of Singapore in Jakarta, in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board, Jakarta Land, and ISA Art and Design, presents “URBAN PULSE: Spectrum of Contemporary Art in Singapore” in Jakarta. The exhibition will run from 18 November to 13 December 2024 at World Trade Centre 2 Jakarta, and inaugurated by The Guest of Honour, H.E. Kwok Fook Seng – Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to Indonesia, as well as Mohamed Hafez Marican – Area Director, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) Indonesia, Deborah Iskandar – Founder and President Director of ISA Art.

The exhibition examines how the changing landscape influences daily life, societal values, and the collective experience of Singapore residents. Seen through phenomenological principles by Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s concept of the “lived body,” the artworks invite audiences to consider the embodied experience of city living, where the lines between the personal and the collective, tradition and modernity, constantly shift. URBAN PULSE: Spectrum of Contemporary Art in Singapore highlights Singapore’s unique position as one of the leading destinations of contemporary art in Southeast Asia, seeking cross-border artistic dialogue and deepening regional cultural appreciation between Indonesia and Singapore. The seven emerging artists bring unique perspectives that explore contemporary themes and capture the essence of human experience. Through various mediums, their works invite reflection on perceptions of reality and address the complexities of Singaporean society, resonating with the youth and highlighting both shared human conditions and individual viewpoints.

“Singapore’s arts scene reflects our multicultural heritage and diverse perspectives. We are excited to bring a sampling of Singapore’s newest art to Indonesia. The contemporary thematic preoccupations and creative methodologies of artists in both our countries have much in common. I hope that this event can help spur dialogue and deepen our cultural exchanges, further strengthening the affinity between our peoples,” stated H.E Kwok Fook Seng, Singapore Ambassador to Indonesia.

Mohamed Hafez Marican, Area Director, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Indonesia, added: “STB is pleased to support URBAN PULSE: Spectrum of Contemporary Art in Singapore, which serves as a bridge between Indonesia’s and Singapore’s artistic visions. It’s also an exciting prelude to Singapore Art Week (SAW) 2025, where art aficionados from Indonesia can immerse themselves in a wide array of unique art events and experiences. We hope this exhibition will inspire even more Indonesian visitors to explore Singapore’s creative landscape and the myriad possibilities our city has to offer.”

“We’re honored to host the prestigious URBAN PULSE: Spectrum of Contemporary Art in Singapore here in WTC Jakarta, a showcase that brings the Singaporean art scene closer to our community here. This aligns with our vision to create a dynamic environment where business and culture intersect, offering our tenants and visitors a unique experience that goes beyond the workplace. Hosting this exhibition also allows us to foster diverse perspectives and strengthen connections across industries, enriching the daily experience for all who engage with our complex,” stated William Chai, General Manager, Jakarta Land.

This exhibition precedes SAW 2025, scheduled from 17 to 26 January 2025. Set to mark its 13th edition, SAW is the region’s longest-running visual arts season, showcasing over 100 events across Singapore. The 10-day event will feature both local and international artists, with major events including S.E.A. Focus, ART SG, Light to Night Singapore and Seeing Forest by Robert Zhao Renhui which was presented at the Singapore Pavilion at the Biennale Arte 2024.