From January 19 to February 8, 2024, the annual affair Light to Night Singapore will return once again to illuminate the Civic District, this time in the theme Reimagine. Presented by National Gallery Singapore, this year’s edition entails over 60 exciting artworks and programmes scattered across these art destinations: National Gallery Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, The Arts House, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, and Funan.
In the spirit of 2024’s running theme, Reimagine, the festival’s exciting installations and programmes are designed to encourage the audience to do away from their preconceived notions of art and to relook at it from a fresh perspective. Artists are also challenged to reimagine their crafts to create something new.
Admission to the festival is free. During this period, National Gallery Singapore will extend its opening hours until 11pm during weekends from Friday to Sunday. The gallery will also offer free entry to all its exhibitions.
RECOMMENDED: J-pop duo Yoasobi shares what inspires them, their favourite Singaporean dishes, and more and Singapore Art Week returns for its 12th edition in January 2024
Wings of Change
by Kumari Nahappan
Venue: Padang
At the Padang, you’ll notice a number of red ‘saga seeds’ scattered across one area of the field. These are part of none other than Kumari Nahappan's artwork, Wings of Change. The piece highlights the declining saga tree population, urging urgent preservation efforts in the face of climate change. Adjacent to the seeds is a massive energy pod, endorsing climate action and emphasising our role as Earth's stewards. Viewers are invited to walk clockwise around the seeds, promoting living in the present and positive change. Nahappan's work serves as a powerful call to action for environmental conservation and sustainability.
8-bit Word Cloud
by Justin Loke
Venue: The Arts House Front Lawn
Embark on a scavenger hunt to find the missing alphabets that will complete Justin Loke’s 8-bit cloud poem. Loke’s work delves into the interplay between digital technology, words, and letters, drawing inspiration from the philosophical musings of Karl Popper in his essay On Clocks and Clouds. Within the pixelated blocks of the installation, a poem emerges with missing letters that are scattered across the Civic District’s six art benches.
Party Pavilion
by Howie Kim
Venue: Asian Civilisations Museum Lawn
If you’re passing by the Asian Civilisations Museum, don’t forget to keep an eye out for Howie Kim’s Party Pavilion. It is not one that is hard to spot, as its vibrant colours and dancing lights within a whimsical setup encourages visitors to tap into their carefree youthful days.
Teo Eng Seng: Living the Life
by Teo Eng Seng, and Milosh Luczynski
Venue: National Gallery Singapore, Façade
Of course, Light to Night will not be complete without the captivating projection mappings on the façade of National Gallery Singapore. Dive into the world of jolly pioneering artist Teo Eng Seng at this projection entitled Living the Life. Watch as vibrant compositions and vivid colours converge to redefine the boundaries of artistic expression. A celebration of openness and curiosity, Teo's works not only captivate the senses but also invite us to perceive life through a fresh lens, revelling in the immediacy and spontaneity of everyday experiences.
Temple of Love
by Arahmaiani, Wayang Merdeka, and Milosh Lucyznski
Venue: National Gallery Singapore, Façade
Taking turns with Teo Eng Seng: Living the Life to show on the National Gallery’s façade is Temple of Love, an animation that tells the tale of a nighttime monster that wreaks havoc, devouring the world and causing widespread destruction. The community faces upheaval as buildings and nature crumble. Watch as Mother Nature emerges victorious, using her powerful hands, endless love, and nurturing energy to heal the Earth.
Embroidered Landscapes
by SISTRUM
Venue: Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall
Accompanied by ‘electronic opera soundtracks’, Embroidered Landscapes showcases motifs and symbols from the costumes of jie xi, a type of Chinese Opera – a craft that is slowly disappearing from our cultural landscape. The projection on Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall transforms its iconic façade into a striking display that combines vernacular and contemporary art forms.
Winter Sonata, Summer Mookata
by Knuckles & Notch
Venue: The Arts House
Indulge in a visual feast with Winter Sonata, Summer Mookata. This captivating work explores the complexities of being human and spiritual awareness through psychedelic visual scenes. Drawing inspiration from pop culture, comics, movies, anime, science fiction, and philosophy, risograph print studio Knuckles and Notch uses a mix of digital and hand-drawn animations to create a fascinating world that blurs the line between what you can touch and what you can't. And with several cute cat animations weaved into their narrative, cat lovers are in for a treat!
Ping Pong Go-Round
by Lee Wen
Venue: National Gallery Singapore, City Hall Wing, Level 2, Outside DBS, Gallery 2
Ping Pong Go-Round debuted in Melbourne as part of an exhibition series organised by artist and curator Ryszard Wasko. What’s special about this ping pong table is that it comes in the form of a circular setup that resembles an international conference. Unlike the usual linear game, this design encourages multiple players and exchanges in various directions, altering power dynamics continuously. The result is an interactive experience that defies norms and introduces new possibilities in player relationships.
