Engaging Perspectives: New Art from Singapore

Through photography and installation, Ang Song Nian (b. 1983, Singapore) scrutinises traces of human presence in the landscape. Intrigued by the power of the photographic image to convey complex and layered narratives, he favours a microscopic approach that unleashes the imperceptible and ideological potential embedded in small details. His most recent solo exhibitions are As They Grow Older and Wiser, Objectifs, and Hanging Heavy On My Eyes, DECK, both Singapore (2017). He has participated in group exhibitions at Bangkok University Gallery, Thailand (2016) and Photo España Festival, Spain (2012) amongs others. Ang is currently lecturer in Photography at the School of Art, Design and Media at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

Robert Zhao Renhui (b. 1982, Singapore) is a multi-disciplinary artist and the founder of the Institute of Critical Zoologists. Persistently twisting reality and fiction, his artistic practice addresses the human relationship with nature challenging accepted parameters of objectivity and scientific modes of classifications. Over the years, Zhao has appropriated codes and convention of documentary photography and museum display to compose compelling narratives that subtly destabilize our notion of truth.

Zhao received his Bachelor‚ and Master‚ degree in Photography from Camberwell College of Arts and London College of Communication respectively. His work has been exhibited in international group show such as Jiwa: Jakarta Biennale, Indonesia, 2017; 7th Moscow Biennale, Russia, 2017; 20th Sydney Biennale, Australia 2016; Les Recontres d‚Arles, France, 2015. Amongst his more recent solo exhibitions in Singapore are The Nature Museum, commissioned by Singapore International Festival of Art (SIFA) and The Bizarre Honour, realized for OH! Open House, both in 2017. Zhao has undertaken residencies at the Musée du Quai Branly, Paris, France, and Kadist Art Foundation, San Francisco, United States, and the Fukuoka Art Museum, Japan. He was awarded Young Artist Award by National Arts Council in 2010 and is currently a finalist of Hugo Boss Asia Art Award.

Dr Eugene Tan is Director of National Gallery Singapore. He was co-curator of the inaugural Singapore Biennale in 2006 and curator for the Singapore Pavilion at the 2005 Venice Art Biennale. His previous appointments include Programme Director (Special Projects) of Singapore Economic Development Board, Director of Exhibitions at the Osage Gallery (Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai), Director for Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s Institute of Art – Singapore, and Director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore.

He oversaw the development of Gillman Barracks as Programme Director (Special Projects) at the Singapore Economic Development Board and curated the exhibition Engaging Perspectives: New Art from Singapore (2013) that preceded the official opening of NTU CCA Singapore. Tan is also a member of NTU CCA Singapore’s Governing Council.