★ Singapore River
Tuesday, December 2
If you're observant enough, walking along the singapore river will seem like walking down memory lane. With the "people of the river" sculptures placed all along the Singapore river, it is as if you actually time travelled to the past and is walking among them. Not only is there a breath taking view of the Singapore river beside this open-aired display, a walk down this Singapore's memory lane is absolutely free!
"The River Merchants".
This sculpture portrays Scotsman, Alexander Laurie Johnson, a prominent merchant of early Singapore, mediating between a chinese trader and a malay chief. This sculpture was set up at this very spot because it was the nearest to the river mouth and Johnson could "catch" the river merchants as their boat entered. Alexander Laurie Johnson was not only a prominent merchant, but was also the founder of the five-foot way in singapore, more commonly known now as the walking path.
"First Gen"
Photo credit: jaeWALK
Another of such sculpture would be the one shown to the left. This sculpture portrays children of the early Singapore, the first generation, playing beside and inside the river. This sight would not be uncommon as there were many shop houses along the singapore river and well, the children from these shophouses made the once filthy Singapore River their playground.
"A great Emporium" and "From Chettiars to Financiers" are just some of the many other sculptures that hold a special meaning. They tell a story of how, once a small river settlement, Singapore evolve into a bustling contemporary city with towering skyscrapers all around. Follow through and you'll actually find these interesting sculptures linked to each other.
With bronze sculptures as eye catching as these, i feel that this not only a unique way of displaying Singapore's heritage, but also a creative one that cause people with lack of interest in Singapore's past be interested and amazed with Singapore's growth over the decades.
A thing to take note before visiting these sculptures though, is that cameras are absolutely a must as somehow or another, the temptation to pose with these sculptures can not be resisted. Well, I couldn't either.
★★★★★
$$$$$
(It doesnt cost much to get to the Singapore river)
(It doesnt cost much to get to the Singapore river)
10:53 PM
★ Timbre @ The Substation, The Arts House & Old School
Saturday, November 29
Feeling the heat after visting
The Substation, The Arts House or Old School?
Take a step outside and follow the thumping beats and rousing rhythms to find the bistro and BBQ bar Timbre. Who would have thought that in the backyard of the Substation, at the corner of The Arts House and in the premises of the Old School, you would be able to find a musical urban oasis like Timbre.
Timbre’s owners are local musicians who are passionate about supporting the local music scene. They have created a platform for established and emerging talents in Singapore to showcase their musical talents.
The daily music menu changes and ranges from pop and alternative rock to R&B and funk. Find yourself a spot on one of the wooden decks surrounding the stage, order up Timbre’s very own thin-crust pizzas and choose from a range of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage and you can sup on them as you watch the daily evening live performance by our very own local musicians. Some of my favourites are Jack & Rai, The Goodfellas and 53A. For weekly schedules of live performances,
Timbre has 3 different outlets with 3 different kinds of atmosphere to cater to your every need. The 3 locations include:
Timbre@ The Substation 
Timbre@ The Arts House
& Timbre@ Old School.
Here's a preview of my personal favourites :)
Jack & Rai
The Goodfellas
& Timbre@ Old School.
Here's a preview of my personal favourites :)
Jack & Rai
The Goodfellas
53A
Good food and good music, sounds good doesn't it? It is a great place to finish off after a long art trip or just simply hanging out with your mates. Music varies with different live bands and gigs every now and then.
★★★★★
$$$$$ food and drinks can get a little expensive for students but you get music and great atmosphere, so why not? :)
★★★★★ A place you definitely wont want to miss!
$$$$$ Food prices are reasonable and worth the money!
Posted by: Bow
Labels: Arts, Food and Beverage
1:29 PM
★ Old School
Friday, November 28
The former Methodist Girls School located on Mt Sofia has been transformed into an Art house. It has been tagged with the name "Old School" and their very own cinema called "Sinema Old School".
Old School is part of the Central's Art district. The space is maximised by the art scenes in Singapore from renowed designers firms, galleries and artists etc.
For more information on Old School you may visit: http://www.oldschool.com.sg/
For more information on Old School you may visit: http://www.oldschool.com.sg/
Sinema Old School features a HD theater which focus on Singapore films, the space can accommodate a surprising number of 130 and can also be use for band gigs, forums and dialogue sessions.
Ticket prices are at a affordable $6 for any day of the week, $5 (full time students, NS men & Senior Citizens) & $8 strictly for first run screenings.
For more information movie screenings/ticket prices & online bookings,please visit
http://www.sinema.sg/
The spacious Old School which showcased Null during Singapore Design Festival last year, their art work has been exhibited throughout Japan. 
picture from : behance network Felix NgHow to get to Old School?
11B Mount Sophia, Old School, #B1-12 Singapore 228466
11B Mount Sophia, Old School, #B1-12 Singapore 228466
BUSES:
[via Orchard Road]: 7, 14, 16, 36, 64, 65, 111, 124, 139, 162, 174, 502, 518
[via Prinsep Street]: 64, 65, 131, 139, 147, 166
Nearest MRT:
Dhoby Ghaut (North-East & East-West lines)
Old School is a rustic school as said by its name! They have a solid art scene present and is spacious for art exhibitions. Its a school for all art lovers.The long staircase climb or walk up is definitely worthwhile. They don't call it Mt Sophia for nothing!It's free of charge to look around and doesn't cost much for a movie ticket.
★★★★★
$$$$$
I was at the Old school for a special movie screening. They screened a local film called 'Road to Mecca'. Other then the fact that they did not have air conditioning during the movie because it is an open air area, the atmosphere was great. Although during the movie, I did feel a little uncomfortable and warm, I feel that this experience is one of a kind and I hope you will go and experience it for yourself too! :)★★★★★
$$$$$
Labels: Arts
12:40 AM
★ The Substation
Thursday, November 27
The substation is Singapore’s very own equivalent of New York’s east village. Founded by Kuo Pao Kun( A playwright) in 1990, the Substation is Singapore's first independent contemporary arts centre. Substation is located in the heart of the city’s civic district. Venues at The Substation for hire include a black-box theatre, a gallery, a dance studio, the Random Room and two multi-function classrooms.
“Just as importantly, younger and emerging artists are constantly approaching us to use our venues, and to get our support. We are always open to new proposals and ideas, and would like to hear from you.”
The Substation.
The Substation presents and co-presents a wide range of artists and programmes. Over the years, they have worked with some of Singapore’s most critically acclaimed artists, writers and intellectuals. Artists under this programme include Tan Pin Pin, Royston Tan, Zai Kuning and George Chua.
The Substation provides a platform where artists gather to showcase their talents. If you’re interested, you can log on to their website to find out about their on-going exhibitions you can visit during your trip to Singapore.
Around the area of the Substation, there are many other musuems that you may want to visit after your visit to the Substation. If you want to explore more, you can also go into fort canning park just behind the Substation for a day of nature and relaxation.
This is a place you would not want to miss if you are an art junkie! :)
http://www.substation.org/ Address
45 Armenian Street Singapore, 179936
45 Armenian Street Singapore, 179936
Telephone
+65 6337 7535
+65 6337 7535
How to get there
Buses: 7, 14, 16, 36, 97, 124, 131, 147, 162, 166, 174, 501 Express, 511 Express, 77, 167, 171, 190, 700, 700A and 857
Bus stop: Opposite Singapore Management University (SMU)
Nearest MRT Station: City Hall
Bus stop: Opposite Singapore Management University (SMU)
Nearest MRT Station: City Hall
Most of the exhibitions at the Substation are free of charge and are open for visiting. However, they are mostly event based and the exhibits chage quite often.
So be sure to check if the exhibition is still available prior to your visit. :)
★★★★★ "A must see for art junkies!"
$$$$$
Depending on what you would like to see during your
visit but most exhibits are FOC, super value for money!
Labels: Arts
10:58 PM
★ The Arts House
Wednesday, November 26
The above is a picture of the old parliament house, now known as the Arts house.
The Arts house was opened in March 2004, and it plays host to art exhibitions and concerts.It is Singapore's newest arts and heritage venue where all are inspired by the arts and where art becomes a fundamental in life through connections with artists and their works.
The building was formerly home to the Singapore Parliament from 1965 to 1999. Built in 1827, the Old Parliament House is the oldest existing government building in Singapore.It is also the only gazetted government building designated as a multidisciplinary arts centre.
At The Arts House, audiences connect with artists and arts organisations through a broad spectrum of engaging, contemporary arts and entertainment events. It is managed by Old Parliament House Limited, a not-for-profit full-service arts management company limited by guarantee.
My recent visit to the arts house brought back many good memories. Apart from the wide array of art exhibitions, many events and functions are also held there. I was at the Arts House a few months back for the closing ceremony of the Asean+3 Youth Festival race and it was definitely an experience for me as it was my first time there.
Oh, I am feeling nostalgic already!
At the pit stop of the race, the Arts House, we had a chance to go into many of the private rooms, one of which was a former council room which was the office of the then Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. We carried out many games within the vacinity of the Arts House and got to know the place better. Through the games, I also found out that the bronze elephant outside the Arts House is actually a present from the Thai King to Singapore.
The bronze elephant was given by Thailand's King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) to commemorate his visit in 1871, the first by a Thai monarch. Its was given to the people of Singapore as a token of Chulalongkorn's gratitude for the hospitality he had received between 16 and 23 March 1871.
The statue originally stood in front of Victoria Memorial Hall when it was erected on 25 June 1872. In 1919, when Sir Stamford Raffles' statue was put in its place for Singapore's Centenary Celebrations, the Elephant Statue was moved to the Court House (now Old Parliament House or Arts House).
The Arts House is conveniently located in the heart of the city. You can either walk to the Arts House from Raffles Place or City Hall MRT station. On the way to the Arts House, you might just find some interesting photo spots such as the Fullerton Hotel - a six star hotel in Singapore and the cavenagh bridge above the Singapore river. You can also visit the statue of Sir Thomas standford Raffles conveniently located outside the Arts House. Or If you're craving for good food and booze, you can hang out at Timbre after your visit to the Arts House and feast your ears for some live band performaces and relax as the sun sets into the evening skies.
(Look at the post 'Timbre' for more information)
A video of how to get to the Arts House from City Hall station
I feel that this place is one you will definitely want to visit when you come to Singapore. When you visit this area, you will not only be able to see the Arts House but you can also go around the area to take photos and visit other sites. A site worth visiting! :)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
$$$$$
Posted by Bow
Labels: Arts
10:57 PM
★ Singapore Biennale 2008
Sunday, November 16
The Singapore Biennale 2008 is the follow up to the highly successful inaugural event in 2006. This biannual event is organised by the National Arts Council of Singapore to nuture the appreciation of art amoung Singaporeans and to promote the country as an international visual arts hub. The Singapore Biennale 2008 showcases the works of 50 to 65 international and local artists and is experienced across the pictureseque cityscape of Singapore.
To let you have a feel of the event, we (editors of heartinsg) took a trip down to the Singapore Biennale to give you a full report of the event.
.....
2:39 AM
★ Trip To Biennale
BIENNALE SINGAPORE 2008
Road-Trip 14th Nov 2008
5pm to 8.30pm
Purchase of our tickets (:
From City hall MRT we make our way to the Padang
Our first stop to the Biennale starts at this historical building, the “ Old Supreme Court” . This classical architecture facing Padang grounds was built between 1930s-1940s and was design by Frank Dorrington Ward of the Public Works Department! The building on its own is already history and is now being preserve to become a place for the arts, culture and heritage.
Joan, me and dina having a fair share of the spotlight.
A grand entrance of heavy doors, a giant Biennale poster and the welcoming red carpet
The first art piece we saw was quite shocking. They were maggots figurines individually made by a Vietnamese artist
The 2nd art piece was done up by a Korean artist which mold a root vegetable (gourd) into faces. All of us felt that it was a little scary except for Joan who thought it was a brilliant piece of artwork and she even wanted it in her room!
The walk up the staircase showcased a large art painting which is made up of squeezed paint! Imagine the number of paint used!
Moving on to a bigger room in the Old Supreme Court. The flooring of this spacious room is a large satellite print of Singapore! Little square " post its" were given to us and the novelty of being part of an art piece thrilled us all. We spent the longest time in this place looking for our houses and school, we even got a glimpse of Temasek Polytechnic. Other fellow Temasek students have also stick their mark and declared themselves as "patriotic students of Temasek Poly".
Yes, you won't miss the infamous ERP road sign!
Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) is a structure that charge vehicles entering the business and crowded districts to manage traffic.
Almost every Singaporean nightmare!
Merging islands use to form the faces of this exceptional art piece, it is also one of dina's favourite!
presenting our model, DINA(:
Our last stop in the Supreme Court is an art piece made in video form. We watched in silence for close to 5 minutes, the artist indeed made his stand about solitude.
The next stop is at the South Beach Development place where many abstract art was on display. Just like the Old Supreme Court building, it is also a place of history and has been use recently for many art displays.
Located along Beach Road, South Beach Development comprises the Former Beach Road Camp, the NCO Club Building and the Former Beach Road Police Station building. The site is synonymous with the history of the Singapore Volunteers Corps (SVC) and was where the first NS enlistment was held in 1967. It is a cluster of three Art Deco Style blocks built in the 1930s and a NCO Club building built in 1953-53 which is a hybrid of Art Deco and the Modern Style.
For the better part of 20th century, the site (previously known as Beach Road Camp) had been used as the headquarters of Singapore’s volunteer defence forces. In February 2000, Beach Road Camp closed its doors and was given conservation status on 9 October 2002.
For the better part of 20th century, the site (previously known as Beach Road Camp) had been used as the headquarters of Singapore’s volunteer defence forces. In February 2000, Beach Road Camp closed its doors and was given conservation status on 9 October 2002.
a cloth as a 'screen', it projects a man sleeping on the streets at night unaware of a litte ballerina dancing around him
From morning to night, this man sits on a stool under a tree surrounded by endless soap and a pail.
The white erected wall shows the words " one hundred years of solitude"
The white erected wall shows the words " one hundred years of solitude"
Bow and Shirley having a picture in one of one the art room
Experiences from the other editors (:
Shirley
it was a very fresh experience for me. i'm in love with a hundred years of solitude sign! i am freaked out by joan's scary picture (THE RING) in front of the fluorescent lights. wish i had taken more pictures, but overall i still enjoyed myself and will be back for the next Biennale (:
it was a very fresh experience for me. i'm in love with a hundred years of solitude sign! i am freaked out by joan's scary picture (THE RING) in front of the fluorescent lights. wish i had taken more pictures, but overall i still enjoyed myself and will be back for the next Biennale (:
Dina
Thought the displays on south beach road was partly abstract and mostly deep, not recommended for superficial art lovers. There were quite a number of thought provoking videos on display, and although they were not well liked by my group members, I kind of enjoyed thinking what message those videos and art displays were trying to get across. So, if you like thinking, Biennale is a place to visit!
Thought the displays on south beach road was partly abstract and mostly deep, not recommended for superficial art lovers. There were quite a number of thought provoking videos on display, and although they were not well liked by my group members, I kind of enjoyed thinking what message those videos and art displays were trying to get across. So, if you like thinking, Biennale is a place to visit!
BOW
I think the idea of having the biennale in the our former supreme court is a very good idea and it gives a very nostalgic feeling. It gives people a chance to go in to visit this old infrastructure. I feel that the Biennale is a very successful event and I would definitely go again in 2010. :)
I think the idea of having the biennale in the our former supreme court is a very good idea and it gives a very nostalgic feeling. It gives people a chance to go in to visit this old infrastructure. I feel that the Biennale is a very successful event and I would definitely go again in 2010. :)
On the whole, there was quite a lot of walking to do. At the end of the day, the art pieces made it all worthwhile.
WHAT WILL THE NEXT BIENNALE BRING?
Come back for the next Biennale and experience a whole lot more of exciting ARTS/CULTURE & HERITAGE in the vibrant bustling city of Singapore!
WHAT WILL THE NEXT BIENNALE BRING?
Come back for the next Biennale and experience a whole lot more of exciting ARTS/CULTURE & HERITAGE in the vibrant bustling city of Singapore!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 out of 5 :D
trip narrator:
CHARLOTTE
1:15 AM
★ Chingay Parade
Saturday, November 15
The Chingay Parade is an annual street parade celebration held in Singapore as part of Chinese New Year festivities. Like street parades from all over the world, Chingay is a very exciting and up-beat parade. However, the only difference is it includes participants of different races and cultures. So, you must be thinking and asking yourself what does the word 'Chingay' means. The term Chingay originated in Penang, Malaysia, which is directly translated from the chinese words "妆艺" which means "a decorated miniature stage" or float. Today, the parade has evolved into a massive multi-cultural and international event telecast live on television every year during the Chinese New Year.The Chingay Parade started as a float decorating competition held in Penang in 1905. This practice of float decoration was spread to the rest of Malaya by the 1960s, and eventually became associated with the celebration of Chinese New Year.
On 4th February 1973, the first Chingay parade was held in Singapore. It started partly as a result of the ban on firecrackers a year earlier in 1972 as a result of fire hazards. This ban was viewed unfavourably despite the safety issues involved because the Chinese community thought that playing with firecrackers during the Chinese New Year is a traddition and some people felt that the ban would result in a much dampened festival mood during the celebration. To address this issue, the People's Association and the Singapore National Pugilistic Association jointly organised a street parade from Jalan Besar to Outram Park featuring the signature floats, acrobatic acts, lion and dragon dances, stilt walkers, and the like, to bring back some cheer to the general public.
Over the past decades, the Chingay Parade has evolved from a largely Chinese parade to a multi-cultural one with participants from the Malay, Indian & Eurasian communities. Other than participants from the local communities of Singapore, the People's Association also invites cultural groups from countries such as Japan to perform in the Parade.
The next Chingay Parade will be held next year(2009) in January. As a member of the organising committee of the Chingay Parade 2009, I am delighted to be able to show you a sneak peak of the up-coming parade.
The theme of the 2009 Chingay Parade is Youth @ Wonderland. I am in-charged of a group of 250 youth dancers from the People's Association Youth Movement(PAYM). The Parade this coming year shall carry the overall theme of Wonderland Singapore in 2008 and will consist of seven performing segments, including Youth @ Wonderland slated to come just before the Grand Finale. The Parade will feature some 25 performing acts, jumbo floats, creative structures, 3,800 local and foreign performers and 1,800 volunteers.
The choreographer of Chingay 2009!
To tie in with the broad Chingay theme, the concept of the PAYM float is about young insects and creatures living together in harmony in a garden. The youthful performers will be dressed as larger-than-life insects and will expect a stunning and impressive choreography.
Can't wait to see the Parade for yourself?
Log on to http://www.chingay.org.sg/ for ticketing information!
Posted by Bow
11:58 PM
