Artworks by four local artists to complement Dale Chihuly’s works in Dale Chihuly: Glass in Bloom

Gardens By The Bay’s Dale Chihuly: Glass in Bloom, a major garden exhibition featuring the works of master glass artist Dale Chihuly, has been extended till 3rd October 2021. As part of the extension, the exhibition will include an exclusive showcase by local artists Florence Ng, Jahan Loh, Koh Dawn and Tunku Khalsom, set against the impressive glass sculptures by Chihuly. To provide wider audiences with access to the exhibition, there will also be additional and enhanced accessibility features for different social groups. The exhibition is organised by Hustle & Bustle, supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, venue partner Gardens by the Bay, automotive sponsor Porsche, and presented by title sponsors Bank of Singapore and OCBC Premier Private Client. 

As part of this special showcase, four local artists will be displaying their artworks to complement the Dale Chihuly: Glass in Bloom exhibition from 17 September onwards. These artworks will be specially located at different locations in the exhibition areas. 

Florence Ng, a pioneer glass artist from glass art and design studio Synergraphic Design, will display Circle of Life (2021). The artwork is inspired by the stamen of the flower – often overlooked yet so integral to the continuation of life. Made in metal and cast and blown glass, the elements are held in perfect balance in a circular sculptural form.

Jahan Loh, a well-known contemporary artist based in Singapore, will be displaying a bronze artwork titled Adam and Eve (2018). Adam and Eve (2018) was part of an exhibition Jahan presented, which delved deep into the topic of existentialism, questioning the origins of humanity through the book of Genesis. The larger-than-life bronze sculpture of the exhibition’s central characters, Adam and Eve, was a key artwork featured alongside eight paintings that depicted the legendary Garden of Eden in the project. In the exhibition, Jahan calls the earth “God’s terrarium”, creating an alternate universe where human beings are aliens, placed on the earth as a test of sorts. Fusing religious iconography from the Renaissance with science-fiction, pop-art influences, he challenges audiences to consider ideas of good and evil as raised in Genesis.

Koh Dawn, a Paper Sculpture Artist, will display Discover Your True Self (2021). Made from offcut paper, wires, watercolour and acrylic materials and wallpaper, this is a re-interpretation of Dawn’s original life-sized paper sculpture artwork for Discover Your True Self (2020), made into a giant version. Her signature white paper art symbolises how everyone is born with a ‘clean slate’, and through experiences (represented by the colours) we are shaped into who we are today. She translates her message onto paper with watercolour and acrylic paint, taking the form of a Renaissance painting of a flower arrangement.

Tunku Khalsom, an international artist whose works feature bold and colourful expressions inspired by her childhood experiences, will be displaying The Colours That Surround Us (2021). This work is inspired by colours in the world, from the sunsets and sunrises to the flora and fauna. Taking on concepts similar to Chihuly as inspiration, Khalsom creates movement and organic forms, letting the paint or ink be the guide. Capturing moments of pure bliss, she wants the viewer to experience and be overwhelmed by colour – an idea voiced by Chihuly himself.

In order to make the exhibition more accessible to wider audiences, Hustle & Bustle is also working with the exhibition’s inclusivity partner, Extra•Ordinary People, to provide enhanced communications accessibility features, including an accessibility page. Extra•Ordinary People is also working closely with volunteer guides from Gardens by the Bay to provide free guided tours around the exhibition for people with additional communication needs. Eligible beneficiaries will also be entitled to a 50% discount off exhibition tickets, and get complimentary admission for an accompanying family member or caregiver.  

In support of Gardens by the Bay’s Children’s Festival, there will also be complimentary ticket redemption for children aged 12 and below, with every purchase of an adult ticket to the Outdoor Gardens & Gallery. The complimentary tickets grants access to the Outdoor Gardens & Gallery, and up to two tickets can be redeemed for each paying adult. Qualifying patrons may approach crew at the Indoor Gallery or Entrance A, B or C to present their proof of adult ticket purchase. 

For the month of September, Hustle & Bustle would also like to show their appreciation for aviation workers and their contributions, in partnership with Friends for Aviation (FFA), a ground-up initiative by a group of officers from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore who aim to bring cheer to aviation frontliners. Airport or airline staff can present their airport or company staff passes to gain free entry into the Chihuly exhibition at the Outdoor Gardens & Gallery. Their family and friends visiting with them will also be entitled to a 10% discount off ticket prices.

Additionally, Hustle & Bustle has also launched a charity campaign in partnership with Klook under their Klook Cares initiative – which is an initiative that encourages Singaporeans to do good by paying it forward to underprivileged children, families and migrant workers. The charity campaign will enable members of the public to donate their unused SingapoRediscovers Vouchers (SRV) to seven different beneficiaries to use for visits to the exhibition. 

“As Singapore begins to reopen, we have decided to extend the exhibition to allow more people to experience the magnificent works by Chihuly. To enhance the exhibition experience, we will be launching a special showcase by local artists to complement Chihuly’s captivating glass art sculptures,” said Michael Lee, CEO of Hustle & Bustle. 

“We also wanted to take this opportunity to make art more accessible to the masses, by reaching out to different social groups with complimentary guided tours for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and discounted tickets. By presenting these, we hope to bring joy to our locals and Singapore residents during this pandemic period.”

– Michael Lee, CEO of Hustle & Bustle

Dale Chihuly: Glass In Bloom runs till 3rd October 2021 at Gardens By The Bay. Tickets and more information available here

Visitors can sign up for a specially curated guided tour to take a deep dive into the mind of Dale Chihuly. This personalised experience promises to provide exclusive insights into the Dale Chihuly’s: Glass in Bloom experience.  Guided tours can be booked here.