★★★★☆ Review: Umbilical by Rizman Putra, Zul Mahmod and thesupersystem

The birth, merger, separation, independence and future of Singapore are told through immersive video, sound and absurdly arresting performance. The title Umbilical brings to mind the most primal of bonds: a baby’s connection to its mother before the cord is cut. And in this multi-sensory, deeply symbolic performance by artists Rizman Putra, Zul Mahmod, and thesupersystem, that connection becomes a potent metaphor for Singapore’s own … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Umbilical by Rizman Putra, Zul Mahmod and thesupersystem

SIFA 2025: An Interview with creator Manuela Infante on ‘Vampyr’

Previously in Singapore in 2017, Chilean playwright and director Manuela Infante returns for the 2025 edition of the Singapore International Festival of Arts with Vampyr, the third part of her trilogy exploring the non-human that started with Estado Vegetal and How to Turn to Stone. Where the two previous shows explored plant consciousness and geology respectively, Vampyr instead turns its attention to something that seems … Continue reading SIFA 2025: An Interview with creator Manuela Infante on ‘Vampyr’

SIFA 2025: An Interview with co-creators Alan Oei and Kaylene Tan on ‘A Thousand Stitches’

In A Thousand Stitches, a portrait of a Japanese woman, Mizuki, becomes the heart of a haunting narrative about war, propaganda, and human connection. Emma, an art conservation student, restores the painting, and finds herself drawn into Mizuki’s story, enigmatic artist Huang Wei, and the turbulent years of Japanese-occupied Singapore (then Syonan-to). Premiering as part of the 2025 Singapore International Festival of Arts, A Thousand … Continue reading SIFA 2025: An Interview with co-creators Alan Oei and Kaylene Tan on ‘A Thousand Stitches’

SIFA 2025: An Interview with creator Geoff Sobelle on ‘HOME’

When does a house become a home? That is the central question in American theatremaker Geoff Sobelle’s HOME, an innovative, richly imaginative performance and act of theatrical spectacle that sees a house materialise before the audience, rising swiftly like a time-lapse sequence. Over time, the residents inhabit it, move in and out, build and break it, and leave behind traces of their past, present, and … Continue reading SIFA 2025: An Interview with creator Geoff Sobelle on ‘HOME’

SIFA 2025: An Interview with Rizman Putra, Zul Mahmod and thesupersystem on ‘Umbilical’

In an age of rapid progress, history can slip through our fingers. Premiering as part of the 2025 Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA), Zul Mahmod, Rizman Putra, and thesupersystem (Heider Ismail) invite us to Umbilical, a multi-faceted performance that invites us into the depths of memory, identity, and the subtle violence of separation, excavating the history of the Causeway as Singapore turns 60. Umbilical … Continue reading SIFA 2025: An Interview with Rizman Putra, Zul Mahmod and thesupersystem on ‘Umbilical’

SIFA 2025: An Interview with Lebanese artist Ali Chahrour on ‘Told By My Mother’

Being a mother has never been an easy task, but what about a mother who tries to be good, to protect her children amidst a country torn apart by conflict? In Told By My Mother, making its Singapore premiere this May as part of the 2025 Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA), Lebanese artist Ali Chahrour draws from his own family history—and from the fractures … Continue reading SIFA 2025: An Interview with Lebanese artist Ali Chahrour on ‘Told By My Mother’

Art What!: UOB kicks off artist alumni network with sharing session as it launches the 2025 UOB Painting of the Year competition

UOB conducted the first sharing session for its newly-formed Artist Alumni Network of UOB Painting of the Year (UOB POY) artists on 5 May 2025. Past UOB POY winners and participants gathered at The Artground for a sharing by three artists to kick off the call for entries for this year’s competition, which is into its 44th year. Established in 1982, the UOB POY is the … Continue reading Art What!: UOB kicks off artist alumni network with sharing session as it launches the 2025 UOB Painting of the Year competition

Art What!: ‘Diplomacy and Desire – Basoeki Abdullah in Singapore’ at National Gallery Singapore

National Gallery Singapore presents Diplomacy and Desire: Basoeki Abdullah in Singapore, a solo exhibition by celebrated Indonesian painter Basoeki Abdullah (1915–1993), known for his striking portraits and high-profile patrons across postcolonial Southeast Asia. Housed in Dalam Southeast Asia – the Gallery’s experimental project that showcases curatorial experimentation and platforms lesser-known perspectives on the region’s art and histories – the exhibition offers a provocative look at … Continue reading Art What!: ‘Diplomacy and Desire – Basoeki Abdullah in Singapore’ at National Gallery Singapore

Art What!: ‘Fernando Zóbel – Order is Essential’ at National Gallery Singapore

National Gallery Singapore presents Fernando Zóbel: Order is Essential, the museum’s first-ever solo exhibition dedicated to transcontinental abstract artist Fernando Zóbel (1924–1984) and Singapore’s inaugural showcase of his work. Opening on 9 May, the exhibition features over 200 pieces — including paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, and archival materials. It introduces Zóbel to new audiences, offering fresh insights into his multifaceted contributions as an artist, patron, … Continue reading Art What!: ‘Fernando Zóbel – Order is Essential’ at National Gallery Singapore

Music Is: Symphony Ball Raises $1.4m for SSO

A record $1.4 million was raised for the Singapore Symphony at the SSO Symphony Ball on Saturday, 26 April 2025. Presented by DBS, the gala event was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, and welcomed over 380 guests, with Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat gracing the occasion as Guest-of-Honour. This year’s Ball, themed Straits Serenade, paid tribute to Singapore’s 60th birthday. Led by Committee Chair Ms Paige Parker, the evening featured Singaporean influences woven … Continue reading Music Is: Symphony Ball Raises $1.4m for SSO