If you’re an architecture and design buff, you won’t want to miss out on the launch of architectural photographer Finbarr Fallon’s new book, Unit., which gives readers an intimate look into the lives and homes of people living in some of Singapore’s most iconic buildings built in the ’70s and ’80s (such as Golden Mile Complex). More details below.
ATTEND AN EXHIBITION SHOWCASING A SELDOM-SEEN SIDE OF ICONIC BUILDINGS
Credit: Finbarr Fallon
If you’re into design and architecture, chances are you’d probably have venture to places like Golden Mile Complex or The Palisades to take a photo or two of these buildings’ unique facades. But what of the interiors and the people who live in them?
A new photography exhibition titled Unit. by lauded lensman and artist Finbarr Fallon and urban planner Samantha Chia aims to showcase what is it like to actually live in these idiosyncratic buildings, all built in the ’70s and ’80s. “These private apartments represent a key, but often overlooked feature of Singapore’s development history, and whilst many of these buildings have been photographed from the outside, we rarely get a glimpse of what the interiors, and living in them, is actually like,” says Fallon.
The exhibition is also where you’ll be able to get a copy of the just-launched, eponymous book by the duo, which features interviews with residents and photographs of ten apartments from 10 developments: Peach Garden, Golden Mile Complex, People’s Park Complex, Pandan Valley, Hillcrest Arcadia, Bedok Court, Palisades, Mandarin Gardens, The Colonnade, and Pepys Hill Condominium.
July 23 to July 31, Art Outreach Singapore, 47 Malan Rd, #01-24 Gillman Barracks
HEAD DOWN TO THIS GALLERY FOR A DOUBLE SHOW
Credit: Claudia Koh/Cuturi Gallery
For those who like to keep track of emerging names in the art world, Cuturi Gallery is a good place to start. The gallery is currently hosting two exhibitions by local and international artists: Spray, Peace, Diversity by internationally renowned stencil artist Anagard and Where The Flowers Bloom by Claudia Koh.
Of particular note is Where The Flowers Bloom, which is the debut show for the 22-year-old Koh. Here, she showcases a cutely surreal body of work (pictured) that draws influence from the colour palettes of children’s storybooks and vintage propaganda posters of North Korea. In particular, Koh was fascinated by the stark contrast between the image and meaning of propaganda posters.
“When I look at propaganda posters, they’re appealing to the eye but in reality, they carry dark overtones. What you see is not what you get, there’s always a buried meaning,” says Koh. Her paintings are likewise imbued with child-like energy that carries a slightly sinister undertone to them – like a group of adorable farm animals having a midnight tea party in the forest for example.
Both shows are on now till August 7 at Cuturi Gallery, 61 Aliwal Street
VISIT THE BURBERRY BEACH CLUB
Credit: Burbery
You couldn’t scroll pass social media last Thursday without encountering the celebrity-packed images and videos of the Burberry takeover of Tanjong Beach Club. If you’re wondering what’s going on: it’s for the launch of the new TB Summer Monogram collection, which is easily distinguished by a bold print that integrates Burberry’s evergreen Check motif with the “TB” monogram introduced in 2018 by creative director Riccardo Tisci.
A bit of background information: To mark the launch of this new summer collection, the English maison has been doing the laps around the world with a series of immersive takeovers in luxury holiday destination hot spots (previous editions include the Avanti Cove in Busan and the Loulou Ramantuelle beach club in Saint-Tropez). Now it’s Singapore’s turn and Burberry has chosen Tanjong Beach Club as the latest takeover spot.
The summer collection is available for purchase at a special pop-up store at Tanjong Beach Club, as well as online and in select Burberry stores. And as a nod to the brand’s history of exploring the outdoors, a bespoke iteration of the TB Summer Monogram takes over everything from sunbeds and seat cushions, to parasols and cabanas. There’s also a large seven-metre high wall mural within the beach club as well as a custom Burberry two-seater swing.
On now till July 27 at Tanjong Beach Club, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk
CHECK OUT AN EXHIBITION THAT BLENDS CHILDREN'S BOOKS AND ART
Credit: Lai Yu Tong
If you’re wondering what do children’s books have to do with art – well an argument could be made that such books are some of our earliest interactions with art.
Emerging artist Lai Yu Tong is known for creating works out of humble, everyday materials like cardboard and newspaper and now, he’s launching his new children’s book Tom’s Day Out – a story about a boy born after the end of the world who develops a liking for cars.
The stylish tome incorporates Lai’s own drawings and it’s part of the artist’s long-term plan to publish his artworks and drawings in the form of children’s books published through Thumb Books, his small independent press that makes children’s books for both children and adults.
Tom’s Day Out will be launched this weekend at the namesake exhibition, where Lai’s artworks and handmade furniture will also be on sale.
