Tropical: Stories from Southeast Asia and Latin America is the first large-scale museum exhibition to take a comparative approach across Southeast Asia and Latin America, uniquely animated by their struggles against colonialism.
Comprising over 200 paintings, sculptures, drawings, performances and sensorial installations, Tropical spans the 20th century, tracing how artists from both regions challenged conventions and fostered solidarities, defiantly reclaiming their place within the story of art.
75 renowned artists to look out for, including:
.. and more!
- 18 November 2023 – 24 March 2024
- City Hall Wing, Level 3, Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery and various locations around National Gallery Singapore
Admission fees apply.
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Featuring over 200 artworks, sculptures, drawings, performances, and immersive installations by more than 75 artists, encompassing the breadth of the 20th century. The exhibition extends across three galleries and more, each exploring distinct themes.
GALLERY 1
THE MYTH OF THE LAZY NATIVE
In the late 1920s, artists embarked on a transformative journey to challenge and reshape the alluring yet distorted depiction of the “natives” living in tranquil and exotic tropical landscapes.
Victorio C. Edades, Galo B. Ocampo and Carlos “Botong” Francisco. Mother Nature’s Bounty Harvest . 1935. Oil on canvas. 257.5 x 273 cm. Private collection. © Armin Christopher E. Cuadra
GALLERY 1
LIBRARY OF THE TROPICS
The Library of the Tropics is a special interactive zone within the exhibition that showcases an intriguing collection of books, films, paintings, posters and cultural objects.
Installation view, Tropical: Stories from Southeast Asia and Latin America, National Gallery Singapore, 2023.
GALLERY 2
THIS EARTH OF MANKIND
During the 1940s, a seismic shift was underway in the two regions. Many regions were on the brink of transformation. Amid these tumultuous times, artist turned to self-portrait as a means to depict their shared view for mankind, holding on to the promise of a future where everyone was equal.
Left: Patrick Ng. Self-Portrait. 1958. Oil on paper, 49.3 x 75.3 cm. Collection of National Gallery Singapore. This acquisition was made possible with donations to the Art Adoption & Acquisition Programme. © Family of Patrick Ng.
Right: Frida Kahlo. Self-Portrait with Monkey. 1945. Oil on masonite, 60 x 42.5 cm. Collection of Robert Brady Museum. © 2023 Bank of Mexico Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo Museums Trust. Av. May 5. No. 2, col. Center, alc. Cuauhtémoc, cp 06000, Mexico City
GALLERY 3
THE SUBVERSIVE
Across the 20th century, artists advocates for the dispossessed and champions of reclaiming what remained in the wake of dissipating colonial shadows, bolding breaking free from the western influencers.
Latiff Mohidin. Tumbuhan Tropika (Tropical Growth). 1968. Oil on canvas, 99 x 89 cm . Private collection . © Latiff Mohidin
CITY HALL CHAMBER
Hélio Oiticica's "Tropicália" is an immersive installation that challenges societal norms, blending vibrant Brazilian culture with modern art, inviting viewers to engage with their surroundings and question traditional concepts of art and life.
Hélio Oiticica. Tropicália. 1966–1967, remade 2023. Wooden structures, fabric, plastic, carpet, wire mesh, tulle, patchouli, sandalwood, television, sand, gravel, plants, birds, television and poems by Roberta Camila Salgado, dimensions variable. Collection of Projeto Hélio Oiticica. Installation view at Whitechapel Art Gallery, London, 1969. Image courtesy of Projeto Hélio Oiticica and Lisson Gallery.
SINGAPORE COURTYARD
Check out works by David Medalla and Zinny Maidagan and interact with various works by Lygia Clark! This is a free area for all visitors.
Dolores Zinny for Zinny Maidagan. Tigresses. Handsewn banners and synthetic leather. Juan Maidagan for Zinny Maidagan. Trees. Acrylic on canvas, rubber, and coconut coir rope. Dolores Zinny and Juan Maidagan. Vientos Alisios (Trade Winds). Digital print on organza and canvas. 2023. Dimensions variable. Collection of the artists. Commissioned by National Gallery Singapore.
Join Latin pianist and composer Alina Ramirez and her collaborators as she presents a series of workshops and performances responding to the shared musical histories of Southeast Asia and Latin America.
TICKET INFORMATION
| Ticket Type | Standard | Local* |
|---|---|---|
| Special Exhibition | $25 | $15 |
Your Special Exhibition Pass grants you access to Singtel Special Exhibition Galleries and Hélio Oiticica's "Tropicália" installation situated at the City Hall Chamber. To ensure your admission to "Tropicália", we strongly advise you to obtain your wristband for your chosen hourly time slot on-site before proceeding to explore the remaining sections of the exhibition in the Singtel Special Exhibition Galleries.
From 1 March 2024 to 10 March 2024, purchase a Special Exhibition or All Access Pass and enjoy the second one for free! Bring a friend along to check out the exhibition. Don't miss out!
How to redeem?
When purchasing tickets through our system, please note that for every pass you buy, the system will automatically reflect TWO passes. You'll only be charged for the price of one ticket, but you'll receive two passes to enjoy the Tropical exhibition! Simply proceed with your purchase as usual, and the system will take care of the rest. It's that easy!
National Gallery Singapore is committed to creating an inclusive experience for our diverse audiences.
Click here for the Exhibition Access Advisory.
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Strategic Partner
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Lead Partner
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Exhibition Supporters
BBVA
Bracell
Screaming Comet Foundation
Tanoto Foundation
Come together to make Lygia Clark’s Elastic Net! Create an elastic grid in a special session of collective making and creative collaboration. Through simple acts of tying and knotting, Clark reminds us of the power of collective action.
Gain a deeper understanding of the images and ideas associated with the word “tropical” in this guided tour of Tropical: Stories from Southeast Asia and Latin America with curators Teo Hui Min and Qinyi Lim.
Dive into the world of macaws, as avian veterinarian Dr Neo Peici sheds light on the care and maintenance of these captivating creatures in this engaging exploration of the intersection between art, nature and conservation.
Join us for an evening of discussions as our curators Cheng Jia Yun, Patrick Flores, Qinyi Lim, Teo Hui Min, Shabbir Hussain Mustafa, and Anissa Rahadiningtyas delve deep into the many words and phrases associated with the mind-bending “tropical.” Together, they’ll explore how it continues to morph and mutate, offering a speculative reading of modern art and its tendencies.
In this wide-ranging talk, Richard Hassell, one of the co-founders of WOHA, will offer insights into the exhibition’s design ethos and reflect on burgeoning questions around postmodern tropicality, urbanism and architecture. The lecture will be followed by a discussion with the exhibition’s co-curator Shabbir Hussain Mustafa.
Join us for the opening weekend as participating artists and collaborators tell stories, read poetry and celebrate the coming together of these two regions. Featuring Boedi Widjaja, Circe Henestrosa, Dolores Zinny and Juan Maidagan.
Join us for a participatory performance, Parangolés, inspired by Hélio Oiticica’s series, which was developed from 1964 to 1973. Audiences are invited to dance and move along with the sounds and rhythms of samba.
Immerse yourself in the world of art and let your imagination soar with Art Alive! The programme offers families a fun and exciting journey with drama and storytelling activities that bring different artworks from the exhibition to life.
Through guided discussions led by our facilitator, families will deepen their connections with the selected paintings as they discuss the artist’s inspirations and themes addressed in the exhibition.
Learn charcoal drawing techniques from artist Dahlia Osman and create your own masterpiece inspired by the exhibition.
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