Lost & Found: Embodied Archive at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) invites visitors to dive into the concept of the body as an “embodied archive.” Running from 25 October to 24 November 2024 at SAM Tanjong Pagar Distripark, this free exhibition is part of SAM’s multi-year Lost & Found curatorial series, which explores the intersections of memory, cultural identity, and the body.
The exhibition features nine works from a mix of emerging and established artists, including pieces from the National Collection, new commissions, and loaned works. Artists like Albert Yonathan Setyawan and Gregory Halili examine how the body can be a vessel of memory, with Setyawan’s Cosmic Labyrinth inviting viewers into a meditative, performative space, while Halili’s Karagatan (The Breadth of Oceans) pays tribute to coastal communities through detailed, symbolic imagery. Lee Wen’s Anthropometry Revision adds depth by reimagining Asian and gendered perspectives through the medium of performance, enriching the show’s broader themes.
This process-focused exhibition integrates live performance, workshops, and interactive installations, allowing the works to evolve over time. Highlights include Au Sow Yee & Chen Yow-Ruu’s (Her Lab Space) workshop, “Bad Dream Rocking,” where visitors can participate in the creation of personal, body-centered narratives through objects. The setup encourages a physical connection with the art, transforming the typical gallery experience into an intimate journey of self-reflection and engagement with collective memory.
SAM’s Lost & Found: Embodied Archive pushes beyond traditional art viewing by offering a dynamic experience where memory and identity come alive through the physical body. It’s a contemplative, accessible exhibition ideal for anyone interested in exploring new ways of engaging with art.
For more details on the exhibition and accompanying programs, visit Singapore Art Museum’s website.