Evening at the Museums

On Thursday, February 16th (- Happy birthday Valentino Rossi! Hahahah -), still a public holiday, we decided to visit museums after sushi *random*. And apparently it was the open house day of National Museum of Singapore! Yaaaaayyyy. We seriously just found out at the entrance. 

There were 2 special exhibitions going but due to the limitation of time (we got there quite late, about 4+, no preparations, no digicam, no SLR, only the beloved phone camera as usual :p) we didn't see the one with the Egyptian Mummies (even tough it seemed more highly anticipated). We managed to see this one : 

Talking about the love of exclusivity, I have this habit of bringing carrier bags from Singapore stores  to Jakarta, and vice versa. They have the same meaning as souvenirs right? They are souvenirs. And since I'm the weirdest person in the family - the only one who goes to art school hahahah - I think my mom understands, but once questioned me why do you always bring back these trashes home? 

Ovaltine and Milo. Despite I heard most people said the first one tasted better, I stick with the latter. Errr I heard that they're effective weight gainers (horror) so.. 

Cold Storage! It's the old Cold Storage! Wah lao. 

FnN old logo found in one of the permanent exhibition (this one's about Singapore cuisine).

When I just came to Singapore I was surprised Fanta products were nowhere to be found - oh apparently they have FnN. Sekian.

And the chandeliers! And the chandeliers! So much love for the chandeliers. 

Swing here..

Swing there..

Swing here..

It felt more mechanical (that's what makes them different) than mysterious. But it still gave me goosebumps. 

Then we went to this Film and Wayang gallery. Wayang? When I came in what I saw were Chinese puppets, stage, and costumes. Oh maybe the word 'wayang' means theatrical puppets in general, not only the ones we know from Indonesia. 

A Malay film screening. 3 big screens. Wow - grande. 

An old Malay movie poster. 'Ibu Mertuaku' means 'My Mother-in-Law' by P.Ramlee

An old Chinese movie poster. Err..

And these are film rolls! These are film rolls! 

Reminded me of Janji Joni, by again, Joko Anwar. Lol.

Even the details of the building are lovely.

Chinese sequined opera costumes. Wowww. 

A simple wedding dress from the fashion gallery.

And kyaaaa the photography gallery!!! I remember visiting this place for the first time back in fun-dation year, it was the beginning of semester 1, it was the photography class field trip, it was fun, it was different. Back then I didn't even know where NMS was - only 20 minutes away from school - I wasn't familiar with Singapore, the school surroundings, the art world, and the Singlish. I remember getting lost trying to find my way back to school, the SMU complex was so complex.

Back then I was like, ouh - what is this dark and cold place full of mysterious photographs - what do I have to do with these what do I have to do - reading descriptions in English was strange and a little bit scary. First galleries were like wuowwww I really really feel like an art student - sitting in the corner listening to the lecturer's explanations : another dream came true. Now it's just another trip to galleries, and every visit's always special, but we're just so used to it - galleries are normal. 

And I wanna feel that sensation again, thanks God I'm still a student. I have to go more often. I have to make good use of my time, and my student card... concession. 

And the chandeliers took my breath away once againnnnn they're just so cool. And look at the shadows behind. They're just meant to stick together, great composition.

The view from below. They're about to snap.

People, it's the carpet placed below the wooden chandeliers. At first I thought it was the shadow play, but apparently it's the pattern of the carpet itself formed by black, grey, and white distorted chandelier silhouettes. Clever. AND UBER-COOL.

Again, even the details and the corners are lovely.

Then we decided to move on to Singapore Art Museum, almost closed, but we entered anyway. There was this exhibition by an Indonesian artist, FX Harsono. We didn't have much time but we managed to see some of his cool installations. Wish we can return for the rest. 

Those dots = real pinned flies.

Tiramisu? No, those were butterflies, I'm not sure if they're real or not. 

And our attentions were so drawn by a documentary about a massacre of Chinese people in Blitar occurred in 1948 (FX Harsono is an Indonesian Chinese who grew up in Blitar), the interviews with survivors and eyewitnesses, and someone walked in to inform us the museum's closing. 

Alright, we'll be back. Now proceed to Coffee Bean for Iced Latte.  Thanks God for a great day and a great evening at the museums!