The Glass Rotunda at The National Museum has reopened after more than two years of renovation. To mark its facelift, the museum has commissioned two brand-new permanent installations – an interactive animated piece, Story of the Forest, by international art collective teamLab and a photography exhibition, Singapore, Very Old Tree, by popular local artist Robert Zhao.
Story of the Forest is sure to draw gasps with its immersive sensorial ambience based on the sketches of one of the founding fathers – William Farquhar.
While you can expect to see the sights (and sounds) of South-East Asia’s tropical rainforests, teamLab has upped the ante by making sure that the surrealistic digital illustrations interact with visitors as they make their way around the Rotunda. In other words – they’re animated and react according to your presence. How cool is that?
Of course, we don’t need to mention that they’ll make for a seriously pretty photo on Instagram. (Sidenote: The good people at teamLab were also responsible for the ArtScience Museum’s Future World exhibition, which has been Instagrammed to death since it opened.)
Acclaimed local artist Robert Zhao’s Singapore, Very Old Trees might not be as immediately attention-grabbing, but there’s a certain quiet serenity to his photos of poignant flora around Singapore.
17 of Zhao’s photos will be on display for this exhibition, and offers an unusual take of history through local botanical life. It’s a must-see for any horticultural fiends – or even if you’re not.
The two new installations will be open from 10am-7pm daily at Level 2 of the Glass Rotunda.
Like this? Check out the amazing new Swarovski installation at the National Museum, 7 exhibitions you should not miss at the Singapore Biennale 2016 and senior fashion writer Isabel Ong’s favourite cafes and shops in Daikanyama, Tokyo.
