What: A solo exhibition of works created by renowned Singaporean artist Jane Lee during a residency she did last year at the Singapore Tyler Print Institute (STPI). In the workshop space downstairs, invited artists are armed with a team of master printmakers to produce a totally new series of work, which is then exhibited and sold at the gallery upstairs. Known for her densely textured paintings, it’s the first time Lee has worked with paper and printmaking. The imagery of birds and trees explore ideas of freedom and imprisonment.

When: Jan 17-Mar 5

Where: STPI, 41 Robertson Quay

What: A mini-retrospective of the world-renowned American photographer Steve McCurry, best known for the “Afghan Girl” image that appeared on the cover of National Geographic in June 1985. The 53 images (handpicked by McCurry himself) cover the last three decades of his career, showing some of his most iconic moments of his travels throughout Asia. Don’t miss a free talk with the artist on Jan 16 from 3 to 5 pm. 

When: Jan 16-Feb 21

Where: Sundaram Tagore Gallery (#01-05 Gillman Barracks, 5 Lock Road)

Image: Steve McCurry, Jodphur Fruit Vendor, India, 1996. Ultrachrome print, 40 x 60 inches.

What: U.S artist Joan Jonas will be bringing her highly regarded exhibition from the 2015 Venice Biennale (the world’s most prestigious art event) to Singapore. Working in an interdisciplinary way, Jonas questions the irreversible impact of humans on the environment with this series of video works and installations. The Centre For Contemporary Art also has a fantastic programme of what they call ‘de-tours’, which includes a talk by Jonas herself as well as with other contributors to the exhibition. 

When: 22 Jan-3 Apr

Where: NTU Centre For Contemporary Art (#01-09/10 Gillman Barracks, 6 Lock Road)

Image: Installation view of the exhibition at the U.S. Pavilion at the 56th International Art Exhibition. Photo by Moira Ricci.

What: British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare’s solo exhibition is a series of playful, surrealist sculptures and screen prints that recall his childhood memories in Nigeria. Shonibare’s work (held in the collections of Tate Modern and MoMA) usually looks at themes like colonialism or cultural identity, but this new series is a delightfully imaginative departure. There’ll also be a screening room showing documentaries on the artist.

When: 21 Jan-13 Mar

Where: Pearl Lam Galleries (#03-22 Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road)

Image: Yinka Shonibare MBE, Girl Balancing Knowledge, 2015. Fibreglass mannequin, printed cotton textile and other materials. 179 x 139 x 89cm. Photo by Stephen White.

What: A group exhibition of 13 leading artists from New Zealand and Australia including Lindy Lee, Tamara Dean, Brooke Andrew and David Noonan. Spanning different mediums such as sculpture, painting, and video, the works reflect vast and varied interpretations of the landscape.

When: 23 Jan-5 Mar 

Where:  Yavuz Gallery (#02-23 Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, ) 

Image: Tamara Dean, Emerge, 2015. Photograph, 150 x 150cm.

What: For the first time in Asia, a collection of Andy Warhol polaroids will be on display at Gillman Barracks. Taken between 1958-1987, the photographs feature fashion darlings like Diana Vreeland, Bianca Jagger, Andre Leon Talley and Tina Chow. This is the first time lawyer Ryan Su has shown pieces from his art collection to the public. The show curated by Khim Ong who was behind the Southeast Asia Platform at last year’s Art Stage Singapore and “Landscape Memories” at Espace Louis Vuitton. 

When: Jan 16-29

Where:  #01-26 Gillman Barracks, 47 Malan Road

What: An ambitiously novel idea, Scout is a seven-day pop up exhibition housed in 15 converted shipping containers. Showcasing the work of 25 emerging artists, the exhibition occupies 2,000 metres of the car park space at Gillman Barracks where you’ll find the containers arranged in a spiral shape (designed by the artist Jennis Li).

When: Jan 18-19 (for industry members) and Jan 20-24 (to the public)

Where: 9 Lock Road, Gillman Barracks

Image: Proposed exhibition space. Photo by Patricia Chen.

Like this? You won’t believe what this Singapore artist uses to create his art pieces.