“Siapa Nama Kamu?” means “What is your name?” The inaugural exhibition of the DBS Singapore Gallery poses this question, inviting visitors to consider how art may relate to issues of self and community, and what it means to look at Singapore through its art.

Siapa Nama Kamu? weaves together a rich and captivating narrative of artworks in a broadly chronological sequence, covering Singapore’s art history from the 19th century to the present day. Drawing on over 300 works, it explores the influences and practices that have shaped and transformed Singapore art. Each artwork provides insights into why and how an artist responded to his surroundings and circumstances. Taken as a whole, the wide range of artworks reflects the complexities involved in telling this extensive story.

The Liu Kang Gallery, located within the DBS Singapore Gallery, commemorates pioneer artist Liu Kang’s role in the development of modern art in Singapore. In May 2003, Liu Kang (1911–2004) and his wife Chen Jen Pin (1913–2009) shared his oeuvre by donating more than 1,000 works to the National Collection, forming the largest donation of an artist’s work ever made to the Collection.

This exhibition contains some artworks with potentially sensitive imagery. Visitor discretion is advised.

The DBS Singapore Gallery is made possible through a gift by DBS.