Strategic Partner
Lead Partner
Curators of the exhibition: BBVA | Bracell | Screaming Comet Foundation | Tanoto Foundation
Tropical: Stories from Southeast Asia and Latin America is the first large-scale museum exhibition to take a comparative approach across Southeast Asia and Latin America, uniquely animated by their struggles against colonialism.
Comprising over 200 paintings, sculptures, drawings, performances and sensorial installations, Tropical spans the 20th century, tracing how artists from both regions challenged conventions and fostered solidarities, defiantly reclaiming their place within the story of art.
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When: 18 Nov 2023–24 Mar 2024 - Where: Level 3, Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery and various locations around National Gallery Singapore, City Hall Wing
The artists
Key highlights
Featuring over 200 artworks, sculptures, drawings, performances, and immersive installations by more than 75 artists, encompassing the breadth of the 20th century. The exhibition extends across three galleries and more, each exploring distinct themes.
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The Myth of the Lazy Native
In the late 1920s, artists embarked on a transformative journey to challenge and reshape the alluring yet distorted depiction of the “natives” living in tranquil and exotic tropical landscapes.
Victorio C. Edades, Galo B. Ocampo and Carlos “Botong” Francisco. Mother Nature’s Bounty Harvest . 1935. Oil on canvas. 257.5 x 273 cm. Private collection. © Armin Christopher E. Cuadra
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Library of the Tropics
The Library of the Tropics is a special interactive zone within the exhibition that showcases an intriguing collection of books, films, paintings, posters and cultural objects.
Installation view, Tropical: Stories from Southeast Asia and Latin America, National Gallery Singapore, 2023.
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This Earth of Mankind
During the 1940s, a seismic shift was underway in the two regions. Many regions were on the brink of transformation. Amid these tumultuous times, artist turned to self-portrait as a means to depict their shared view for mankind, holding on to the promise of a future where everyone was equal.
Left: Patrick Ng. Self-Portrait. 1958. Oil on paper, 49.3 x 75.3 cm. Collection of National Gallery Singapore. This acquisition was made possible with donations to the Art Adoption & Acquisition Programme. © Family of Patrick Ng.
Right: Frida Kahlo. Self-Portrait with Monkey. 1945. Oil on masonite, 60 x 42.5 cm. Collection of Robert Brady Museum. © 2023 Bank of Mexico Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo Museums Trust. Av. May 5. No. 2, col. Center, alc. Cuauhtémoc, cp 06000, Mexico City
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The Subversive
Across the 20th century, artists advocates for the dispossessed and champions of reclaiming what remained in the wake of dissipating colonial shadows, bolding breaking free from the western influencers.
Latiff Mohidin. Tumbuhan Tropika (Tropical Growth). 1968. Oil on canvas, 99 x 89 cm . Private collection . © Latiff Mohidin
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City Hall Chamber
Hélio Oiticica's "Tropicália" is an immersive installation that challenges societal norms, blending vibrant Brazilian culture with modern art, inviting viewers to engage with their surroundings and question traditional concepts of art and life.
Hélio Oiticica. Tropicália. 1966–1967, remade 2023. Wooden structures, fabric, plastic, carpet, wire mesh, tulle, patchouli, sandalwood, television, sand, gravel, plants, birds, television and poems by Roberta Camila Salgado, dimensions variable. Collection of Projeto Hélio Oiticica. Installation view at Whitechapel Art Gallery, London, 1969. Image courtesy of Projeto Hélio Oiticica and Lisson Gallery.
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Singapore Courtyard
Check out works by David Medalla and Zinny Maidagan and interact with various works by Lygia Clark! This is a free area for all visitors.
Dolores Zinny for Zinny Maidagan. Tigresses. Handsewn banners and synthetic leather. Juan Maidagan for Zinny Maidagan. Trees. Acrylic on canvas, rubber, and coconut coir rope. Dolores Zinny and Juan Maidagan. Vientos Alisios (Trade Winds). Digital print on organza and canvas. 2023. Dimensions variable. Collection of the artists. Commissioned by National Gallery Singapore.