Take a Chill‑Out Break After the Pandemic Rush
After a whirlwind of upheaval, the only real gift for us all is a moment of pause. Reflection lets us untangle the knotty threads of our thoughts, explore fresh angles, and—who knew?—repair a few splinters along the way.
Singapore Marks Covid’s Second Anniversary, and ArtScience Museum Thinks Harder
With the world still feeling the tremors of the Covid‑19 crisis, ArtScience Museum is digging into the science of epidemics and staring straight into the mirror of our daily lives.
The Exhibition in Focus: Hope from Chaos: Pandemic Reflections
From February 12 to July 3, 2022, science and art collided in a bold showcase. Curious displays, striking films and sculptures spread out across the museum, with talent hailing from every corner of the globe. Vivid scenes push us to ask, “How have we changed?” and “What does life really look like when the pandemic scene has ended?”
Key Insights from the Show
- Virus Anatomy 101 – Visualizing the tiny enemy that turned the world into a stage for quarantine drama.
- Quarantine Life – Scrutinizing those days that felt like a never‑ending overnight stay.
- New Daily Rituals – Examining the normalised art of hand‑washing, mask‑wearing, and the ritualized dance of “social distancing.”
- Post‑Pandemic Reality – Facing the world that is not what it was (and is not the paradise we imagined).
Beatify, rewrite, or reconsider: the exhibition invites us to explore the full spectrum of pandemic‑days: the science, the art, the emotions, and the fresh outlook that follows.
Reminisce about lockdown days
<img alt="" data-caption="Cao Fei, Isle of Instability, 2020 – 2022.
PHOTO: ArtScience Museum” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”8727b4d2-3a02-4739-ae2c-7f0d14476c6f” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/Hope-From-Chaos-IsleOfInstability.jpg”/>
Stuck Behind the Circuit Breaker: A Sneak‑Peek into Lockdown Life
When the first weeks of lockdown rolled around, everyone expected a break‑through.
It turned out instead to be a slide‑and‑stay on the same four walls—like a hamster on an endless wheel. And yet, for a Singaporean artist named Cao Fei, that monotony sparked a creative fire.
Why “Isle of Instability” (That’s a Great Title!)
In this mixed‑media showcase, Cao Fei stitches together home videos, sketches, photos and quirky sculptures that capture the unique strain of “circuit breaking”. The whole piece feels like a time capsule of the collective shock and the psychological fallout of long‑term confinement.
The Toolkit: A Blend of “Home” and “Heart”
- Short clips that are more laugh‑track than documentary.
- Rough drawings that turn boring walls into vivid storytelling canvases.
- Snapshots from a home that has become a living room, a studio, and a confessional.
- Sculptures that are the artful embodiment of “I’m stuck here.”
What’s in the Hangry‑Hour View?
The installation goes beyond the selfie‑culture of crisis.
It stares directly at how we adapt (and sometimes binge‑fail) to living extremely inside‑the‑box life. Think of it as an emotional reality show—no cameras, just raw feel.
Takeaway? Stay Inside the Creativity Loop!
If the lockdown was a meme, this collection is the actual novel. Cao Fei turns lockdown boredom into a reminder that every four‑wall‑driven moment can spark something brave—and pretty funny—if you dare to turn it into art.
Alexa, queue the shape of you
The Gargantuan Glass Glitch: COVID-19 Meets Art
Ever find yourself picturing the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus as a tiny, spiky fuzzball?
Walk into the exhibition, and step up close—we’re talking about the real size of the “devil” that took over our world—on a whole new scale.
Luke Jerram’s March to the Mount
- Size matters. The sculpture is a neat 23 cm tall, but it’s no ordinary press‑fit. It’s a two‑million‑fold magnification of the actual virus, turning a microscopic menace into a stage‑ready spectacle.
- The glass artistry? Think “laboratory meets luxury”—Jerram’s arcane techniques give the virus the same baroque gleam and twist as your favourite scientific glassware.
Spot the AstraZeneca Marvel
- Don’t miss the companion piece: a glossy depiction of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, nestled alongside the viral sculpture in the Glass Microbiology collection.
- It’s a nod to the healthcare heroes who turned science into storytelling—every crack and curve radiates the same precision as a clean beaker.
Why the “Giant” Works
Scaling up the virus lets us see what actually sits inside our gut: a spirited leap of science, art, and humor—an almost tangible reminder of our resilience and the power of curiosity.
Hazard tape takes on a new job description
How Hazard Tape Has Been Stealing the Spotlight
Ever notice those yellow warning stripes that appear in every place they can think of? From the sidewalk to the playground, from coffee shop tables to gallery walls, that familiar orange-and-white tape has become the new poster child for social distancing. And no, it’s not just a temporary trend—it’s a full‑on cultural shift.
The Unexpected Career of Hazard Tape
Back in 2023, when the world was going “peek, peek, peek!” our daily routines were suddenly sprinkled with cautionary reminders. That’s when hazard tape stepped into the limelight—transitioning from a pragmatic safety mark to an emblem of the new normal. Think about it: you see it on the floor of hospitals, on park benches to keep friends apart, and even on the surface of artworks!
“Circuit Breaker Paintings” – Singapore’s Heman Chong Takes the Floor
Enter Heman Chong, a Singapore‑based artist who’s decided to give hazard tape its fairy tale ending. In his latest project, he has sprinkled the tape across 56 of his previous paintings—creating a line of visual graffiti that not only catches the eye but also invites reflection:
- A visual audit of the last decade: By overlaying his back‑before work with hazard tape, Chong forces us to revisit the themes and styles he’s explored, mirroring how we’re re‑examining everyday safety.
- A subtle nod to 12‑year history: While the tape signifies caution, it also hints at the discipline and patience required to produce 12 years’ worth of artistry.
- A comedic twist: Picture a painting with a safety sign that says, “Keep the paint out of reach!” – it’s a charmingly ironic nod to studios.
His series is a cautionary tale that says: “Even after decades, we still need to stay alert.” Let’s just say what was previously a mundane safety tool is now a way to keep us on our toes—literally and metaphorically.
Why the World Loves It
Whether you’re a safety inspector, an art lover, or just someone who enjoys a good joke, it’s hard to escape hazard tape’s newfound ubiquity. It blends the serious with the silly, reminding us that:
- Ladies and gentlemen, keep your distances! Because it’s not only about health but also about humor.
- Our world is changing, but safety always stays stylish. A small yellow stripe can make a huge statement.
So next time you spot hazard tape, think of it as not just a do‑not‑cross sign but a small banner of resilience, a reminder of how we can adapt while keeping a sense of humor. And if you ever feel bored, just imagine a tiny orange stripe turning your living room into an instant art gallery—because who said safety can’t be chic?
Our daily protective gear
Make ’em Look Good: Masks Take Center Stage
Let’s be honest—after the pandemic, masks have become the new must-have accessory. And guess what? They’re stealing the show at this exhibition.
Meet the Artists Behind the Colorful Revolution
Nonzuzo Gxekwa and Pierre Le Riche, two powerhouse African creatives, have launched The Mask Project. Their mission? Turn the dull, everyday medical mask into a dazzling, vibrant masterpiece that screams African resilience and cheeky creativity.
- They add bright textiles and traditional patterns, so each mask feels like a walking piece of art.
- The result? A series of photographic portraits that are nothing short of stunning—and a reminder that flair can live even in protection gear.
Technology Meets Style: The Nanotech Antimicrobial Mask
If you thought masks were all paint and punk, think again. Nanyang Technological University has unveiled a prototype display of a cutting‑edge nanotech antimicrobial mask—a reusable KN95 that promises to wipe out 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and particulates.
- It’s the first time this high‑tech, reusable mask will be open to the public.
- Forget the disposable diary of the past—this is future‑proof protection with a splash of science.
Whether you’re chasing the artful expression of African textiles or the next-gen safety of nanotech, this exhibition has an awe‑inspiring filter for every mask lover.
The mosaic of emotions
Diary of 2020: A 10‑Metre Window into Pandemic Panic
Meet the Artist
Eun Vivian Lee is a Singapore‑based creative soul who swapped her usual studio for a paper battlefield during the chaos of COVID‑19. Living in New York now, she turned her mood swings into a massive art project that’s both literally and figuratively long.
What the Piece Looks Like
- It’s a 10‑metre-long wall of paper—long enough to stretch your imagination and your sneakers.
- The colors? Think soft, gradient ombre tones that mellow from calm blue to a stormy teal.
- Everything was dyed with pigment paint made from sea shells—because nothing says “I survived the pandemic” like a crackly, shell‑crafted splash of color.
Inside the Studio
Alongside the installation, the artist shares a short documentary footage that pulls back the curtain on her creative process and mental health journey. It’s a candid peek that feels like a chat with a friend over coffee, sprinkled with the honest truth that the last two years were a roller coaster of anxiety and uncertainty.
Why It Matters
Diaries aren’t just about words, they’re about moments. This paper diary records a pandemic’s silence, fears, and subtle shifts—so when you step into that 10‑metre canvas, you’re not just seeing art; you’re witnessing a time capsule made by a fearless artist who decided to paint her own recovery.
Hand-le with care
Tenderhands: The Quiet Power of Pen‑and‑Paper
In a world that felt more chaotic than a jazz sax solo at 3 a.m., a quiet trend emerged: the humble Post‑its. This simple, handwritten scroll of comfort started as a coping trick during the global lockdowns, thanks to South Korean/Canadian artist Ivetta Sunyoung Kang.
A Touch‑of‑Soothe Series
Kang’s Tenderhands began as a daily ritual. Tiny notes, scribbled in neat, colorful loops, offered a breathing space for the pandemic’s stress. Those small texts became a gentle reminder that your hands can be a soothing balm.
From Paper to Pixels
Over time, the series grew from sticky notes to full‑blown installations, Instagram Live chats, clever video work, and even an intriguing email project. Each format keeps the same mantra: “Slow down, write it out, let your thoughts mingle with ink.”
Hope From Chaos: A Video Performance
Under the theme Hope From Chaos, Kang transforms the concept into a video performance. Viewers see her hand‑crafting gentle instructions, smiling as she shares simple, daily mental‑health tips that require nothing more than a pen and a little patience.
Why It Matters
- It reminds us that even in a digital age, handwritten notes can still calm the mind.
- It showcases the versatility of artistic expression—moving from physical to virtual while staying true to the core idea.
- It gives us a tiny window of hope, literally and figuratively, during uncertain times.
So the next time you feel the world thrum too loud, grab a Post‑it, write a quick note, and remember: your own hands might just be the best dose of calm you need.
Addressing the elephant in the room: Mental health
Hope from Chaos
ArtScience Museum is turning the tables on the pandemic‑induced stress with a brand‑new, year‑long celebration: the Season of Mental Well‑Being 2022. Think of it as a giant mental health spa, but make it arty.
What’s on the Menu?
- Exhibitions that explore how social anxiety surged out of the shadows of COVID‑19.
- Educational activities designed to help you spot early signs of burnout and buzziness.
- Public programmes—talks, workshops, and interactive sessions—to keep the conversation flowing and the mood glowing.
Why It Matters
Many of us felt the mental health minefield that COVID‑19 laid out: isolation, uncertainty, and the endless stream of “panic” news. This initiative is all about carving out a safe, healing space where people can reconnect, recharge, and get back on their feet.
Come Join the Well‑Being Wave
Whether you’re a seasoned mental‑health enthusiast or just looking for a calm corner in the city, there’s a spot waiting for you. Let’s hitch a ride on the optimism train and promote good vibes, one exhibit at a time.
<img alt="" data-caption="Luke Jerram, Coronavirus – COVID-19, 2020.
PHOTO: ArtScience Museum” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”c77e853f-6bfd-461d-930e-9b5061eea334″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/Lukejerram.jpg”/>
Rewritten Version
Background
City Nomads was the first to spotlight this story, taking a keen look at the flurry of exhibitions and events that sprouted all over during the COVID‑19 period, and how the global coronavirus crisis reshaped the cultural landscape.
What’s in Store?
Ready for a whirlwind tour? Dive into a set of narratives that combine:
- Roaring exhibitions that pushed past the usual limits
- Event ideas that proved creativity can thrive even when doors close
- Stories of community resilience during a time that felt like it could have ended in a dark, static scene
Why It Matters
When the pandemic rolled in, the art world shrugged, “No problem, let’s get a bit more creative!” This rewrite captures that optimism, all while sprinkling a healthy dose of humor and emotion to make the tale feel as vivid as a city‑wide street party—minus the masks.
Takeaway
Our reformatted take shows that even in the most unexpected times, the vibrant spirit of exhibitions and events can pick up pace. So next time you stumble across a gallery or an event, remember: somewhere out there, someone is turning a crisis into a canvas.
