Les Arbres de Paris by Melisa Teo
Parisian Trees: A Cinematic Ode to Nature
During the Voilah France Singapore Festival, the Alliance Française de Singapore hosted an intimate photo showcase titled Les Arbres de Paris. The exhibition was carried out by Melisa Teo, a Singapore-born photographer who has made it her mission to capture the unseen whispers of trees and gardens in the bustling capital of Paris.
Why “Culture” is a Dual Word
In French, the word “culture” carries two meanings: the cultivation of the mind and the nurturing of nature. That’s why Parisians are obsessed with both books and blossoms. Melisa’s lens bridges that gap, shining a light on the quiet dialogues between humans and evergreen sentinels.
What Happens On Showdays?
- Dates & Times:
- Jan 8, 2021 – 1 pm – 7.30 pm
- Jan 9, 2021 – 9.30 am – 5.30 pm
- Admission: Free entry. Reserve your spot through the provided portal.
- Venue: Alliance Française de Singapore, 1 Sarkies Rd., 258130.
Why You Should Attend
Think of it as a quiet escape from the city’s noise, where the only thing louder than the wind’s hum is the soft chatter of leaves. Melisa’s photographs don’t just capture stems; they reveal the quiet soul of Parisian greenery, reminding us that there’s more to life than concrete and traffic lights.
So grab your coffee, or just bring a curious mind, and step into a gallery where trees become storytellers.
Dear Japanese: Children of War by Miyuki Okuyama
“Dear Japanese” – A Rough‑and‑Sure Journey Through Hybrid Identity
You’ve probably heard the phrase “mixed blood”, but you’ve never seen it in a photo‑exhibit that puts people in a setting they’ve never lived in. That’s exactly what the Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF) just rolled out.
What’s the Story?
Miyuki Okuyama has taken a deep dive into the lives of the children born to European women and Japanese men back in the Netherlands. These aren’t the typical “boy meets girl” tales. They’re the ones born either by choice or by force during the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies in 1942. The whole affair was as secretive as a spy movie—whether everyone knew who the parents were is up for debate.
When the Past Gets You in a Tight Spot
- Growing up in post‑colonial Indonesia felt like making a mixtape with only one side of the record playing.
- After being shipped across oceans to the Netherlands, they moved into a land that never offered them a passport.
- From the day they were born, society has always had a five‑minute talk about “you’re a stranger, why do you feel at home?”
The Exhibition
Picture a photograph of a kid with largemouth smile and a subtle Dutch moustache. Then boom!—the background is a Dutch street, an old church, or a windmill.
- Each portrait feels like a hybrid emotion: part “what’s my identity?” part “where’s familiar?”
- It’s a two‑ueue: the challenge of being a half‑Japanese, half‑European every day, and the uphill battle to sort out home and self‑identity.
Happily, the exhibition is in “Dear Japanese: Children of War” by Miyuki Okuyama.
Tickets
Open: Jan 1 – Jan 30, 2021
Grab one:
- Free for kids under 12 and seniors over 65.
- Buy standard tickets at the official SIPF site
Location: 37 Emerald Hill, Singapore – right in the heart of the old colonial block.
Takeaway
These portraits remind us that identities aren’t just a one‑liner. They’re complex, they’re messy, and sometimes they’re a bit whimsical. If you’ve ever seen photos of a person that looks like they’re halfway through, you’ll understand why this exhibition is a raw, unpolished snapshot of history, culture, and the love you have for home.
Harley-Davidson Asia’s 1st HOG Virtual Rally
Harley‑Davidson Asia’s First HOG Virtual Rally: Ride the Digital Wave!
Get ready to rev your engines (or screens) because Harley‑Davidson Asia is throwing the biggest virtual rodeo yet—Virtual H.O.G. Rally. Think of it as a motorcycle festival that lives in the cloud, and you’re invited to the front row.
What’s on the Line?
- Live Band Beats: From classic rock to modern jams, the soundtrack will keep your heart racing.
- Games & Challenges: Think virtual trivia, photo contests, and a few high‑speed spin‑the‑wheel giveaways.
- Exclusive Giveaways: Grab merch, gear, or a chance to see a Harley in a fresh custom look. Who says you need a road to win?
Bring Your Custom Masterpiece!
Are you the mastermind behind a custom bike? Enter the 4 HOG Custom Kings competition and show off your creativity. If your design can win the crown, we’ll crown you the official Custom King of the rally.
Want to join? Drop a quick question to your Chapter Manager to find out how you can be part of the action.
Event Details
Date: Jan 8, 2021
Time: 6:00 PM
Where: Facebook Live – stay tuned on Harley‑Davidson Asia’s page for the live link and sneak peeks.
So strap in (or head‑set in), and let’s make history together—virtual or not, it’s all about the ride!
Exploring The Abandoned World War 2 Marsiling Bunkers
Get Your Adventure Fix at the Abandoned WWII Marsiling Bunkers
Beyond Expeditions SG invites you to dive into a jungle‑filled time capsule. Grab a pair of trekking boots, a sense of curiosity, and maybe a flashlight, because the hidden wartime tunnels are just waiting for you to explore.
What to Expect
- Huge underground corridors that once kept the British troops safe.
- Jungle vines that turn the bunker into a living, breathing museum.
- Giant geckos casually stalking their own domain.
- An ankle‑high mud splash that will have you laughing (or slipping).
- And that unmistakable, empty echo of history pulsing through the walls.
Don’t worry — the adventure comes with a safety side. Because of current Covid‑19 guidelines, each trek is capped at 8 explorers, split into two tight packs so you all stay comfortable and connected.
Book Your Slot
Slots are open until January 16, 2021. Sign up online here and secure your place in one of the last remaining adventures.
Ready to turn the basement of history into your personal playground? Let’s go!
Zouk Cinema Club’s: The Art of Celebration
Zouk Cinema Club: “The Art of Celebration” – A Retro Throwback
Remember those carefree school‑yard nights? Dive back into the teenage vibe with Zouk Cinema Club’s fresh monthly theme, The Art of Celebration. Picture neon UFO lights, heart‑warming flicks, and a feast that hits all the nostalgic notes.
Why It’s a Must‑Go
- Curated Film List that takes you straight down memory lane.
- Capital Kitchen’s finest dishes to keep the appetite—and spirits—high.
- Cheers & City Lights – savor a tipple while the skyline does its dazzling dance.
Special Deal
Score a 15% discount on Zouk Cinema Club packages when you spend a minimum of $300 on a single receipt at Capital Kitchen.
Event Schedule
Every Wednesday – Saturday, 6 pm – 10:30 pm
Book Your Spot
Email: [email protected]
Phone/WhatsApp: +65 9006 8793
Location
Zouk Cinema Club, 3C River Valley Rd., Clarke Quay, #01‑05 to #02‑06 at The Cannery, 179022
Flowa Powa: Julien des Monstiers Opening Day
https://www.facebook.com/cuturigallery/photos/gm.259607598913301/3497036047075509/
Hosted by Cuturi Gallery, Flowa Powa, is a solo exhibition by Julien des Monstiers (b. 1983, France). Embracing an intuitive and liberated approach to painting, des Monstiers presents five new paintings foregrounding floral motifs in his signature style.
Through Flowa Powa, des Monstiers probes at the canvases’ fundamental surface qualities, inviting viewers to contemplate what he considers as analogous to the skin of paintings.
This exhibition deserves to be experienced up close to truly revel in des Monstier’s incredible technique and use of colour. Look forward to getting lost in the illusion of depth, materiality and layers of vibrant colours of des Monstiers’ paintings.
Flowa Powa: Julien des Monstiers Opening Day
Jan 7- 22, 2021, free entry.
Cuturi Gallery, 61 Aliwal St., 199937
Erasure: The World Tournament
Flag Eraser Throwdown: A Throwback to Singapore Schooldays
Remember those tiny rubber erasers emblazoned with Singapore’s flag that used to be the CEO of your backpack? If you’ve walked those halls in the ’80s or ’90s, you know the ultimate pastime: Erasing Most. And the Substation’s got the golden ticket back in time.
What’s the Buzz?
The Substation has staged a friendly eraser wrestling match that pays homage to that classic school‑day ritual. Pick whether you’re a spectator or step into the ring as a contestant – the choice is yours, and the stakes are low: just your love for a good old rubber tussle.
Event Highlights
- Date & Time: 8 January 2021, 7:30 pm – 9 pm
- Venue: The Substation Theatre, 45 Armenian St., Singapore 179936
- Audience Ticket: $8 per person – book here
- Contestants: No registration fee – register here
Where This Fits In
This fun shrike is part of «?? ??? ??? ????? ????, ?? ??? ?????? ??????», the Substation’s “Proposals for Novel Ways of Being” programme. For more flavour, check out substation.org/wangbwaca.
Why It’s Worth Your Time & Money
- Reconnect with childhood nostalgia in the most literal sense.
- Get your dose of hilariously competitive spirit—no actual wrestling required; just lid-to-lid “tug‑of‑eraser” showdown.
- Support a community event that knows how to keep Singapore’s creative vibe fresh and funny.
So fire up those retro flag erasers, gather your mates, and bring the schoolyard spirit back to the stage. The Substation is ready, the erasers are waiting, and the audience is counting down. Let’s make erasing history fun again!
Peranakan Afternoon Tea, Kebayas & Guided Heritage Tour
A Touch of Nyonya Nostalgia at Straits Enclave
Reliving the 1920s in Joo Chiat’s Heritage District
Picture yourself strolling into a Peranakan heritage home that once opened its doors in the 1920s. Straits Enclave offers just that—an elegant, classic atmosphere that whisks you back to a simpler era. It’s the perfect backdrop for a fun afternoon with family and friends, and a chance to indulge in a proper Peranakan afternoon tea.
The Tea‑Time Experience You’ll Never Forget
Dress to Impress (Ladies Only)
Guided Heritage Tour
Jan 9 2021, 2 pm – 5 pm
318A Joo Chiat Rd., Singapore
Reserve your spot today and step into a slice of history that’s as delicious as it is enchanting.
