The Floating Utopias exhibition at Singapore’s ArtScience Museum opens Alan Teh Leam Seng’s eyes to the way inflatables have shaped our world
LINING the sides of what must be the longest hotel lobby in Singapore are information boards and LED display signs highlighting the latest events, performances and exhibitions happening at the various venues in the integrated resort of Marina Bay Sands.
But, one catches my attention like no other — the Floating Utopias held at the ArtScience Museum, the famous lotus shaped museum that is said to be the first of its kind in the world. Not only it is a feast to the eyes, the museum is also strong in conservation. Environmentally-friendly initiatives are also put into practice at the museum’s 21 gallery spaces which cover a total area of 6,000 square metres.
Sustainable concepts like water conservation gets paramount attention here. Harvested rainwater is channelled down a bowl-shaped roof into a reflecting pond located at the lowest level of the building. It is then recycled for use in restrooms and general washing areas.
THE INFLATABLES
Expecting a truly unique visual treat, I start trailing the well-positioned and easy to follow direction boards which take me to the far end of the sprawling resort.
The world of inflatable objects dominate the scene as soon as I arrive at the main exhibition area. With prior knowledge confined to only inflatable playthings like balloons, floats and bounce back toys, I am amazed to learn that this concept has far more uses than those that I already know of.
Described as a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition, the Floating Utopias features more than40 artworks, including eight dramatic larger-than life inflatables. It is truly amazing to see how Floating Utopias highlight the way inflatables have played a role in shaping the way we understand the world through decades-old use in art, architecture and social activism.
Presented in five chapters, the exhibition charts the way inflatables have created new innovations within architecture and urban planning. At the same time, it is interesting to note how their use by contemporary artists and designers have helped people to rethink their relationship with the environment.
Interestingly, creations featuring three rabbits prove to be the most popular. The first comes in the form of the iconic inflatable resident created by local artist Dawn Ng called WALTER.
Although gracing the ArtScience Museum for the first time, this enormous white rabbit inflatable has, in the past, appeared in local neighbourhoods, such as shophouses, hawker stalls, convenience stores, playgrounds and MRT stations, and helped to draw attention to some of Singapore’s inherently familiar but yet overlooked public spaces.
My next encounter with rabbits comes in the form of a dramatic artwork depicting two oversized bunnies slumped in a sad, lonely manner on opposite corners of a relatively large room. This is a thought provoking creation by Japanese artist Momoyo Torimitsu who has the opinion that bunnies are stereotypical examples of cuteness. She purposely supersized them to distort their allure and create something that is altogether more disconcerting and thought-provoking.
It is almost evening by the time I exit the ArtScience Museum. Together with four other equally exciting on-going exhibitions, the captivating displays at the Floating Utopias have made it an afternoon truly well spent.
WHAT’S NEW MARINA?
Planning to checkout some new attractions in the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort later in the evening, I while away time window shopping before adjourning for an early dinner.
With locations in California, Florida and Nevada, the Yardbird Southern Table & Bar Singapore outlet is the only restaurant of its kind outside the United States. Serving Southern food amidst a modern farmhouse styled ambience, the restaurant specialises in something that almost everyone can agree on — fried chicken.
Despite having more than 30 dishes on the menu, the ones featuring fried chicken, made using a generations-old recipe, are clear favourites. I am told that the chicken meat is brined for 27 hours before dredging them in a special concoction of herbs and spices.
Deep-fried and served piping hot with spicy honey sauce, the fried chicken is pure gastronomic bliss. Other items popular with guests on this part of the world are the lobster mac and cheese, tea braised beef short ribs and crispy seared barramundi.
After dinner, I walk back to my room on the upper floors of Tower Two for a refreshing shower before getting ready for the excitement of the night — the Marquee Singapore, the latest and most highly anticipated addition to Marina Bay Sands’ nightlife line-up.
Located at the Galleria level, Marquee Singapore marks the nightclub chain’s first venture into Asia after having carved a name for itself in great cities of the world such as New York, Las Vegas and Sydney.
Apart from giving revellers a fully immersive experience that incorporates the latest design, technology and cutting edge sound across three tastefully decorated floors, this venue also stakes its claim to being the only one of its kind in the world that has a functional full-sized Ferris wheel.
Lucky to find myself riding in one of the eight pods, I can hardly contain my overflowing sense of excitement while soaking in the electrifying atmosphere some 25m in the air while listening to music played by big-name resident DJs and entertainers such as Kaskade, Dash Berlin, French Montana and Travis Scott.
Before calling it a night, I satisfy my hunger pangs by checking out Club55’s newest evening concept that offers a selection of seven tasting flights paired with exquisite bites specially created by Marina Bay Sands’ Executive Chef Brian Cleere.
Called Flights of Fancy, this multi sensorial experience is made even more memorable when set against the spectacular backdrop of the city skyline seen from the 55th floor of Tower Two.
Guests get to choose from a selection of small plates crafted with premium ingredients such as caviar, fine cheeses and truffles which are then paired to perfection with premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
Back in the room, I walk straight to the spacious balcony to enjoy the night view of the city that stretches from the Singapore Strait and the Marina South Pier right down to the Marina Reservoir and Singapore River.
While enjoying the view and the night breeze, I take time to recollect all the exciting moments experienced throughout the day. With so many things to see and do here at Marina Bay Sands, it looks like I have made the right choice in making this sprawling resort my quick two-day getaway.
Tomorrow will be another fun- filled day exploring Gardens By The Bay and enjoying more culinary delights dished out by world class chefs. The opportunity to take my mind off work for two full days will surely have me mentally and physically prepared to face the rigours of the office again next week.
FAST FACTS
MARINA BAY SANDS
10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore
018956, Republic of Singapore
TEL (+65) 6688 8888
WEBSITE www.marinabaysands.com
EMAIL inquiries@marinabaysands.com
STAY With all 2,561 guestrooms and suites offering breath-taking views of either the surrounding sea or sprawling cityscape, this integrated resort is among the most popular in Singapore. There are seven room types that range from the Deluxe Room to the Suite categories.
EAT Marina Bay Sands has over 60 restaurants that offer the best of local and international cuisines. Diners will be spoilt for choice as they seek out exclusive culinary creations by 10 of the world’s best celebrity chef restaurants.
DO Enjoy the hotel’s numerous facilities to the fullest. The iconic Sands Skypark is a definite must. Remember to bring your room key card to gain complimentary entry.
GO The location map available at the concierge desk and check-in counter is the best way to get around the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort. Those on longer stays can venture further into the city via the world-class public transportation system which is right at the hotel doorstep.
HIGHS A well-rounded integrated resort that has almost everything needed to makeavacation truly memorable.
LOWS The place is really huge and it will take a bit of time to fully get a hang of all the exciting facilities and venues.