Singaporean Artist Goh Beng Kwan Holds A Unique Exhibition In A Hotel Showcasing 85 Works

In celebration of his 85th year of life, celebrated pioneer generation artist Goh Beng Kwan is holding his first solo exhibition since 1991 - #GBK85. It will showcase 85 of his works including innovate AR works.

Held from 20 to 29 May 2022, #GBK85 shows off the artworks in a refreshing format - in hotel rooms at Conrad Centennial Singapore.

Arriving at the 6th floor of the hotel, I overheard that the President Halimah Yacob herself had attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition that morning. That's no surprise, as Goh Beng Kwan has received numerous awards throughout his career including a Cultural Medallion. His works often explore cultural representation, urbanism and identity through mixed medium abstract collages and time-bending creative versatility.

Dressed in an eclectic fashion, Mr. Goh was in a chipper mood as he reminisced about his career and shared that amidst the artworks are some of his personal belongings such as vintage cameras, clothes, and a trunk suitcase.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

The 85 artworks are creatively displayed across 18 guest rooms in an entire floor of the hotel. Each room showcases artworks from a particular time period, hanging on walls, leaning against walls, and even laying on top of beds.

Visitors are welcome to sit back, relax and watch the video explaining the artworks, which is displayed on the TV in every room.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

The unique, informal nature of the exhibition in cosy rooms makes for a peaceful and therapeutic time. After all, there aren't many art exhibitions that let visitors lie on a bed or sprawl across a sofa while looking at the art pieces.

There's no threat of uncomfortable crowds ruining the tranquil experience, as the 1-hour sessions allow a maximum of 35 visitors per slot.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Instagrammers who can't resist a photo op will find quite a few opportunities here, from nostalgic scenes with old school items to large, beautiful paintings as backdrops.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Don't forget to take a look inside the bathrooms! Each sink has an information board chronicling a time period of Mr. Goh's life and career.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

In addition to the physical artworks, the exhibition also has a section of Augmented Reality (AR) works along the hotel corridor. Using the ArtAF app, which was developed by Mr. Goh's daughter, visitors can scan the walls to view the digital artworks. There are also interactive elements woven into the AR experience, such as tapping the virtual art to find out more, and moving them around the space as you please.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

The AR segment will include 4 NFT works of original works by the artist, each piece chosen to represent a key period in his practice. For the uninitiated, NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are unique and non-interchangeable data which allows people to own original digital items like art.

The app also lets users "display" all 85 works of art from the exhibition on their walls at home.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Tickets are priced at $13.65 for General Admission and $22.02 for a 1-hour Guided Tour. Admission is free for children aged below 7. A part of the proceeds will go to the Singapore Association for Mental Health.

#GBK85 by Goh Beng Kwan
Location: Conrad Centennial Singapore, Level 6, 2 Temasek Blvd, Singapore 038982
Date: 20 to 29 May 2022
Time: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm
Tickets: eventbrite.com

Photos by: Karmen