Happenings this week
We highlight the best our city has to offer and what’s keeping it abuzz. Here are the best things you can do in Singapore this week.
Lost & Found: Embodied Archive
When: Now until 24 November 2024
Where: Gallery 3, SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark
As part of the Singapore Art Museum’s (SAM) multi-phase, multi-year curatorial project, Lost & Found, this exhibition is a showcase of nine artworks by seven emerging and established contemporary artists. Pieces encourage viewers to explore the body as a living archive of past experiences and present senses, engaging them through choreographed encounters, performances and screenings. More here.
Cheong Soo Pieng: Layer by Layer
When: Now until 24 November 2024
Where: Ngee Ann Kongsi Concourse Gallery, National Gallery Singapore
In this first installment of SG Artist, a National Gallery series spotlighting visionary Singaporean artists and their post-independence spirit, get acquainted with Cheong Soo Pieng and his paintings from the ’50s to ’80s. Through notable works such as In a Balinese Village and Indian Men with Two Cows, uncover new insights through the innovative techniques he’s known for, such as in-depth material analysis with X-ray scans and infrared photography. More here.
Whimsical Wonderland
When: Now until 24 November 2024
Where: Conrad Centennial Singapore
The Lobby Lounge at Conrad Centennial is unveiling its latest afternoon tea experience, Whimsical Wonderland. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, this experience aims to transport guests to an “extraordinary realm of magic”. Under a stunning 24-carat gold-leaf ceiling, guests will indulge in imaginative treats such as the Ace of Hearts charcoal finger sandwich, made with charred miso cauliflower curry; Alice’s Favorite shrimp cocktail; Deuce Pair, featuring a chocolate almond sable, and more. Available in two-hour seatings, the afternoon tea starts at S$52 a person and comes with a free flow of tea and coffee. More here.
Club Med x Trifecta: Ski in the City
When: 16 November 2024
Where: Trifecta
This Saturday (12pm to 10pm), Trifecta’s indoor ski and snowboarding facility will be transformed into a winter wonderland, offering activities, contests and a snow village. Young and aspiring snow sports enthusiasts may enjoy introductory lessons for cheap (S$10), and those who participate in ski and snowboarding contests stand a chance to win all-inclusive stays at Club Med Sahoro and the like. Visitors will also get to enjoy a taste of a Club Med snow village, complete with a festive market, kid-friendly activities and a live DJ. Admission is free.
Esquina turns 12
When: 20 November 2024
Where: Esquina
Esquina, known for its contemporary Spanish and Catalan cuisine, turns 12 this year—a big number in restaurant years. Which is why executive chef Carlos Montobbio has plans to celebrate all year long, with monthly menu collaborations (S$120) featuring his close circle of chef friends. This November, Montobbio will be cooking with LG Han (Labyrinth) and others to follow. Book here.
Pangdemonium is hosting a ‘deconstructed’ fundraising event, happening at various restaurants before congregating at The Blackbird to end the night. Photo by Bottega di Carna
PangsGiving
When: 21 November 2024
Where: Various restaurants and The Blackbird
In place of the run-of-the-mill charity gala ball, Pangdemonium is hosting a first-of-a-kind (read: fun) fundraising event that involves dinners at Singapore’s hottest restaurants—think Bottega di Carna, Akira Back, Butcher’s Block and more. Dine alongside theatre personalities, such as Oon Shu An and Hossan Leong, and participate in thought-provoking discussions about the arts, before ending the night at The Blackbird, where live music and performances await. Donations begin at S$400 a seat (includes a 250 per cent tax exemption), with proceeds contributing to Pangdemonium and an even more progressive theatre industry. More here.
Party with Vicky Kroon
When: 23 November 2024
Where: Cé La Vi
Vicky Kroon’s performances are a masterclass in energy, attracting dancers and listeners with a distinctive mix of soulful vocals and trippy textures. Her talent for seamlessly traversing multiple music borders has earned her residencies at iconic venues, such as Pacha Ibiza and Mirage Paris, and this November, the decks of Cé La Vi Singapore. Join her from 10pm till late as she channels her immersive sonic style to Singapore’s iconic rooftop destination, promising a night of a lifetime. Tickets here.
Whisky Live
When: 23 to 25 November 2024
Where: Mandala Club
This year’s Whisky Live, organised by La Maison du Whisky (LMDW), will return for its 13th edition and while it’s going to be smaller, it can only be better. Featuring its first VIP-exclusive edition, with a capacity for just 300 guests a day, one will experience all things good, such as first-tastes of bottlings from LMDW’s 2024 Creations Catalogue, masterclasses by industry experts, and the chance to purchase new and rare whiskies at 10 per cent off. Whisky Live has also partnered with award-winning bars within walking distance, and will offer S$20 signature cocktails from places like Cafe Utu; Cat Bite Club; Foxtail Bar; Nou; Beats, Bites & Cocktails; and RPM by D.Bespoke. More here.
Gingle all the way
When: 29 November to 21 December 2024
Where: Brass Lion Distillery
Singapore’s very own gin distillery is feeling the Christmas spirit, with two festive experiences ready to roll. Happening every Friday and Saturday from 29 November to 21 December, Brass Lion Merry Makan is a 90-minute immersive gin tasting (S$148) paired with cocktails, mulled wine and hearty grub. There will also be a special edition of gin school (S$220), where guests will learn the art of balancing botanicals, distilling and making festive cocktails. They will leave with a personalised bottle of gin and hopefully, good memories to go with. Happening every weekend throughout December.
Fun under Veuve Clicquot’s sun
When: Now until 30 November 2024
Where: +Twelve Adult Beach Club
Launching alongside the new Rich and Rich Rosé, Veuve Clicquot is bringing its Sun Club initiative to Singapore. Sunseekers can look forward to enjoying bubblies at +Twelve, the Sun Club flagship primed for a French Riviera-inspired escape, or at partner bars, such as Lantern, Mr Stork and Canyon Club.
Déjà vu: Buddha is Hiding
When: Now until 1 December 2024
Where: STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery
Curated by John Tung, a young Singaporean previously responsible for S.E.A. Focus 2024, this exhibition is an exploration of decolonisation in the arts, with over 40 artworks by Thai contemporary artist, Natee Utarit, on display. Through innovative print and paperworks made in collaboration with STPI, the exhibition will conclude his Déjà vu series, where he examines Western hegemony in art history by juxtaposing Eastern and Western imagery. A solo showcase of his works will also be presented by Richard Koh Fine Art at The Private Museum, happening from late October 2024. Details here.
ORBar on A Great Street
When: Now until 31 January 2025
Where: Various bars along Orchard Road
For those who bar-hop frequently along Orchard Road, this drink passport is for you. Available at eight participating bars, passport holders will enjoy a selection of 16 cocktails at special rates, with eight signatures to enjoy. Different select cocktails include Atelier Lounge & Bar’s Smoky Negroni and Café Quenino’s Ondeh-Ondeh. More here.
Teo Eng Seng: We’re Happy. Are You Happy?
When: Now until 2 February 2025
Where: National Gallery Singapore
In the largest solo exhibition dedicated to Teo Eng Seng, one of Singapore’s pioneer sculptors and Cultural Medallion recipient, everyday items are transformed into brilliant works of art, embedded with humour and irony. One will find Teo’s creations rich in spontaneity and tongue-in-cheek commentary on local and global social events, bringing his honest negotiation between self and society into perspective. More here.
Coming up:
Botanical Paradigm
When: 28 November to 13 December 2024
Where: Instinc Space
A series of imaginary plants developed by multidisciplinary artist, Chen Dongyan, is here for show. As part of Chen’s ongoing transmedia storytelling project, Factory, which is centred on a fictional biological lab, Chen seeks to challenge the conventional perceptions of nature and reality with the paradigm of fictional botany. See the transformation of imagined plant species across various media, and get to better understand the evolving nature of thought through technological advancements. Sign up for the artist talk, happening on 30 November from 3pm to 4pm.
Todd Terry comes to town
When: 30 November 2024
Where: Cé La Vi
Going beyond the Chicago house sound in the mid-’80s, Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Todd Terry is, to date, a revered icon in the electronic music scene. This 30 November, join him as he fires up the dance floor with groundbreaking beats and deep, soulful basslines, 57 floors high above the city. Tickets here.
A dining series by Marriott International
When: 29 November to 1 December 2024
Where: JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach
The Luxury Group Dining Series, a multi-city dining programme commencing at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, will be concluding in Singapore at the JW Marriott. Highlights include a collaborative dinner at Madame Fan, where its chef will partner two-Michelin-starred Tin Lung Heen (Hong Kong); Cool Cats serving a selection of Chinese dishes before live jazz; and a special sake brunch pairing at the Akira Back Brunch Club. Book here.
Art SG
When: 17 to 19 January 2024
Where: Marina Bay Sands
Southeast Asia’s leading international art fair is back once again for its third edition. Presented by UBS, Art SG will bring established and emerging contemporary art galleries, artists and collectors to Singapore, with an exceptional lineup of 106 galleries, remarkable talent from across the world, installations and activations. Highlights include the Talks programme, a diverse series of engaging discussions exploring various contemporary art themes and issues. More here.