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.
On the Wings of Hermès
When: Now until 28 July 2024
Where: Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Level B2
In an exhilarating and emotive world of dance, hand choreography and breathtaking cinema, follow the imaginary story of Pegasus and his seven foals as they dance towards lightness and find their wings. Created by director Jaco Van Dermal and choreographer Michèle Anne De Mey, and featuring the Astragales dance company, On the Wings of Hermès is a one-of-a-kind experience that will appeal to the senses with a playful, light-hearted spirit that defines everything that Hermès stands for. Admission is free. Book here.
When a Prince Takes Flight
When: Now until 31 July 2024
Where: La Galerie, level two at Alliance Française de Singapour
In a remarkable exhibition celebrating the author behind The Little Prince, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Antoine de Saint Exupéry’s legacy and pay tribute to the 80th anniversary of his disappearance. Thanks to the Saint Exupéry Foundation, you will get to explore a rare collection of exclusive artefacts, including first drafts of manuscripts, handwritten letters, original drawings and personal belongings. Every facet of the author’s life is presented through the narrative of The Little Prince, and if you’re lucky, you will see Olivier d’Agay, the secretary general of The Antoine De Saint Exupéry Youth Foundation and the grandnephew of Antoine de Saint Exupéry, talk about his commitment to preserving his great-uncle’s legacy. Admission is free and guided tours are available.
Path x 80/20
When: 31 July 2024
Where: Path
Path, a Michelin-approved restaurant from Singapore, and 80/20, a one-starred restaurant from Thailand, are getting together for a six-course dinner. Spotlighting locally sourced produce and original dishes for the night, the menu will showcase the best of modern Thai and Asian flavours, done with creative twists that best reflect the chefs’ culinary journeys. Look forward to Seashells made in Yunnan Style Ceviche (Marvas Ng, Path) and Beef Tartare with makwaen, caviar, egg yolk gel and crisp flower (Thav Phouthavong, 80/20), and select wines curated by 1855 The Bottle Shop. Tickets are going at S$198 per person, and can be bought here. There will also be an encore at 80/20 itself on 22 August 2024.
Bacardí Rum Month
When: Now until 1 August 2024
Where: Various bars
With over 10 events happening across 53 participating bars, it is obvious that this year’s Barcardí Rum Month is even bigger and better than ever before. Based on global celebrations of three iconic rum cocktails (International Piña Colada Day, for example), one can indulge in a slew of classics, with or without a creative twist. Upcoming events include guest shifts with ReCraft at Smoke & Mirrors, Sober Company at Sugarhall, Drywall Cocktail Studio at Offtrack, and Backdoor Bodega at Native. More information here.
Lady Dior House exhibition
When: Now until 11 August 2024
Where: 5 Jiak Kim Street
The House of Dior presents Lady Dior House, a unique tour dedicated to the iconic bag and its many reinventions. Set in the heart of Jiak Kim Street, visitors can look forward to an installation of the infinite dimensions of the Lady Dior bag; the reinterpretations by Mircea Cantor, Jeffrey Gibson and more; and powerful visions dreamed up by local artists like Genevieve Chua, Samuel Xun and Grace Tan. By appointment only.
Helen Frankenthaler: Prints 1977–2004
When: Now until 25 August 2024
Where: STPI Creative Workshop & Gallery
As this year’s annual special exhibition at STPI, a selection of printmaking by the late Helen Frankenthaler (1928 to 2011), a prominent modern abstract expressionist artist of her time, will be on show. The exhibition will introduce you to around 40 of her works, with a spotlight on her woodcuts, courtesy of the National Collection of Singapore and the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, New York. Marvel at the American artist’s works up close and unbox the influential partnership she had with fellow American Kenneth Tyler, a master printer who later became significant to the establishment of STPI. Details here.
Fukusa: Japanese Gift Covers from the Chris Hall Collection
When: Now until 25 August 2024
Where: Peranakan Museum
Who here knows about fukusa? These silk covers that drape over gifts are a popular practice in Japan that began during the Edo period (1603 to 1868). Embroidered, woven, painted and dyed, they are some of the finest examples of Japan’s textile artistry, and are used for a variety of formal occasions, from seasonal festivities to important personal milestones. At the Peranakan Museum, take a look at over 80 different fukusa and related Japanese textiles from the renowned Chris Hall collection, and dive deep into the craft and trade. Visitors are also invited to draw connections between gift customs of the past and present, and to partake in hands-on workshops, performances and tours. More details here.
#SGFashionNow
When: Now until 1 September 2024
Where: Asian Civilisations Museum
#SGFashionNow is back with its final and largest edition. Curated with students from the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, the series celebrates contemporary Singapore fashion through a multicultural, cosmopolitan lens. It brings together the works of 28 emerging and established designers, exploring innovation in tradition, urban styles and craftsmanship. Look forward to pieces by Benny Ong, Harry Halim, The Salvages and Baëlf Design, whose commission will be on display in Singapore for the very first time. More details here.
Olafur Eliasson: Your curious journey
When: Now until 22 September 2024
Where: SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark
This is Olafur Eliasson’s first major survey exhibition in Southeast Asia. The acclaimed Icelandic-Danish artist has brought together 17 key works that reflect the themes and concerns explored during his three-decade-long career. Be captivated by never-before-seen works and Singapore-exclusive installations, and allow him to challenge your perception of the world around you. The exhibition will also be accompanied by a series of programmes, such as two editions of SAMily Funday (1 and 15 June), and products from Little Sun (Eliasson’s social enterprise) available for purchase. More information here.
Coming up:
Cé La Vi celebrates Singapore’s 59th
When: 9 August 2024
Where: Cé La Vi
The iconic SkyBar and Club Lounge, Cé La Vi Singapore, is inviting one and all to celebrate Singapore this 9 August. From noon to 10pm, one will enjoy a family-friendly time filled with music, great food and spectacular views of the National Day celebrations. Tickets are at S$58 each, which includes one premium house pour to kickstart the party.
Esquina turns 12
When: 28 August 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 28 August, Montobbio will be cooking with Antonio Oviedo (Agora, Hong Kong) and others to follow. Book here.
LANY’s Asia leg of their world tour will kick off in Singapore. Photo by Live Nation
LANY’s A Beautiful Blur: The World Tour
When: 20 September 2024
Where: Singapore Indoor Stadium
LANY’s newly released studio album, A Beautiful Blur, has propelled the multi-platinum pop rock band to tour the world, starting its Asia leg in Singapore this September. Look forward to smash singles, such as Love at First Fight, XXL and Alonica, a fan favourite that has garnered over 20 million streams on Spotify. Tickets include the Star Club Premium VIP Package (S$548), which includes one pit standing ticket, a group photo with LANY, access to an intimate performance by LANY and other privileges.
Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism Tour
When: 6 November 2024
Where: Singapore Indoor Stadium
No plans for November? That’s okay, the Grammy and Brit Award-winning singer-songwriter has some for you this 6 November. Kicking off the Asia leg of her tour, Dua Lipa will be stopping by to celebrate the release of her third album, Radical Optimism, which has topped the charts in 11 countries. It was also named a Critic’s Pick by The New York Times, who praised it for being “an album of nonstop ear candy.” American Express holders may secure tickets on 10 June and Live Nation members may do so on 12 June, while everyone else will have to wail till 13 June to book on Ticketmaster.
