The Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore presents for the first time, a collaboration with couturière Guo Pei, a showcase examining the relevance and impact of Chinese art, and how Chinese aesthetics and traditions are being reimagined for the world today.
Taking place from 15 June to 15 September 2019, the exhibition entitled "Guo Pei: Chinese Art and Couture" opens the museum's Season of Chinese Art, which will explore the best of the genre presented for a contemporary, international audience.
With 20 Chinese art masterpieces from the Museum's collection and 29 dresses by Guo Pei, this blockbuster exhibition spans two galleries and is part of the Museum’s commitment to examine the diverse cultural heritage of Asia, interconnections within Asia, and Asian connections with the rest of the world.
Every sightline in the exhibition space emphasises a visual dialogue between the historical and the contemporary through deliberate juxtapositions of Chinese art masterpieces and Guo Pei's masterworks. Each pairing shows off the best of Chinese traditional craftsmanship as well as modern couture techniques in the expression of creativity and storytelling. Just as how in the past Chinese export art garnered demand around the world, its reinvention and modern interpretations continue to fascinate the world today and provoke visitors to consider how the past continues to inspire the future.
As part of the exhibition, there will be a series of complementary family friendly programmes, guided tours, lectures, and weekend festivals. This includes an evening session with Director Ting and Guo Pei – Guo Pei in Conversation with Kennie Ting, Director of Asian Civilisations Museum and Peranakan Museum (15 June), where they will discuss a shared passion for keeping Chinese art and heritage alive and relevant, among other topics; a talk with prolific fashion, celebrity profile, and exhibition catalogue photographer Russel Wong; and a Chinese opera-themed Asian Culture and Music Series (28 and 29 June), with traditional performances and modern renditions, workshops, and a chance to be dolled up in the iconic opera make-up.
Guo Pei: Chinese Art and Couture will be open from 15 June to 15 September 2019 at the Asian Civilisations Museum. Admission charges apply. For more information, go to www.acm.org.sg.
