A recent cultural initiative by the Tanoto Art Foundation (TAF) is poised to enrich Singapore's artistic landscape. The foundation, spearheaded by collector Belinda Tanoto, has opened its inaugural exhibition, "Rituals of Perception," in an unexpected yet inspired location: a former girls' high school assembly hall. This choice reflects Tanoto's vision to democratize art access, moving away from conventional gallery spaces and creating a more welcoming environment for the public. TAF, established just over a year ago, is committed to fostering the burgeoning Southeast Asian art scene and promoting international artistic dialogue, positioning itself as an agile organization capable of evolving with its community and experimenting with diverse presentation formats.
The exhibition, on display until March 1st at the New Bahru School Hall, delves into profound concepts of physicality and tangibility in an increasingly digitized world. Curated by TAF's artistic director Xiaoyu Weng, it features more than 50 pieces from 23 artists, primarily from the Global South. The curation is the culmination of extensive research, including a 2025 symposium, "Soul Song of a New Organisation," and a series of global talks. The artworks span a wide spectrum, from traditional mediums like clay, cement, paper, and silk to cutting-edge technologies such as AI, 3D videography, and robotics. Notably, the exhibition includes works from Tanoto's personal collection, alongside loans and new commissions. It purposefully highlights diasporic artists, such as Stephanie Comilang and Sriwhana Spong, broadening the geographical scope beyond Southeast Asia. Featured pieces include Tsang Kin-wah's site-specific installation, THE E PLE AND THE P O LE ALONE, which critiques political rhetoric through distorted text, and Trisha Baga's 3D video, MORE, exploring human perception in a technologically saturated world. Carolina Fusilier's sci-fi installation, Las Immortalistas V, and performance art by Tong Wenmin, addressing humanity's interaction with nature, further contribute to the exhibition's diverse thematic explorations.
This ambitious, privately funded exhibition marks a significant development for Singapore's contemporary art scene, which has historically been largely government-driven. Tanoto emphasizes the foundation's educational mission, recognizing that exposure to contemporary art in gallery settings is still a relatively new concept in Southeast Asia. Looking ahead, TAF plans to host a major annual project, often coinciding with Singapore Art Week, with the long-term goal of establishing a permanent venue. The foundation seeks to invigorate the regional art ecosystem, offering a dynamic alternative to mainstream leisure activities and cultivating a new generation of art enthusiasts.
Through innovative exhibitions and a commitment to accessibility and education, the Tanoto Art Foundation is not merely displaying art; it is cultivating a vibrant artistic culture and fostering critical engagement with contemporary issues, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape for all.