Singapore Night Festival returns for its 12th edition from 23 August to 31 August 2019, featuring a plethora of experiences and artworks that are set to transform the Bras Basah.Bugis district into an arts and cultural oasis.
This year, the Singapore Night Festival will host two Festival Villages set-up for festival-goers to gather at Dhoby Ghaut Green and the newly-pedestrianised Armenian Street Park for its exciting performances.
In addition to the usual line-up of stunning light art installations, performances and programmes presented by local and international artists, this year’s Singapore Night Festival will also see a curation of works with a Southeast Asian connection – a nod to the Singapore Bicentennial celebration.
The festival’s crowd-favourite Night Lights sees 17 immersive artworks – comprising both projections and installations – illuminate iconic facades and unexpected spaces daily from 7:30pm to 12 midnight.
Here are 5 top light installations that you need to check out at this year’s Singapore Night Festival:
1. Keep Dreaming by Spectaculaires
Where: National Museum of Singapore
What’s Night Lights without its iconic facade projection? Watch the National Museum of Singapore come to life as three mysterious characters awaken from their deep slumber to embark on a whimsical journey! Allow wonder and curiosity to take over as the secrets of the fantasy wonderland unravels before your eyes in this colourful and upbeat installation.
2. The Legend of Ramayana by Spectaculaires
Where: National Museum of Singapore
The venerable Banyan Tree beside the museum holds another iconic light installation done by Spectaculaires. The light show follows the tale of the epic Sanskrit poem, The Ramayana, which follows Prince Rama’s quest in his attempts to save his beloved wife Sita from the demon King Ravana.
3. Waves of Time by Chips and Toon
Where: CHIJMES
Inspired by Singapore’s very own legend of a Prince – Sang Nila Utama – who journeyed across the seas to visit Singapore, Waves of Time re-imagines the journey of the Prince chasing his dream to and around our island.
In the facade’s projection on the historic CHIJMES chapel, viewers witness the Prince’s journey as he explores the depths of the underwater world, as well as the various ethnic cultures which came together because of maritime connections, reminding us of how Singapore as a nation has been shaped by centuries of maritime trade and travel.
4. Intergalactic Dreams by Jahan Loh
Where: National Museum of Singapore
Picture this: Mankind only has 20 years to re-locate to a new planet, with several countries disappearing due to rising sea levels.
Held at various parts of the National Museum of Singapore, Intergalactic Dreams is a three-part installation that makes you think about the pressing ever-present climate issues, and explores the possibilities of alternative means of inhabitation.
5. Whispers by Light Society
Where: Gallery Theatre, National Museum of Singapore
The best part of the Singapore Night Festival lies in its surprises. This year, Whispers is it. The wind-inspired installation is one that is not only perfect for Instagram stories or boomerangs; it also evokes an immersive, chilling experience that demands to be felt in person. Be warned: this is one installation that will crowd your Instagram feed.
Singapore Night Festival 2019
Date: 23 August to 31 August 2019
Venue: Bras Basah.Bugis district
For the full list of the Night Lights’ installations, visit the official Singapore Night Festival website at: https://www.nightfestival.sg/. Admission is free!
Photos by Brandon Neo and Soloman Soh of the DANAMIC team.
