Light to Night Festival 2024: A Dazzling Celebration of Art and Imagination

Hi Huneybees,

From 19 January to 8 February 2024, the annual Light to Night Festival returns, transforming Singapore’s Civic District into a vibrant showcase of creativity. With over 60 captivating artworks and programs, the festival spans iconic locations, including the National Gallery Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, The Arts House, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, and Funan.

This year’s theme, "Reimagine," invites visitors to explore art and space in fresh, innovative ways. It also challenges artists to push the boundaries of their craft, resulting in bold and imaginative creations that promise to inspire.

Admission to the festival is free, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy. During the event, the National Gallery Singapore will extend its opening hours until 11 PM on weekends (Friday to Sunday) and offer complimentary entry to all its exhibitions—a perfect opportunity to experience the magic of art after hours.

Wings of Change

by Kumari Nahappan 

Venue: Padang

At the Padang, you’ll spot a striking installation featuring red ‘saga seeds’ scattered across a section of the field. This is Kumari Nahappan's Wings of Change, an artwork that draws attention to the declining saga tree population and the urgent need for preservation amidst climate change.

Beside the seeds, a towering energy pod reinforces the message of climate action, reminding us of our shared responsibility as caretakers of the Earth. Visitors are encouraged to walk clockwise around the seeds, symbolizing mindfulness, living in the moment, and fostering positive change.

Nahappan's creation is more than art—it’s a heartfelt call for environmental conservation and sustainability, inspiring all who see it to take action for our planet.

8-bit Word Cloud
by Justin Loke
Venue: The Arts House Front Lawn

Join the adventure of a scavenger hunt to uncover the missing letters needed to complete Justin Loke’s 8-bit cloud poem. Inspired by Karl Popper's philosophical essay On Clocks and Clouds, Loke’s artwork explores the relationship between digital technology, language, and meaning.

Amidst the pixelated blocks of this striking installation, a partially revealed poem awaits completion. The missing letters are hidden across six art benches scattered throughout the Civic District, inviting participants to engage with art in an interactive and thought-provoking way. Will you piece together the poetic puzzle?

Party Pavilion

by Howie Kim

Venue: Asian Civilisations Museum Lawn

Swing by the Asian Civilisations Museum and step into the whimsical world of Howie Kim’s Party Pavilion! This vibrant installation is hard to miss, with its dazzling lights and bold colors inviting you to relive your carefree, youthful days. Step inside, soak up the joyful atmosphere, and don’t forget to show off your best disco dance moves!

Teo Eng Seng: Living the Life 

by Teo Eng Seng, and Milosh Luczynski

Venue: National Gallery Singapore, Façade

No Light to Night Festival would be complete without the mesmerizing projection mappings on the façade of the National Gallery Singapore. This year, step into the colorful world of pioneering artist Teo Eng Seng with Living the Life, a vibrant projection that brings his joyful compositions to life. Featuring vivid colors and dynamic artistry, Teo's work celebrates openness, curiosity, and the spontaneity of everyday moments. It’s an invitation to see life through a fresh and playful lens - an experience that inspires and uplifts you.

Temple of Love

by Arahmaiani, Wayang Merdeka, and Milosh Lucyznski

Venue: National Gallery Singapore, Façade

Sharing the spotlight with Teo Eng Seng’s Living the Life on the National Gallery Singapore’s façade is Temple of Love. This powerful animation weaves a tale of resilience and renewal. Witness the gripping story of a nocturnal monster wreaking havoc, devouring the world, and leaving destruction in its wake. As buildings collapse and nature suffers, the community faces upheaval - until Mother Nature rises with her nurturing hands and boundless love. Her healing energy restores balance to the Earth, reminding us of the enduring power of love and the importance of protecting our planet.

Embroidered Landscapes

by SISTRUM

Venue: Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall

Set to the backdrop of evocative electronic opera soundtracks, Embroidered Landscapes breathes new life into the fading art of jie xi, a unique form of Chinese opera. This stunning projection transforms the façade of Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall into a dynamic canvas, adorned with intricate motifs and symbols from jie xi costumes. Blending vernacular traditions with contemporary artistry, the display offers a poignant reflection on preserving cultural heritage while embracing modern creativity.

Rapture

by Victor Tan

Venue: Atrium of National Gallery Singapore 

As you enter the National Gallery Singapore through the Padang Atrium entrance, look up to find Rapture, a stunning light installation by Victor Tan. Featuring eight life-sized human wire sculptures suspended mid-air, the piece draws inspiration from the biblical concept of "rapture," where believers ascend from Earth during the second coming of Christ.

What makes this installation truly special is how it transforms depending on your perspective. Admire it from the Padang Atrium for a grounded view, or head to the elevated link bridges connecting the former City Hall and Supreme Court for a whole new vantage point.

Winter Sonata, Summer Mookata 

by Knuckles & Notch

Venue: The Arts House

Dive into a mesmerizing world with Winter Sonata, Summer Mookata, a visually stunning exploration of human complexities and spiritual awareness. Created by the talented risograph print studio Knuckles and Notch, this work blends psychedelic scenes with influences from pop culture, comics, movies, anime, sci-fi, and philosophy. Featuring a mix of digital and hand-drawn animations, it crafts a captivating universe that blurs the boundaries between the tangible and the intangible. Bonus: cat lovers will be delighted by the charming feline animations woven into the narrative!

Ping Pong Go-Round

by Lee Wen

Venue: National Gallery Singapore, City Hall Wing, Level 2, Outside DBS, Gallery 2

Ping Pong Go-Round first made waves in Melbourne as part of an exhibition series curated by artist Ryszard Wasko. What sets this unique ping pong table apart is its circular design, mimicking the layout of an international conference. Breaking away from the usual linear gameplay, it allows multiple players to engage simultaneously, fostering dynamic exchanges in all directions. This innovative setup continuously shifts power dynamics, offering a playful and thought-provoking experience that redefines traditional player interactions.

Passage

by SOTA

Venue: Asia Civilisations Museum

It’s perfectly fitting to have this installation at the East Wing Extension of the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). Discover a captivating story about Singapore’s history as a port city through vibrant animations, where ceramic bowls adorned with swirling motifs and graphics come to life, offering a dynamic and immersive experience.

Wayang Spaceship

by Ming Wong

Venue: Empress Lawen

If Wayang Spaceship looks familiar, it's because it first made its debut outside the Singapore Art Museum at Tanjong Pagar Distripark in July 2022. For Light to Night, has now been relocated to the Empress Lawn, where it truly comes alive after dark.

Get ready to be amazed as you witness stunning visuals of a scholar-warrior journeying through Singapore's history, complemented by aural compositions from literary artists Ng Yi-Sheng, nor, and Diana Rahim, with an incredible sound design by Wu Jun Han. Once the visual and symphonic experience concludes, the stage transforms into a perfect backdrop for your aesthetic portraits. Use the LED lights to add flair to your shots by posing against the stage.

Additionally, there will be live drawing sessions from 2 pm to 6 pm on 20th-21st January and 3rd-4th February, where you can receive a free customized illustration.

Symphony of Order

by Sarah Choo Jing, Mattias Choo

Venue: Rotunda Library

This year, projected on the ceiling is Symphony of Order. This piece delves into the relationship between "order" and the "unspoken laws" that govern social settings, all set against the backdrop of a dining scene. After all, there's no better way to resonate with us than through food, gather around and hear what everyone has to voice out...

Wishful Thinking 

by Whisperlodge

Venue: National Gallery Singapore, City Hall Wing, Level B1, The Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium Foyer

Step into a multi-room installation and leave the stress of your day behind. Explore unexpected textures and sounds as you immerse yourself in a journey within your own body, enhancing your self-awareness and sensory perception.

The sounds throughout this immersive experience are inspired by Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR). On select nights during the festival, you can indulge in calming ASMR interactions or enjoy a 60-minute live performance led by trained ASMR guides in this serene space.

The Gachapartment Complex

by Nikkei

Venue: Funan Underground Pedestrian Link

For the first time, the event has extended to Funan. Come step into a hidden world where toys lead their intricate gachapon lives. Scan the QR code on the walls to activate the AR filter on Instagram and fully immerse yourself in this whimsical underground city, bringing the playful scene to life through your phone.

As the main event kicking off Singapore Art Week, Light to Night 2024 is a must-visit for anyone aiming to add “be more cultured” to their New Year’s resolutions. The National Gallery Singapore is extending its opening hours until 11 pm on festival weekends, making it the perfect opportunity to spend a night at the museum. Plus, enjoy free entry to all exhibitions, including Tropical: Stories from Stories Asia and Latin America, which features an artwork by the renowned Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.

The festival also offers captivating live performances and a range of activities. The Singapore National Youth Orchestra Percussion Ensemble, the SSO Chamber Orchestra, and artists such as Ludovico Einaudi, Varsha, nkei, and more will take the stage throughout the event.

These performances will take place across several iconic venues, including the National Gallery Singapore, The Arts House, Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall, the Asian Civilisations Museum, and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.

Additionally, an art market will be set up at Level B1 of National Gallery Singapore’s The Spine Hall, featuring Make and Take Activity stations. Discover a variety of exquisite jewellery, unique gifts, and enchanting trinkets crafted by talented artisans.

Don’t forget to check the full performance schedule and secure tickets for any ticketed events in advance.

Other exciting highlights include a festival street on St. Andrew’s Road with food stalls and live music, a Dungeons & Dragons art quest, and gallery gigs by local musicians. Plus, if you’re looking to capture aesthetic photos, you’ll be sure to leave with plenty of new IG-worthy shots!

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