Folkloristics

Parts of our traditions are deeply rooted in the beliefs of religions, mythologies, legends, animisms, and folklores. Folklore is a body of culture shared by a particular group of people that is mainly passed through word of mouth. It reflects on the magical and mysterious, and its transmission is a vital part of its being.

From this perspective, Mizuma Gallery is delighted to present Folkloristics, a group exhibition featuring works by Albert Yonathan Setyawan, Amano Yoshitaka, , Entang Wiharso, Gilang Fradika, Heri Dono, Iwan Effendi, Okamoto Ellie, Shen Zhenglin, and Zen Teh. As the name suggests, this exhibition is a discussion based on the study of folklores in the present age.

Folkloristics focuses on contemporary artists, whose works make references to and/or are influenced by folklores, addressing issues that stem from the desire to question areas that cannot be figured out by science or reason. Yet, they encompass common traditions to a culture, subculture, or group, and discuss values that were once respected. This also leads us to question whether such values have been forgotten.

Folkloristics is part of Singapore Art Week (17 – 28 January 2018). A joint initiative by the National Arts Council, the Singapore Tourism Board and the Singapore Economic Development Board, Singapore Art Week reinforces Singapore’s position as Asia’s leading arts destination. The twelve-day celebration of the visual arts offers a myriad of quality art experiences, from art fairs, gallery openings, exhibitions, lifestyle events and public art walks, to enriching discussions on art and culture. http://www.artweek.sg