21 Oct 2023 – 3 Mar 2024
Art Science Museum Marina Bay Sands
New Eden: Science Fiction Mythologies Transformed offers fresh insights on science fiction, a genre built on envisioning alternative futures and imaginary realms. The lines connecting science fiction with Asian philosophy and mythologies are brought to light through the work of twenty-four Asian women artists and collectives.
The exhibition is organised into eight chapters that feature contemporary artworks, historical artefacts and films from both Asia and the West. Adopting Western science fiction paradigms, such as parallel worlds and interdimensional travel, as a starting point, New Eden explores science fiction’s possible roots in Asian philosophy and spirituality. Themes such as hybridity, mysticism, transcendence and other-worldly utopias, which are found in both fields, seem to point to cultural traditions in Asia.
As diverse voices gain prominence, the traditionally male-dominated genre of science fiction is slowly evolving. But rarely is science fiction approached from the perspective of Asia and through the work of women. Moving seamlessly between ancient mythology, contemporary art and post-modern cinema, this exhibition celebrates the dream worlds, futuristic visions and fantastical realities envisaged by Asian artists, showcasing women and alternative voices who are calling for a more inclusive future.
Curated by Gail Chin, Joel Chin, Adrian George and Honor Harger.
Artists: Morehshin Allahyari (Iran), Cao Fei (China), Patty Chang (USA), Kara Chin (Singapore), Chok Si Xuan (Singapore), Club Ate (Australia), Debbie Ding (Singapore), Fei Yi Ning (China), Shilpa Gupta (India), Etsuko Ichihara (Japan), Lee Bul (South Korea), Liu Xiao Fang (China), Xin Liu (China), Mariko Mori (Japan), Moon and Jeon (South Korea), Nguyen Trinh Thi (Vietnam), PACK (South Korea), Anne Samat (Malaysia), Soe Yu Nwe (Myanmar), Sputniko! (Japan), Astria Suparak (USA), The House of Natural Fiber (Indonesia), and Saya Woolfalk (Japan).