Extraordinary Females
Date: Until February 2025
Venue: National Portrait Gallery, 8th St NW & F St NW, Washington, DC 20001, US
The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery presents Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900–1939, an exhibition showcasing the influential contributions of American women to Paris’s lively modernist scene. Organised by Robyn Asleson, the exhibition explores the lives of over 60 pioneering women who challenged conventions to pursue their careers abroad. Through portraits and biographies, it celebrates cultural icons such as Josephine Baker (right) and Gertrude Stein, highlighting how these “exiles” broke societal norms to lead transformational efforts in art, literature and beyond. The exhibition rethinks traditional narratives of American expatriates in Paris, emphasising the dynamic role of women in shaping modernist innovation. Alongside a series of fringe public programmes, Brilliant Exiles promises to engage audiences in a journey transcending time and place.
Brighten Up
Date: May 31 to June 23
Time: 7:30pm to 11:00pm daily; extended hours till 12:00am on Fridays and Saturdays
Venues: Marina Bay, Millenia Walk, South Beach and Tanjong Pagar
Website: www.ilightsingapore.gov.sg
iLight Singapore (iLSG) celebrates its 10th edition this year, expanding its footprint across Marina Bay and neighbouring districts. Organised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), this sustainable light festival showcases 17 artworks by 25 artists inspired by the theme of Cyclical Nature and the colour green. Highlights include immersive installations like Spin Me a Yarn by UK-based Studio Vertigo, Kinetic Perspective by Spain-based Juan Fuentes Studio, The Lantern (above) by Josephine Pun Tsz Kiu of National University of Singapore and Liminal; Minimal by Singapore University of Technology and Design students Benjamin Lim and Yeo Soon Yii. These art installations, among others, address environmental issues and sustainable practices and will be located across the precincts that iLSG covers.
For the first time, iLSG extends to Tanjong Pagar, offering interactive experiences and artworks. Visitors can also enjoy wellness workshops, food, and musical performances that promote sustainable living. GastroBeats, the festival village on the fringe, will also return to Bayfront Event Space, featuring culinary delights from The Curry Club, Papi’s Taco, 8 Degrees Taiwanese Bistro, and others. Expect locally sourced and organic ingredients.
Floral Fantasy
Date: Until Feb 23, 2025
Venue: 8F, Phase II, Deji Plaza, No.18 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, China
The Deji Art Museum reinvigorates its renowned modern and contemporary art exhibition series, World of Flowers, with Nothing Still About Still Lifes: Three Centuries of Floral Compositions. Organised by Joachim Pissarro, the exhibition explores the interplay of movement and stillness, enhancing art history narratives with fresh perspectives. It also highlights early overseas Chinese artists, bridging cultural exchanges and showcasing China’s modern art landscape. The exhibition, acclaimed during its initial phase, continues to captivate diverse audiences, receiving accolades and nominations for its outstanding contribution to the art world. New additions to the refreshed exhibit include Le Promeneur by Édouard Manet, Bouquet d’Hortensias et Citron by Tamara de Lempicka, Still Life with Mirrors, Containers, Honesty and Fruit by Piet Mondrian, Lotus Flowers by Zao Wou-ki, Two Camellias by Qiu Ti, and Flowers by Wu Guanzhong.
See also: Masterpiece moments: Gilles Dyan discusses Opera Gallery's past, present and future
Treasures from the Grand Dame
Date: Until July 21
Venue: Mobilier National, 42 Avenue des Gobelins, 75013, Paris, France
Five years after the Notre Dame Cathedral fire in Paris, the Restoring the Grand Decors of Notre Dame exhibition offers a captivating insight into the monument’s interior. It showcases masterpieces saved and meticulously restored over two years. Held in the Galerie des Gobelins building, it features 14 tapestries depicting the life of the Virgin Mary and 76 paintings dating back to the 17th century. Highlights include 13 large-format paintings from the Mays collection — held annually in May by the Paris goldsmiths guild in honour of the Virgin Mary, and a 25m, one-tonne ornamental chancel carpet commissioned by King Charles X in 1825. Visitors will also be able to appreciate the intricate techniques employed throughout the restoration process. This will probably be the only chance to see these treasures up close before their return to the Notre Dame Cathedral when it reopens its doors to the public later this December.
Marine Marvels
Date: May 24 to July 28
Venue: Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close, Singapore 519599
With the mid-year school holidays nearing, Downtown East introduces Marine Marvels, an immersive ocean conservation and adventure celebration. This mega attraction offers four engaging zones that blend fun with education. The Wave Wonder Zone at Wild Wild Wet features Singapore’s longest marine-inspired inflatable obstacle course, Glow Coast Carnival at the open-air carpark, interactive educational installations at the main event space, and Marine Mealtime at the entrance, where you can try your hand at bottle-feeding koi fish. Marine Marvels aims to raise awareness about marine life and conservation efforts, offering immersive experiences to deepen understanding. With interactive installations and activities, it promotes environmental awareness and sustainable practices while offering memorable experiences for visitors, especially children.
