6 Special Exhibitions at the Asian Civilisations Museum

SEBASTIAN CHUN Exhibition Designer
Graphic Designers: Ng Pei Kie, Teng Yoke Kim
Lighting and Logistics Support: Alvin Lee Liang Meng
Asian Civilisations Museum
Design of the Year - President*s Design Award 2006

"Nyonya Kebaya", collection of the late Datin Seri Endon Mahmood, Singapore, 2006
 

"Each new project creates opportunities for new learning, new discoveries and new experiences for me in order to evolve new design ideas and concepts. To make breakthroughs for each design project is the real challenge." Sebastian Chun

The 6 special exhibitions at the Asian Civilisations Museum – Spirit of Wood, Sari to Sarong, From the Land of the Ottoman Sultans, Nyonya Kebaya, Journey of Faith, and Power Dressing – deftly cross-pollinate design and theatrical elements, to provide viewers with a complete and immersive visual experience. Rather than tread the conventional path of transporting the visitor back into the past, the exhibitions employ the language of theatre to “float” the visitor in a dreamlike panorama of images and memories evocative of the past. The exhibitions show consistent quality and attention to detail throughout, and elegantly utilize design to enhance the subject matter.

THESEUS CHAN

Graphic Designer (1961 - )
Work Advertising Pte Ltd
Designer of the Year - President*s Design Award 2006

"If the work does not evoke reactions like surprise and desirability then it is not a strong piece of creation." Theseus Chan

Theseus’ diverse portfolio and his prolific career bear testimony to a journey of discovery and self-reflection. His work is experimental and contemporary, yet naturally so, and displays refreshing genuineness borne from a real desire to push the boundaries of creativity. This has been invaluable in inspiring the next generation of young designers. His distinct personal style strikes the balance between international relevance, while capturing the spirit of the Singaporean and Asian identity without being contrived. Unconventional, edgy and irreverent, Theseus challenges our thinking to the extent that we constantly expect him to surprise. And he does not disappoint.

CHAN SOO KHIAN

Architect (1962 - )
SCDA Architects Pte Ltd
Designer of the Year - President*s Design Award 2006

"Besides having an ability for problem solving, a great architect has to have passion; he has to have lived life, and has to have love for the arts. He has to be very singular in his vision." Soo K. Chan

Soo Khian has impressed the Jury with a wide repertoire of projects in Singapore and abroad. His design is driven by an interest in new ways of organizing space, resulting in the creation of distinctive forms. His work displays originality and skilful control over proportion, massing and the use of colour. The high level of ambition evident in his work is also complemented by his drive to experiment and constantly challenge accepted norms, yet within the framework of a consistent architectural language.