As February arrives and brings with it an array of new activities to do, take some time to check out what’s new and exciting around town. For those with an empty schedule this weekend, look to our list of Vogue-approved activities to enjoy this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Add TXT’s new album to your playlist
On Friday night: Inspired by the tale of Peter Pan, TXT’s The Name Chapter: Temptation attests to the group’s dynamic sound and ability to tell intricate stories through their music. Exploring the whimsy of youth and sentimentality of growing up, the album puts a slightly darker spin on the classic fairytale. Across its five tracks, it charts a comprehensive arc as the group dives into temptation and settles into their new existence before having to wake up and accept their reality. Delivering a more mature and experimental sound, the album also reflects the group’s growth—especially with all five members being involved in the production of the track Happy Fools.
Listen to The Name Chapter: Temptation here.
Explore a farmers’ market at City Sprouts
On Saturday afternoon: Situated at the site of the former Henderson Secondary School, City Sprouts transforms the space into a lively urban farm. This weekend, its farmers’ market brings together a vibrant community for a good cause. With the fair coinciding with World Cancer Day, part of the proceeds made will go towards the Singapore Cancer Society. Look forward to the freshest greens of the season—alongside local businesses offering delicious small-batch homebakes, artisanal crafts and more. Enjoy the live music, craft your own terrarium and soak in the merry atmosphere.
City Sprouts, 102 Henderson Rd, Sprout Hub, Singapore 159562
Admire Japanese ceramics by Yukiharu Furuno and Takanao Todo
On Saturday night: Now the core aesthetic of the Japanese tea ceremony, wabi was originally a concept alluding to the negative feeling that arises when something is lacking. Japanese artist Sen no Rikyū found beauty in the idea, and used it to shape the aesthetics in the traditional tea ceremony. Exploring the evolution of the concept, Post-wabi showcases works by Japanese ceramicists Yukiharu Furuno and Takanao Todo. Pushing the boundaries of the traditional aesthetic, the artists challenge its simplicity through the incorporation of technology and the use of vibrant and contrasting colours in their craft.
Post-wabi runs from 31 January to 4 February 2023.
Japan Creative Centre, Embassy of Japan in Singapore, 4 Nassim Road Singapore 258372
Indulge in bagels by the beach at Rumours Beach Club
On Sunday afternoon: Enjoy an afternoon of sun, sea and sand as Rumours Beach Club joins hands with Two Men Bagel House to present a two-day beach party filled with delicious event-exclusive culinary offerings and plenty of prizes to be won. A limited-edition menu featuring bagel bites, acai bowls and natural wines await, as DJs like Matty Wainwright and David Howarth provide catchy party beats. For a chance at the lucky draw, come dressed in your best orange beach outfit.
Rumours Beach Club and Two Men Bagel House’s beach party runs from 4 to 5 February 2023.
Rumours Beach Club, Siloso Beach, Sentosa, 40 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa, Singapore 098996
Immerse yourself in local artist Joo Choon Lin’s multisensory art
On Sunday night: To Singaporean artist Joo Choon Lin, a combination of all the senses are essential for experiencing the world—an idea that drives her new showcase at the Singapore Art Museum. Challenging the conventions of human perception, Joo Choon Lin: Dance in the Destruction Dance functions as both an art installation and a performance space. An atmospheric environment designed by Joo, it assembles experimental object sculptures, video and performance to explore the difference between what is known and what can only be sensed. As the space is activated through theatrical performances, elements in it will shift as they adjust and adapt for various functions each time.
Joo Choon Lin: Dance in the Destruction Dance runs from 13 January to 16 April 2023.
SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Rd, #01-02, Singapore 089065
Past Events
Visit the newly-opened Woaw Gallery
On Friday night: Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Ann Siang Hill, the newest outpost of Woaw Gallery represents the Hong Kong-originated art space’s inaugural foray into Southeast Asia. Occupying a charming corner shophouse unit, it aims to act as a meeting point and build a community for emerging and established artists in the region. Vibrant and playful, the gallery’s opening exhibition brings together works from 12 artists—many of whom are showcasing their art in Singapore for the first time. Titled As Partners & Friends, the show is, as its name suggests, a celebration of a tight-knit community.
Woaw Gallery, 4 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069786
Treat yourself to a gin brunch party at Fat Prince
On Saturday afternoon: Indulge in an afternoon of gin cocktails and catchy beats as reward for getting through the first month of 2023. Known for delicious kebabs and unconventional tipples, contemporary Middle Eastern restaurant Fat Prince’s Ginuary Blowout Brunch Party is a suitable event to unbutton your collars and unwind. Expect imaginative and refreshing cocktails alongside the restaurant’s popular brunch menu offerings—with Afro-Latin, hip-hop and reggae beats to liven up the meal, courtesy of local DJ Sivanesh.
Fat Prince’s Ginuary Blowout Brunch Party runs from 11.30am to 4pm on 28 January 2023.
Fat Prince, 48 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079317
Discover the power of photography at the National Gallery
On Saturday night: From its history as a tool of European exploration to its performative nature in studio portraits, photography has evolved greatly over the years. As a medium, it is seen as fine art, just as much as it is considered a form of documentation to capture the realities of war and the tragedies of the era. Tracing the shifting roles of photography in our region, Living Pictures: Photography in Southeast Asia lays out the various ways in which the art form has been used over the years—from the colonial archives all the way to the memes and selfies that fill our social media feeds today.
Living Pictures: Photography in Southeast Asia runs from 2 December 2022 to 20 August 2023.
National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Rd, Singapore 178957
Pick up an indie zine or two at Singapore’s first zine fair
On Sunday afternoon: Creativity runs abound at Cut Copy Paste 2023, Singapore’s first-ever zine fair and an expansion of the Singapore Art Book Fair’s zine room in previous years. Here, you’ll find works focusing on everything from beautiful art to personal stories and socio-political discussions. Accompanied by an exciting line-up of workshops, dialogues and film screenings, Cut Copy Paste 2023 invites you to explore the imaginative and thoughtful works created by zine-makers, small presses and artists from Singapore and around the region.
Cut Copy Paste 2023 runs from 27 to 29 January 2023.
Temasek Polytechnic, 21 Tampines Ave 1, Singapore 529757
Catch Tár at The Projector
On Sunday night: Nominated for six Oscars at this year’s Academy Awards, Tár is a hypnotic tale of power, ego and manipulation set in the world of classical music. Cate Blanchett delivers the performance of a lifetime as she steps into the role of revered conductor and composer Lydia Tár, whose unethical actions set in motion her own downfall just as she prepares for a career crowning moment. As she unravels on screen, the film raises a host of complex questions that are all too relevant in today’s society—without providing any easy answers.
Book a ticket here.
Add Got the Beat’s new album to your playlist
On Friday night: Got the Beat brings together some of the biggest female names in the K-pop industry. Consisting of BoA, Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon and Hyoyeon, Red Velvet’s Seulgi and Wendy and Aespa’s Karina and Winter, the supergroup made a strong debut last January with the release of the single Step Back. Returning after a year, the group’s catchy new album comes underpinned by experimental sounds and powerful vocals. Titled Stamp On It, the six-track EP will take you on a sonic journey set to shifting beats and filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Listen to Stamp On It here.
Pick up a copy of Ethos Books’ Not Without Us
On Saturday afternoon: As Singapore slowly moves towards inclusion and accessibility, how does the disability community feel about such efforts? A groundbreaking collection of essays both critical and creative, Not Without Us: Perspectives on Disability and Inclusion in Singapore calls for us to reevaluate the way we think of disability in our lives. Examining what it means to live with disabilities in a supposedly inclusive nation, this insightful read is one that will hopefully shift attitudes and inspire change.
Order a copy here.
Relish in contemporary Indian fare with Revolver’s latest menu
On Saturday night: Head into the long weekend with a bang at Revolver—where a new experiential menu titled ‘Bullet 8’ features eight spectacular courses, weaving Executive Chef Saurabh Udinia’s culinary sensibilities into a contemporary Indian fare. Kick off your evening with the refreshed Snack Box featuring three bite-sized treats, from a tantalising Sago Crab Fritter to the decadent Wagyu Caviar Tostadas. Next comes Revolver’s divine Paneer, topped with a fantastic combination of mango and habanero for a welcome hit of spice. The irresistible mains on the menu include a Spiced Hamachi Collar—wood-fired and brightened with paprika—and an immaculately handled Australian Marron, generously doused in a rich mint butter sauce. Expect a refreshing change for dessert, where sea buckthorn, cherry and panjiri—a North Indian favourite—make for a sweet and sour end to your night.
Revolver, 56 Tras St, Singapore 078995
Splurge on a luxurious yu sheng from 藝 yì by Jereme Leung
On Sunday afternoon: A sumptuous yu sheng platter is a necessity at any Chinese New Year reunion table—and this one is as lavish as it gets. Assembled in an elegant tiered red box that lends itself to both convenience and exquisite presentation, 藝 yì by Jereme Leung’s Prosperity Yu Sheng consists of an auspicious selection of ingredients elevated by abalone, ibérico ham and honey melon. Topped with a delightful Yunnan rose dressing, this dish promises abundance and prosperity for the new year.
Place an order here.
Catch a special preview of The Fabelmans at The Projector
On Sunday night: Awarded Best Director and Best Motion Picture (Drama) at the Golden Globes, Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans is a coming-of-age tale that explores the power of movies in helping us to see the truth about ourselves and the people around us. A semi-autobiographical story loosely based on Spielberg’s adolescence and early years in the film industry, The Fabelmans follows aspiring young filmmaker Sammy Fabelman as he discovers a shattering secret about his family. Originally conceptualised in 1999 with an initial screenplay written by Spielberg’s sister, the film is a deeply moving dedication to the acclaimed director’s late parents.
Book a ticket here.
Get up to date with the art world at ART SG
On Friday night: Bringing in over 160 galleries from around the world, the inaugural edition of ART SG is the largest-ever art fair presented in Southeast Asia. Look forward to a range of exceptional works from both local and international artists, since the convention offers a vital meeting point for global galleries and collectors alike. And it’s not just traditional artistic mediums you’ll find here. With a curated film selection and a section dedicated to works presented or made using digital technology—including the likes of animation, immersive installations and non-fungible tokens (NFTs)—the fair is an exciting look at the ever-evolving nature of art and the most compelling works that the scene has to offer.
ART SG runs from 12 to 15 January 2023.
Book a ticket here.
Catch up with friends over Anti:dote’s vegan afternoon tea
On Saturday afternoon: Take delight in rousing the palette via Anti:dote’s latest offerings: a vegan afternoon tea. For just one month, the alternative experience offers a splendid exploration of both savoury and sweet treats composed by vegan pastry chef Richard Hawke and executive chef José Luis Del Amo. Begin the experience with a crisp Karana Gyoza that bursts with spicy, tangy flavour. Then, seek out the juicy Impossible Beef Meatball centred on a tomato pastry that guarantees a bite akin to the real deal. But when at Anti:dote, make sure to leave plenty of space for the desserts on your top tray. From a perfectly balanced Chocolate Sponge mired by a smooth passionfruit cream, to an exquisite macaron dessert filled with rich, dark chocolate ganache, the sweet course is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
Level 1, Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189560
Make a reservation here.
Discover contemporary art from Southeast Asia at S.E.A. Focus
On Saturday night: Anchoring this year’s Singapore Art Week is S.E.A. Focus, a showcase and art market hub dedicated to contemporary art from Southeast Asia. Now in its fifth edition, the exhibition puts forth diverse works from both established and emerging artists around the region, acting as a platform for multifaceted cultural exchange and appreciation. This year’s theme, ‘a world, anew’, examines the idea of new beginnings and how immense potential can be found in the humblest places. Alongside the main exhibition, a line-up of exciting experiences—including thought-provoking dialogues and exclusive access to art spaces—invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Southeast Asian contemporary art.
S.E.A. Focus runs from 6 to 15 January 2023.
Catch Babylon at The Projector
On Sunday afternoon: Ahead of its release in Singapore, Babylon’s multiple Golden Globe nominations and its win for best original score has only made the anticipation surrounding the film grow. Set in 1920s Los Angeles, the film chronicles the rise and fall of multiple characters as early Hollywood transitions from silent to sound films—an age defined by its wild hedonism. Directed by Damien Chazelle with a cast that stars Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt and Diego Calva, this tale of ambition and excess is led by glamour, humour and an outstanding score.
Book a ticket here.
Celebrate meaningful works of theatre at Singapore Fringe Festival
On Sunday night: This year’s Singapore Fringe Festival does not have a curatorial theme. Instead, organisers invited artists to share what they were concerned about within their own communities—resulting in an insightful line-up that opens up discussions about the growing divide between the privileged and the marginalised, and what we can do to create a more hopeful future. Our pick from the list is Foreign Bodies. Created and performed by Birds Migrant Theatre—a theatre group consisting of migrant workers from Indonesia, Bangladesh and the Philippines—and directed by Haresh Sharma and Serena Ho, the play tackles some of the challenges that migrant workers go through in Singapore. For other options to consider, look to Django in Pain, a digital production that explores depression, creativity and love through tabletop puppetry—or Kafka’s Ape, a hard-hitting performance that provides a metaphorical perspective on the intricacies of identity in a post-apartheid South Africa.
Singapore Fringe Festival runs from 4 to 15 January 2023.
Jam to NewJeans’ new single, OMG
On Friday night: K-pop girl group NewJeans has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame since their explosive debut in July last year, with their first EP propelling the group to the top of several global music charts. It’s no surprise, then, that their new single is following suit. Titled OMG, the track is catchy but laid-back, complemented by bright vocals that attest to the quintet’s youthful energy. With a music video that comes accompanied by three different performance versions, the new single undoubtedly cements the group as one to watch out for this year.
Listen to OMG here.
Explore the history behind book destruction at the ArtScience Museum
On Saturday afternoon: Delving into the history of book destruction and its impact on the future of knowledge, Pulp III: A Short Biography of the Banished Book is part of artist Shubigi Rao’s decade-long project exploring the subject. Five years in the making, the exhibition marks the midpoint in Rao’s ten-year undertaking. Presented as part of Singapore Art Week, the current showing follows a successful seven-month run at the 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. Catch daily screenings of Rao’s film, Talking Leaves, and pick up a copy of her book, Pulp Vol. III—housed in an abstract studiolo. With the display of books changing over the course of the exhibition as copies are dispersed, the installation serves as a reminder that each book is a messenger and a call to action.
Pulp III: A Short Biography of the Banished Book runs from 6 to 24 January 2023.
Enjoy perfectly-paired oysters and champagne at Chef’s Table
On Saturday night: Embrace an evening of indulgence at Capella Singapore’s latest dining concept: their oyster and champagne bar at Chef’s Table. Escape from the bustle of the city to an intimate dinner housed in the cosy, romantic locale of the sprawling resort. Led by a spectacular array of fresh seafood, the restaurant’s star dishes include creamy, rich oysters sourced from the coasts of France and the vast oceans near Ireland. Also not to be missed is its opulent collection of caviar. One can savour the slow release of flavour from the French Sturia Oscietra, or opt for the punchier Kaviari Kristal Selection from China—all served with golden-brown blinis and luscious condiments that range from egg mousseline to tangy dollops of sour cream.
Should you fancy a seafood platter, head straight for the Chef’s Reserve Platter, featuring Boston lobster, Alaskan king crab, rich sea urchin and succulent spot prawns—making for an ideal sharing plate for two. For the perfect end to the first week of the year, we recommend pairing your meal with a glass or two of champagne from the restaurant’s extensive wine list.
Chef’s Table, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa, Singapore 098297
Make a reservation here.
Immerse yourself in the music of Queen in this rock musical
On Sunday afternoon: Part-musical and part-rock concert, We Will Rock You presents 24 of Queen’s most iconic hits in a new light. Created by Elton John, the jukebox musical is set in a dystopian world where rock music is dead and the people all dress, think and act the same way. As a group of rebels—known, of course, as the Bohemians—try and save rock and roll, familiar anthems like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are the Champions and We Will Rock You will have you jamming along to the music.
Book a ticket here.
Catch Emily at The Projector
On Sunday night: Emily imagines the short but extraordinary life of one of the world’s most famous authors. Emma Mackey takes on the role of Emily Brontë—a rebel at heart, misfit and an enigmatic writer who is remembered even over a century after her death. As she pens Wuthering Heights—the book that the world will come to know as a literary classic—the film dives into the relationships that inspire her along the way. From her sisterhood with Charlotte and Anne to her forbidden love for the young curate William Weightman, Emily paints a beautiful and bittersweet portrait of an incredible young woman whose legacy lives on till this day.
Book a ticket here.
