The DBS Singapore Gallery, a three-part exhibition space within the National Gallery Singapore, is embarking on an exciting phased revamp leading up to its grand reopening in July 2025. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the gallery, offering fresh perspectives on the stories from the 19th century onwards by curating artworks of different artists and mediums side by side.
Behind the scenes look: How DBS Singapore Gallery prepares artworks for a stunning revamp
FEATURES
27 September 2024
By Rytasha Passion Raj
Visitors can look forward to a broader array of artworks, including salvaged pieces from lost collections and national artefacts courtesy of the National Heritage Board and Asian Civilisation Museum. This effort is part of National Gallery Singapore’s ongoing efforts to retell Singapore's history, through the preservation of these unique artworks – a process that requires meticulous planning and effort.
To understand this arduous yet fulfilling process, Catch went behind the scenes to journey with DBS Singapore Gallery’s new artworks at the heart of Singapore's cultural landscape, where all our nation’s prized artworks are stored and maintained – the Heritage Conservation Centre.
STEP 1: DECIDING ON THE DISPLAY
The first step involves selecting which artworks will be showcased, and determines how they are presented. Rather than confining pieces into traditional categories, the new gallery layout seeks to interweave narratives that connect different artistic expressions. This approach invites gallery-goers to experience a richer, more nuanced understanding of Singapore’s history and the Nanyang art form.
Additionally, the gallery aims to highlight the contributions of gender and racial minorities while embracing a broader spectrum of disciplines, including film, literature, printmaking, sculpture and graphic design. This helps spotlight areas of our heritage and artists that previously did not receive much attention. Each artwork is thoughtfully chosen and arranged to enhance this enriching narrative.
STEP 2: GIVING THE WORKS A TEMPORARY HOME
Before the chosen artworks make their way to the gallery, they are carefully stored and maintained at the conservation centre. This facility plays a crucial role in ensuring that each piece is preserved in optimal condition, safeguarding it from environmental factors that could compromise its integrity.
The centre houses over 25 storage rooms for paintings alone, each equipped with a unique shelving system. Temperature and humidity levels are meticulously monitored to create a stable environment that protects delicate materials from deterioration. Humidity is always kept at around 50 to 60 per cent, while the general room temperature is about 23 degrees Celsius.
These storage rooms are fully enclosed to protect the paintings from sunlight, which can cause irreversible fading. However, when the paintings are transferred to the labs for touch ups, UV-filtered windows are present to shield them.
STEP 3: TOUCHING UP THE WORKS
The conservation centre employs the best practices in cleaning and restoration, ensuring that each artwork retains its visual and historical significance. This careful attention to detail not only elevates the quality of the exhibition but also enriches the viewer's experience, allowing them to engage with the artworks as they were intended to be seen.
Paintings arrive in the labs in various states. Some are in a deteriorated state due to ravages of time and exposure to natural elements, resulting in paint layer detachment and canvas degradation. Initially, each piece undergoes analysis under a microscope to determine the optimal conservation approach.
Once the thickness of the varnish is assessed, a special solvent is used to carefully remove it, revealing the paintings’ original colours without compromising the artworks. The paintings are then placed on a heated table so they can be restretched, extracted, and re-attached onto brand new canvases.
Subsequently, the artworks are meticulously refilled and retouched with watercolour paints that contain stable, non-yellowing pigments. This process ensures that any future touch-ups can be easily performed, thereby enhancing the longevity of these works.
Each conservation effort is designed to last approximately 20 years. The time required to touch up each piece varies based on its condition and size – this can span from three months to several years, as typically only one or two conservators work on a piece at a time.
STEP 4: THE FINAL LOOK
By July 2025, visitors can anticipate a revitalised gallery experience that not only showcases the beauty of the art but also reflects the immense care and dedication that goes into its planning and preservation. Each exhibition is a labour of love, thoughtfully curated to highlight the intricate narratives and artistic visions behind each piece.
As you explore the galleries, take a moment to appreciate the behind the scenes efforts that ensure every artwork is displayed at its best – consider the lighting, the arrangement, and the ongoing maintenance that protects these treasures for future generations.
During the transformation of the DBS Singapore Gallery, they are committed to maintaining an accessible and engaging experience. At least one of their three galleries – SG Gallery 1, 2, or 3 – will remain open at all times, allowing visitors to continue enjoying guided tours and immersive experiences.
Currently, DBS SG Gallery 2 is open. Visitors to the Gallery may also catch other ongoing exhibitions such as the captivating “Cheong Soo Pieng: Layer by Layer” exhibition until Nov 24, 2024, alongside the thought-provoking “Teo Eng Seng: We're Happy. Are You Happy?” exhibition, running until Feb 2, 2025.
Image Credits: National Gallery Singapore
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