Musee d’Orsay Paris Art at National Museum of Singapore

25 October 2011, Singapore – Over 140 Salon, Realist, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works from great painters such as Gustave Courbet, Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cezanne, Edgar Degas from the Musee d’Orsay, Paris will be on display at the National Museum of Singapore from tomorrow till 5 February 2012.

Dreams & Reality: Masterpieces of Painting, Drawing & Photography of the Musee d’Orsay, Paris exhibition gives Singapore residents a rare opportunity to view these Mid-19th century to early 20th century French art while the Musee d’Orsay is currently undergoing renovation works of its galleries. The Musee d’Orsay is a renowned museum in Paris, France. Located on the left bank of the Seine River and housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, an impressive Beaux-Arts railway station, the Museum is well known for its extensive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces. It showcases a great diverse collection in the western world between 1848 to 1914 including paintings, sculptures, furniture and photography. In December this yearn it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

This exhibition is the fourth installment of a memorandum of understanding on Museum Cooperation between France and Singapore.

The first installment was held in 2009 where the theatrical costume designers of Christian Lacroix were exhibited in Singapore. In 2010, Baba Bling was brought to France by the Asian Civilisations Museum and the Peranakan Museum. In the same year and again this year, the White Nights was held at the Singapore Art Museum.

From 1848 to 1914, the rapidly urbanising social and economic landscape in Europe compelled Man to react towards modernity. The arts grew in prominence as artists were confronted by a whole new world of ideas, possibilities and influences.

While some pursued their desire to capture contemporary subjects, others who were anguished and disorientated by the onslaught of massive change, sought refuge in their dreams and imagination founded on mythologies, legends and ancient civilisations. Depicting reality through the proliferation of artistic styles redefined their own identities amidst the radical transformations that took place around them.

You can get a better explanation of 30 of the works with the audio guide from the Museum.

The exhibition is split into sections:

• Allegory and History
• Man and Contemporary Life
• Man and Nature

Alex Huntgate, CEO of HSBC Singapore explained why HSBC is a presenting sponsor of the exhibition. HSBC is a global bank that is involved in international connectivity and world trade. It complements its corporate social responsibility initiative of cultural exchange programme through the arts. HSBC has received the National Art’s Council Patron of the Arts award for its contribution to the arts scene in Singapore for the past decade. HSBC has been in Singapore since 1877 where the country has been a centre for talent. It has been creating a culturally vibrant environment in Singapore.

Guided tours for adults and children, lectures, sketching workshops, films and performances are also available. For more details visit www.nationalmuseum.sg.

Tickets cost S$11 including handling fees. The exhibition is held at Exhibition Galleries 1 & 2 from 10am to 6pm daily.

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