FX Harsono: Testimonies presents a survey of artwork by one of Indonesia’s foremost contemporary artists. FX Harsono played a pivotal role in the development of contemporary art in Indonesia, and continues to be actively involved in the art scene up till today. This exhibition traces the shifts in the artist’s strategies of representation: from the ground-breaking conceptual works that re-defined art making during the Gerakan Seni Rupa Baru Movement (New Art Movement) of the 1970s; to the politically-charged installations of the 1990s; to the artist’s recent investigations into issues of self, identity and personal histories. Included in this survey are seminal works drawn from the Singapore Art Museum’s permanent collection, as well as from other art institutions and private collections, such as Paling Top (1975), Voice Without A Voice (1994) and Republik Indochaos (1998).

Through these various ‘testimonies’, the exhibition offers a glimpse of the political, social and cultural changes that have shaped Indonesian society, and the artist’s constant re-evaluation and re-positioning of his role throughout this recent history.

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Classic Contemporary shines the spotlight on Singapore Art Museum's most iconic contemporary artworks in its collection. By playfully asking what makes a work of art “classic” or “contemporary” – or “classic contemporary” – this accessible and quirky exhibition aims to introduce new audiences to the ideas and art forms of contemporary art. A stellar cast of painting, sculpture, video, photography, performance art from across Southeast Asia are brought together and given the red-carpet treatment, and the whole of the SAM 8Q building is transformed into a dramatic stage for these stars and icons. Yet beneath the glamour, many of the artworks also probe and prod serious issues – often asking critical and challenging questions about society, nation and the history of art itself.

Since its inception in 1996, SAM has focused on collecting the works of artists practicing in the region, and many of these once-emerging artists have since established notable achievements on regional and international platforms. This exhibition marks the start of SAM's new contemporary art programming centred on enabling artistic development through the creation of exhibition and programming platforms, as well as growing audiences for contemporary art. Classic Contemporary offers an opportunity to revisit major works by Suzann Victor, Matthew Ngui, Simryn Gill, Redza Piyadasa, Jim Supangkat, Nindityo Adipurnomo, Agnes Arellano, Agus Suwage, Natee Utarit and Montien Boonma, among others. A full programme of curatorial lectures, artist presentations, moving image screenings and performances complete the classic contemporary experience

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