What Is Not Visible, Is Not Invisible: 8 French Art Installations To See In Singapore

From 7 October 2016 to 19 February 2017, be amazed by artwork from the French Regional Collections of Contemporary Art (FRAC) that transcend the imaginary and temporary.

The exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore contains 34 artworks by 32 French and international artists that will take you on a journey of discovery. You get the chance to interact and explore through the unconventional approaches and mediums used in contemporary art.

Taking inspiration from the artwork of the same title by French artist, Julien Discrit, the deep underlying meaning is showcased in the modern yet profound works throughout the exhibition. Here are eight art installations that you need to check out when you visit:

1. ‘What Is Not Visible, Is Not Invisible’ by Julien Discrit

Stepping into the exhibition, you are greeted by a dark empty space. Walking towards the wall, the infrared lamp is activated and reveals the letters which are drawn in ultraviolet ink, revealing the phrase ‘What is not visible is not invisible’ on the wall.

Julien Discrit’s work plays on the paradoxical and can be seen as an attempt to give shape to discrepancy and ambiguity. Proving the point that to express the invisible, one must make it visible.

2. ‘You And I, Horizontal’ by Anthony Mccall

A single, horizontal ray of light cuts across a dark hazy room, drawing a sense of fascination, wonder, enchantment and caution. Visitors can move through the light and watch as the lines gently move, creating different silhouettes and structures that make for dreamy photos.

‘You and I, Horizontal’ highlights Anthony McCall’s focus on the potential of the moving image in relation to sculpture. In a sense, it is a digital animation that explores light across time and space, and is further enhanced by the audience’s presence and interaction.

3. ‘After DM’ by Philippe Decrauzat

‘After DM’ is a mural that makes you feel like you’re entering an endless black hole. It evokes the shadow of the Dream Machine’s perforations, circular swirls and pulses of the strobe effect.

It’s up to you to choose how you want to interpret it. We saw it as a tunnel leading into a black hole, or perhaps as an explosion from the center of the mural.

Philipe Decrauzat’s artistic style reflects his interest in the threshold of one’s image perception (Persistence of Vision) – an optical illusion where multiple discrete images blend into a single image in the human mind.

4. ‘Plus De Lumiere’ by Claude Leveque

‘Plus De Lumiere’ aptly translates to ‘more light’. Here the behaviour of the light is erratic; often alternating, changing directions and even disappearing and reappearing. This is perhaps the artist’s way of showing how light as an inanimate object can show emotion through it’s various stages.

You might have to wait around this installation for a while given how popular it is with the crowd. Everyone there just seems to be waiting for that perfect moment before they snap away. Go ahead and be creative with your poses!

5. ‘Work No. 262, Half The Air In A Given Space’ by Martin Creed

Walking into a room full of green balloons is by no means an easy feat, especially if you hate the sounds of balloons bursting. British multimedia artist, Martin Creed aims to recreate a monochromatic and formless sea of spheres that offers visitors an opportunity to navigate the world from within.

The aim is to prove the point that art can be anywhere. I guess you can choose to either be really philosophical with your interpretations or just have fun being buried by green balloons.

6. ‘Repulse Bay’ by Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster

It’s hard to know exactly when you’ve stepped into this installation, given how the exterior/interior has been constructed. Blue lights are used to reflect its portrayal as a beach in Hong Kong, with the blue representing the waters of the sea.

We simply found it quite fun to climb into an empty mock swimming pool and play around with the shadows, feeling a part of something out of a horror movie.

7. ‘Freak Star No. 2’ by Ann Veronica Janssens

Now you’ve probably seen many of such pictures on your Instagram feed and are wondering how people manage to achieve the shot. The “star” comes alive through the positioning of five lights that are shone from five different angles and the beams cut through the fog.

Try playing around with different angles to see if you can truly become the star of the Internet with this photo.

8. ‘Photomatou’ by Alain Sechas

In ‘Photomatou’, artist Alain Sechas creates a series of 14 posters that are adorned with cat motifs that are meant to depict common facial expressions shown by people. According to the artist, you’ll probably identify with at least one expression and can even bring the poster home with you as a keepsake.

Come and see for yourself what French contemporary art is all about and take some OOTD worthy photos in the process. Indulge in an afternoon of trying to make sense of a paradoxical exhibition that will make you question the physical form that we live in.

You really have to see it to believe and of course, why not take advantage of the fact that the exhibition is free for all Singaporeans, Permanent Residents and visitors aged six & below. Just remember to bring your I/C!

What Is Not Visible, Is Not Invisible: Now Till 19 February 2017 | National Museum of Singapore, Exhibition Galleries, Basement, 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897 | Tel: 63323659 | Website | Book your tickets here for non-Singaporeans/PR