SINGAPORE (Sept 30): At the movies
View 27 artworks by American artist David LaChapelle that span the 1980s until today. The exhibition includes ShowTime at the Apocalypse (2013); Rebirth of Venus (2009); a portrait of Michael Jackson, celebrating his media beatification; Dynamic Nude; and a black-andwhite photograph taken in New York, Good News for Modern Man (1984). The exhibition includes his two big panels from the Aristocracy (2014) series. The year 2007 can be defined as a turning point in the artistic production of LaChapelle: Influenced by his visit to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, he produced the series, Deluge and After the Deluge. The reference to Michelangelo’s masterpiece is mixed with that of consumer society brands, generating an apocalyptic vision with a finale in which objects, works of art and people appear submerged by water, such as in Cathedral, Statue and Awakened. (main image)
Date: Until Feb 2, 2020 Venue: Mucciaccia Gallery, Singapore 6 Lock Road, 02-10 Gillman Barracks
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday (noon to 7pm), Saturday (11am to 7pm), Sunday (11am to 6pm); closed on Monday and public holidays
Tel: 6694 3777
Email: info@mucciaccia.com
Website: www.mucciaccia.com
JOKER
Joaquin Phoenix takes the lead role as Arthur Fleck, or the Joker, and his performance is already receiving Oscar nomination buzz for an actor in a leading role. Phoenix, who lost 52kg to get into character, has been receiving rave reviews for his portrayal. The story centres on failed comedian Fleck, who is slowly losing his mind and, in the process, plots revenge against his detractors. Phoenix wanted his character to be the complete opposite of the Joker played by Heath Ledger in 2008’s Dark Knight. A thriller not to be missed, it also stars Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz and Frances Conroy. Movie opens on Oct 3.
GEMINI MAN
Science fiction enthusiasts and Will Smith fans will appreciate this movie directed by Ang Lee. Smith plays an ageing hitman who cloned himself, and now his clone is out to kill his older self. This movie was about 20 years in the making, as it faced one problem after another, and included other lead actors such as Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford and Clint Eastwood. After a few rewrites, the movie has finally been completed, with a new cast of Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen and Benedict Wong. Movie opens on Oct 10.
NATURE IN A WINDOW
The window installation at Hermès Liat Towers is always a delight to behold, as it provides a view into the world of an artist. The latest installation features the works of Argentinean artist Alexandra Kehayoglou. Known for her handwoven tapestries that capture the beauty of nature and native landscapes, Kehayoglou has crafted an installation that celebrates Singapore’s identity as a Garden City. She was inspired by the beautiful chaos of unedited nature found at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and has transformed the windows at Hermès Liat Towers into a portal that gives us a different perspective of nature around us.
Dates: Until mid-November
Venue: 541 Orchard Road, Hermès Liat Towers
DON PASQUALE
The Arts Place will feature the muchloved Italian opera Don Pasquale but with an Asian twist. This production sees a self-made “towkay” speaking Singlish interspersed with rousing bel canto repertoire. But the heart of the story remains: A young couple in love seeks to thwart the inappropriate plans of a pompous old man who wants to marry the girl himself.
Dates: Oct 19 (7.30pm) and Oct 20 (4.30pm)
Venue: Victoria Concert Hall
Tickets: $88, $68, $48, $32 (from Sistic channels) 15% discount for (applicable for Cate gories 1 to 4 only):
• Children (aged nine to 12)/students (local/overseas)/senior citizens (aged 55 and above)/ NSF (Verification: Valid ID/student pass/SAF 11B [Military IC]) (Patrons unable to present proof of eligibility are required to upgrade their concession tickets to full price tickets);
• Persons with disabilities; and
• Groups of at least six.
MOONLIGHT CINEMA
The Singapore International Film Festival is back with 10 local films and media personalities to share their self-portraits inspired by nature. In addition, the audience can enjoy free outdoor movie screenings at Moonlight Cinema. Films include Empire Records, which follows a tight-knit group of young employees who work together to save their independent record store from being sold to a large chain; French film The Chorus, which explores the journey of a music teacher who discovers the musical promise of an aimless child in a boarding school; and Secret Superstar, which features a teenage girl who lives amid domestic abuse and becomes a YouTube sensation.
Date: Oct 25 to 27
Venue: Supertree Grove Lawn at Gardens by the Bay
Website: www.sgiff.com