For science fiction aficionados Joel Chin and Gail Chin, the pandemic downtime was a golden opportunity to revisit—and binge on—cult classics like “Blade Runner”, “Star Wars”, and “The Three-Body Problem”.
From Singapore to Melbourne: SCI-FI: Mythologies Transformed is ArtScience Museum’s first travelling show
29 August 2024
By Team Catch
The pair of curators at Singapore’s ArtScience Museum, who humorously clarified that they are not related, shared an astute observation: iconic as these franchises are, they often frame their narratives through male-centric, Western sci-fi paradigms. Plus, they all feature stereotypical tropes of interdimensional travel and conquering alien species or undiscovered planets.
It was then that the first inklings of a new project began to surface in their minds– one that would challenge the traditionally male-dominated genre through alternative narratives, especially at a time when as Joel puts it, “the future of exhibitions seemed uncertain.”
Two years of intensive research and preparation later, their ideas took shape in the form of “New Eden: Science Fiction Mythologies Transformed”, an interdisciplinary exhibition which debuted at the ArtScience Museum on Oct 21, 2023 and ran till March 3, 2024.
The showcase featured the works of 24 Asian women artists across different mediums, including contemporary art, literature, and cinema, exploring the genre’s possible roots in Asian spirituality and cultural traditions.
A hit with the Singapore audience, “New Eden” has since expanded its horizons, becoming the museum’s first in-house exhibition to be featured overseas – at the Science Gallery Melbourne, a part of the University of Melbourne.
Renamed “SCI-FI: Mythologies Transformed”, the new iteration stays true to its original themes while including additional works by Australian-Asian First Nations (indigenous people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin) artists to appeal to a younger local demographic.
DEBUTING DOWN UNDER
When the opportunity to exhibit overseas presented itself, the pair was naturally excited. “It’s exciting to see how it can grow organically in other places,” said Joel.
The ArtScience Museum and Science Gallery Melbourne have always been “cousin institutions” with a shared interest in the intersections between science, art, and technology, Gail explained. The former had previously imported Science Gallery Melbourne’s exhibition in 2022 called “MENTAL: Colours of Wellbeing”, an interactive exhibition that navigates societal biases and perspectives on mental health.
“It is only natural that we tour our exhibition to their venue as well,” she added.
Just as “MENTAL” was adapted to suit the Singaporean audience, the lineup for “SCI-FI” has been updated for its Australian counterparts, said Gail, who attended its opening in Melbourne on Aug 3, 2024.
Wemba-Wemba artist Paola Balla’s film installation, “Mok Mok Murrup Yakuwa” (2023), reimagines the misunderstood, outlandish figure of the mok mok – traditionally known in indigenous folklore for kidnapping children – as a guardian presence and protector instead. This captivating piece is part of an exhibition that runs until May 24, 2025, showcasing a blend of international and local talent.
Among the highlights is Singaporean installation artist Chok Si Xuan’s meditative piece, “latent”. This work features 3D-printed flowers and air bags suspended in mid-air, simulating a natural system. It quickly became a favourite with the Australian audience, partly due to its prominent placement in the exhibition space. “We felt a lot of pride seeing a local artist shine in a very different venue,” said Gail, reflecting the collective pride of the Singaporean community.
The “SCI-FI” exhibition’s run in Melbourne has only just begun, but the organisers are optimistic it will be as warmly received as it was in Singapore. “I hope people are inspired by the many possibilities of a hopeful and inclusive future. Sci-fi and art can be powerful tools to update Asian traditions and stories, reversing outdated clichés,” Gail added.
This exhibition not only bridges cultures but also highlights the transformative power of art in reshaping narratives and fostering a more inclusive world.
Image Credits: ArtScience Museum
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