Pearl Bank Apartments, People’s Park Complex, Golden Mile Complex and Golden Mile Tower; these are just some of iconic Singapore buildings that are in danger of being demolished in the recent en bloc fever that is gripping the country. Photographer Darren Soh will present his long-term documentation of these buildings and four other sites in Singapore that are slated to disappear or have already vanished in his latest solo exhibition, Before It All Goes: Architecture from Singapore’s Early Independence Years.
Fifty images will be presented in the exhibition, most of which will be shown for the first time. The sites featured in the exhibition are:
• Pearl Bank Apartments
• People’s Park Complex
• Golden Mile Complex
• Golden Mile Tower
• Bedok and Buona Vista Swimming Complex
• Queenstown Cinema
• Tanglin Halt Estate
• Rochor Centre
“These are buildings that were erected in the early 1960s and largely designed by local architects, during a time when Singapore was embracing its newly found nationhood. Their disappearance will signify the loss of a large part of Singapore’s architectural history,” says Soh.
Through this exhibition, Soh hopes to draw attention to these buildings, whose presence have often been taken for granted or are too ordinary to be noticed. He says, “I hope to start a conversation about shared social memories of spaces and structures, and the evolving role of redevelopment. I hope that the works inspire and encourage photography and arts enthusiasts to document spaces around them.” To encourage dialogue around these issues, Soh will be giving an artist talk and a seminar on architectural photography.
Opening Reception: Tues 21 Aug, 7pm
Artist Talk: Tues 4 Sept, 7.30pm to 9pm
Venue: Objectifs Chapel Gallery, 155 Middle Road, Singapore 188977
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 12pm – 7pm, Sunday 12pm – 4pm
When: 23 Aug - 29 Sep 2018,