99 years
Curated by: WARREN WEE
19 to 28 January 2026 •Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter
BOEDI WIDJAJA (INDONESIA) • BIANCA TSE (HONG KONG) • GOH CHUN AIK (SINGAPORE) • JAKE TAN (SINGAPORE) • JIN JIN XU (SHANGHAI/NYC) • ROBERT ZHAO (SINGAPORE) • SAMANTHA LEE (MALAYSIA) • SAREENA SATTAPON (THAILAND) • SEAHEE CHANG (SEOUL)
99 years is presented by independent platform Digital Art Week Asia and is held in the historically significant Air Raid Shelter in Tiong Bahru built in the 1930s. The exhibition's title has a double meaning; in some countries, the longest practical term of a leasehold property is 99-years without it being considered perpetual. In contrast, the number 9 is considered auspicious in some cultures and has the same sound for the word long-lasting or eternity - an interesting juxtaposition when contextualised in this exhibition. This exhibition examines this reflective and contemplative theme of the temporal nature of life through the various artistic practices presented.
Venue
The historically significant Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter is Singapore's only surviving pre-war civilian shelter built in the 1930s. According to a press report dated 28 June 1939, this shelter was intended as a covered playing ground for children in normal times, but in times of emergency, it could readily be converted into an effective air raid shelter. In the twentieth century, continuing into the 1980s, Singapore had an active brick manufacturing industry and bricks by the now defunct Alexandra Brickworks can be found throughout the interior of the shelter amongst other relics. The shelter is generally closed to the public and this is a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Singapore's history.
The historically significant Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter is Singapore's only surviving pre-war civilian shelter built in the 1930s. According to a press report dated 28 June 1939, this shelter was intended as a covered playing ground for children in normal times, but in times of emergency, it could readily be converted into an effective air raid shelter. In the twentieth century, continuing into the 1980s, Singapore had an active brick manufacturing industry and bricks by the now defunct Alexandra Brickworks can be found throughout the interior of the shelter amongst other relics. The shelter is generally closed to the public and this is a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Singapore's history.
Access
The Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter is situated inside the BMTE 13 CARPARK, kindly access via Block 78 Moh Guan Terrace or Block 79 Chay Yan Street. Electronic parking is available onsite.
The Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter is situated inside the BMTE 13 CARPARK, kindly access via Block 78 Moh Guan Terrace or Block 79 Chay Yan Street. Electronic parking is available onsite.
Registration
Due to safety and crowd control, visits to this exhibition are strictly by advance registration with limited timed slots available daily. Entry is complimentary.
⇨ Registration details will be announced soon, CLICK HERE to express your interest.
Due to safety and crowd control, visits to this exhibition are strictly by advance registration with limited timed slots available daily. Entry is complimentary.
⇨ Registration details will be announced soon, CLICK HERE to express your interest.