Amazônia: Programmes

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In conjunction with our new exhibition Amazônia: Photographs by Sebastião Salgado, join us at the National Museum for an exciting line-up of programmes related to the exhibition and based around the themes of sustainability, creativity, nature and the arts. We will continue to update this page as new programmes become available.

From Sight to Insight: A Photography Masterclass by Chris Yap

18 Jan
9am – 1pm
Gallery Theatre, Basement
$110 per ticket

Join fine art photographer and master printmaker Chris Yap in this interactive session, where participants will learn to capture the intrinsic beauty of nature that transcends technical skills, while tapping on a more profound and emotive understanding of visual storytelling.

The session will begin with Chris sharing tips and techniques such as lighting, texture, composition and capturing emotions, before delving into discussions of selected images and dialogue with participants.

Participants are required to have prior knowledge of and experience working with photography, and should be comfortable discussing their work in a critique session format. Prior to the session, participants are to submit a selection body of their past works consisting of 5 to 8 colour/monochrome nature images for the discussion. Submit your works here. The museum will reach out to registered participants with further information on the submission of images.

Everything is Sacred: Food cultures and relations in the Amazon

25 Jan
10.30am – 1.30pm
Reunion Social Space, Level 1
$65 per pax | Meeting point: Exhibition entrance of Amazônia: Photographs by Sebastião Salgado in the basement

A bite-sized taster into understanding food cultures and relations in the Amazon by Russell Nathan and Ivan Brehm

For centuries, Indigenous communities in the Amazon have lived symbiotically with their environment, tapping on a rich tapestry of seasonal flavours and nutrients which are foraged, harvested or hunted sustainably. Besides providing sustenance, food has also been essential in their celebration of mythology, tradition and rituals.

Crafted in a similar spirit, this programme takes participants on a visual and gastronomic journey to understand the food heritage of the Amazonian communities, uncovering the sacred significance in what we might ordinarily believe to be mundane in food. It reintroduces the humble manioc, also known as cassava, a staple food crop in the Amazon that is widely used in Singapore cuisine as well. By posing a timely reminder of the sanctity of food in this age of excess, this programme seeks to encourage an appreciation for the natural world and suggests some ways to co-exist with it.

The programme will start with a guided tour of our special exhibition, Amazônia: Photographs by Sebastião Salgado, to discover the consumption practices of some communities within the Amazon rainforest. Thereafter, participants will be introduced to more conscious and sustainable means of consumption in the Singapore context through a cooking demonstration of two tasters with the cassava as a key ingredient. On top of sampling the two delectable snacks, all participants will also be entitled to a complementary welcome drink inspired by Amazônia.

Allergen information: Ingredients used in this programme include dairy, alliums, poultry and nuts.

Through the Forest – Amazon Edition (by Superhero Me in collaboration with Rainbow Centre)

30 Nov – 22 Feb
10am & 2pm
Get Curious Children's Studio, Level 3
14 Dec 2024 (2pm) & 22 Feb 2025 (10am & 2pm)
Recommended for children with additional needs ages 7 & up $15 per adult-child pair (incl. GST)

Experience an inclusive tour of selected works in the special exhibition Amazônia: Photographs by Sebastião Salgado, and in the Eco Sanctuary, a complementary interactive sensory space, led by students from Rainbow Centre School in partnership with Superhero Me. Engage your senses and explore ecology and conservation through touch, sound, and smell! Complete your tour by crafting a nature postcard facilitated by Superhero Me.

Image Credit: National Museum of Singapore