Publication

A collection of short essays written by the two authors, this book is an unconventional chronicle of the visual arts in Singapore. By venturing into pressing issues and concerns that surround art practice, they journey through episodes from the 19th century to the analysis of significant moments in Singapore’s modern and contemporary art history. Approaching Singapore Art as an ever-evolving question, this book foregrounds the role of its artists in awakening the demand for criticality and active participation in the changing domains of art in society.

This book gives a concise account of the Singapore economy, beginning
with its origins in the colonial era and continuing with its evolution after
World War II. It notes the social and institutional changes, as well as economic
development, in the years leading up to Independence in 1965. The book
charts how, faced with the closure of British military bases, independent
Singapore embarked on its transformation to a global economy. It examines
closely the roles played by an interventionist state, foreign investment, labour
market stability and other factors in effecting the transformation. The book
analyses how the economy was restructured after the recession of the
mid-1980s; and how it responded to domestic and foreign challenges such as
an ageing population and the economic rise of China. It concludes with a
glimpse of the way ahead.