Something Big Is Coming to Gardens by the Bay — And I Can’t Wait!

Hi Huneybees,

Mr Michael Lee, CEO of H&B and IMBA with Mr Fernando Botero Jr., son of the late artist Fernando Botero (Image courtesy of IMBA).

Even though this news came out a little while ago, I still find myself thinking about it,  and honestly, the excitement hasn’t worn off one bit. Coming this December, IMBA Theatre is set to open its doors at Gardens by the Bay, and it might just become my new favourite cultural escape in Singapore.

Suppose you haven’t heard about it yet. In that case, IMBA (short for Immersive Media Based Arts) is a bold new venue that’s all about large-scale, immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Think art, tech, sound, and storytelling all coming together in one incredible space. It’ll be the first of its kind in Singapore, and I genuinely believe it’s going to change how we experience the arts here.

“IMBA Theatre is more than just a venue; it is a space designed for scale and adaptability to inspire wonder and allow audiences to foster deeper connections with the arts and the world around us. Conceptualised by IMBA, the Theatre will be a portal to immersive encounters to create moments of wonder and a lifetime of inspiration. It will merge technology, creativity and impactful storytelling in the way we showcase local talent and global artistry. This is a testament to our commitment to creating transformative experiences that bridge tradition and innovation, and cement Singapore’s position as a global cultural hub.” --- Michael Lee, CEO of H&B

Fernando Botero - Sculpture & Painting (Image courtesy of IMBA)

But here’s what really sealed the deal for me:

✨ The Botero Show is opening the Theatre.
Yes, that Botero! He is one of my all-time favourite artists. There’s just something so captivating about his signature style: the bold, voluptuous forms, the quiet humor, and the way his works make space for both joy and reflection. I’ve always admired how Botero captures life’s richness through such a unique lens. And now, his works are coming to life (quite literally) in an immersive format, right here in Singapore.

The show promises to be a grand experience, featuring his paintings, drawings, and even monumental sculptures that will be displayed both inside the theatre and across the surrounding outdoor spaces. Just imagining being surrounded by his world in such an intimate and immersive way? Absolute dream.

IMBA Theatre – Black Box (Image courtesy of IMBA)

And that’s only the beginning. IMBA Theatre itself is a creative marvel in the making:

• A Black Box Theatre that spans over 20,000 sq ft, with a 12.5m high projection wall (one of the tallest in Southeast Asia!)
• A spacious Gallery for traditional and mixed media showcases
•  Thoughtfully curated dining and retail, designed to enhance the storytelling experience

What I also love is that this isn’t just about international names, IMBA will shine a light on local talent and culture too, including Singapore’s very own Yip Yew Chong, whose nostalgic murals I’ve always adored. Plus, there’ll be tributes to the Nanyang style, which blends Chinese and Western techniques with Southeast Asian themes, a beautiful nod to our region’s rich artistic history.

IMBA Theatre – Gallery Space (Image courtesy of IMBA)

And what makes this project feel extra special to me is that IMBA is also partnering with Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Design & Media, my very own alma mater! It’s so heartening to see NYP at the forefront of nurturing creative talent and being part of something this groundbreaking. Together, they’ll be developing original global and local content for the Theatre, blending education, innovation, and storytelling in a way that feels incredibly close to home. Together with collaborations lined up with London-based Lightroom and a host of international and local creatives, there’s so much to look forward to ~~~

So yes! Even though we still have to wait a little longer, I’ve already mentally bookmarked December for this. If you’re someone who loves storytelling, art, and getting completely absorbed in new worlds (like I do), keep IMBA Theatre on your radar. I’ll definitely be sharing more once The Botero Show opens, and you can bet I’ll be right there on day one, soaking it all in.

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Animation Week - Part 2

Hi Huneybees,

So, here's part 2 of the animation week where I went for Sinema Move! - Screening of Singapore Legends Series, held at Sinema Old School on Mt. Sophia. Those who have read some of my earlier postings, would know where this place is.

I got to know about this program through an ex-lecturer from NYP. They were featuring animation clips done by my fellow junior animators from NYP in a collaboration with NHB, National Heritage Board. Support them eh? And also maybe can check out what others are up in the local scene right?

Arriving at Old School on Mt. Sophia.

 

These cable cars ain't for riding...

Walking towards Sinema.

These animated films by NYP students are based on Singapore stories and legends in the days of Temasek and the Japanese Occupation.

The show's starting.

Here are the lists of the animations shown to us:


Legend of Bukit Merah (Video's disabled)
This 2D animation project is adapted from a local folktale - The story of Redhill. This story will be based on a local context, with the characters and the environment set in Singapore during the early 19th century. The story centers around a Malay boy, whose ingenius plan helped saved his village from the attacks of swordfishes. The boy hero was later assassinated because his growing popularity triggered the wrath and jealousy of the Sultan.

Immediately a strange phenomenon occurred after the death of the boy hero. Blood flowed and spilled furiously all over the nearby hill till it was covered entirely with soaking blood. Thus the locals named the bizarre landscape as Red Hill or Bukit Merah in Malay.

Legend of Bukit Timah
Many years ago, as oral tradition tell us, an evil sorcerer once lived on Bukit Timah and ruled this hill as his domain. Many trespassers, who foolishly climbed up the hill, were soon turned into stone as punishment. However, a brave hunter by the name of Berani eventually outwitted the dreaded sorcerer by irreversibly turning him into a chicken.

With the defeat of the sorcerer, many victims - warriors and villagers alike were freed from his powerful spell. Thus begins this ambitious and arduous task to create this spell-binding tale of heroism and magic using digital animation.



Legend of The Sisters' Island
Many years ago, as oral tradition tell us, there were 2 beautiful sisters living in simple confinements of island Singapura. Many suitors tried in vain to woo the sisters to be their lovely bride but failed. The sisters were inseparable and refused any hand in marriage. One day a pirate kidnapped the younger of the two and tried to take her into his boat. The two sisters fought to get away from him but alas drown in raging waters. Twin Islands soon appear where they drown and so the legend begins.



Bukit Chandu
This is a story of the 2nd Malay Regiment which defended Chandu Hill during the Second World War against the Japanese invaders. To ensure that these brave soldiers are forever remembered for their sacrifice, our short animation aims to compliment the Bukit Chandu Museum that was established by the National Heritage Board.




I must say I love the "Bukit Chandu" best, not only did they manage to combine 2D and 3D animation together, the way the story was told, really touched my heart. Some audience where joking to the other 3 animations but when they watched "Bukit Chandu" all was quiet. I guess they felt as much agony as me....

What's your comment after watching the animations? Do share...

Muahz,
Christina aka Huney

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