08 Jan 2019
In conjunction with Singapore Art Week 2019, Royal Plaza on Scotts collaborates with Intersections Gallery to present Back to the Future, an exhibition to showcase artworks by Burmese contemporary artists Wunna Aung and Thu Myat. The exhibition will run from 17 January to 17 March 2019 at the lobby of Royal Plaza on Scotts.
Back to the Future will be the first art exhibition to be held at Royal Plaza on Scotts, following its extensive renovation. The grandiose new lobby will transform into a mini gallery for art enthusiasts and curious guests alike. Together with the accents of local touches in the hotel, the pop-up exhibition celebrates the rich heritage of the region.
Back to the Future uses art as a time travel machine to take the audience on a journey to discover Burma's historical and traditional past, and explores the transformation the society is undergoing in face of modernisation – illustrated by the use of pop art, bold colours and humour, weaved in with traditional elements.
Wunna Aung, an aficionado of the country's history, invites the audience to discover the Konbaung dynasty, Burma's last dynasty, through his artworks which draw influence from the style and colours of Andy Warhol. Burma's former royals are recreated with a pop of gold, befitting of their status and the country's alias – the Golden Land.
Thu Myat incorporates his passion for science fiction into his pieces by modernising the traditional Burmese guardians, whose duties were to protect the entrance of the Burmese pagodas. One of his artwork humourously depicts a cosmonaut reaching the seventh heaven.
Back to the Future echoes Playing Time & Space by Wunna Aung, Thu Myat and Kyaw Moe Khine (Bart Was Not Here), which will be on exhibit at Intersections Gallery from 17 January to 18 February 2019.
About the artists
Wunna Aung
Born in 1978 in Yangon, Wunna Aung has lived all his life in the capital. Since high school, Wunna has studied painting under various artists Masters. He graduated from the National University of Art and Culture with a B.A. in Music, and from Dagon University in Yangon with a B.A. in Creative Writing. Wunna Aung is a regular participant in urban art activities in Yangon. Wunna has participated in many group shows in Yangon and in Mandalay and in Thailand. His first exhibition in Singapore was at Intersections gallery in 2017. In 2018, he was selected to create a mural commissioned by Singapore Tourism Board, part of Singapore Festival in Yangon. In January 2019 his work will be showcased at SEA FOCUS.
Thu Myat
Born in 1986 in Yangon, Thu Myat has a B.A. in Business Management as well as a Diploma in Multimedia. He is the co-founder of Plus Ka Gyi – a company that specializes in graphic design. A member of the OKP Crew, he has been at the forefront of Myanmar's urban and street art – especially as the organizer of Rendezvous: South East Asia Urban Art Event. He has participated in numerous exhibitions, including several group shows at New Zero Art Space and Lawkanat Gallery in Yangon. He also participated in the exhibition Urbane at Folklore-Kunstraum in Innsbruck, Austria, 2013. In 2017 he was commissioned to create a giant mural painting on the Myaynigone Flyover in Yangon. Thu Myat's first exhibition in Singapore was curated by Marie-Pierre Mol and took place at Intersections Gallery in 2017. In 2018, he was selected to create a mural commissioned by Singapore Tourism Board, part of Singapore Festival in Yangon. In January 2019 his work will be showcased at SEA FOCUS.
About Royal Plaza on Scotts Singapore
Royal Plaza on Scotts Singapore (RP), an award-winning business hotel located in Orchard area, unveils its new look after an extensive renovation. Watch out for the pops of colours and accents of local heritage around the hotel. Wall pieces of Singapore's old shophouses add a nostalgic yet contemporary graphic element to the scheme. Spot Asian and local touches added by inspiring artists and soak in the culture as their works celebrate the rich heritage of the region. In addition to the brand's signature perks, complimentary in-room minibar, Nespresso coffee and hotel WIFI, RP is the first hotel in Singapore to provide free pocket WIFI for guests who are on-the-move. Guests can also pop into the Internet lounge and well-equipped gymnasium at any time of the day with 24-hour access.
The hotel was inducted into TTG Travel Awards Hall of Fame in 2018 after winning Asia Pacific's Best Independent Hotel for ten years in a row. RP is also recognised as the best hotel to work for by Great Place to Work® Singapore, which is a testament to the adage “Happy Staff makes Happy Guests”. Talents of the hotel are also referred to as Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) as every CEO has a role to play in colouring guests' stays with authentic and delightful moments.
RP is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection.
