17 January - 2 March 2025. Big Bang: A Myth of Origins. Gajah Gallery, Singapore.

At its heart, Big Bang delves into one of humanity’s most enduring fascinations: the mysteries of beginnings, beings, and becoming. From the explosions that birthed the universe to the small seed that holds the promise of a mighty tree, the exhibition explores how the ideas of origins transcend time and culture, and shape both cosmic and personal narratives.

Through their diverse practices, the participating artists reflect on the act of creation—not merely as a divine or cosmic event but as an intrinsically human and deeply personal endeavour. Each work offers a glimpse into the tension between chaos and order, imagination and discipline, and the courage and endurance it takes to turn uncertainty into something extraordinary.

A Contemplation of Creation

How do we begin? Every story begins somewhere. In Big Bang, creation is reimagined not as a singular moment but as an unfolding process that is both fragile and monumental. The exhibition examines the parallels between the myths that seek to explain our beginnings and the creative journeys of artists—journeys marked by experimentation, failure, and transformation. By drawing connections between the formation of the universe and the act of making art, the show underscores the cyclical, if convoluted, nature of creation and its inherent ties to renewal and reinvention.

A Story of Art and Artists

Beyond celebrating creation and creating, Big Bang is a testament to the creators themselves. It poses profound questions about the seeds of artistic identity: What compels an artist to begin? What fuels the spark of their creative journey? And what role does serendipity play in the evolution of their creative voice?

The exhibition brings these stories to life, highlighting the interplay of intuition, history, and personal narrative in the making of art. It reminds us that beginnings are rarely straightforward—they are often messy, uncertain, and steeped in discovery.

The show features works by Agnes Arellano, I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih, Jane Lee, Jitish Kallat, Jose John Santos III, Mahalakshmi Kannappan, Mark Justiniani, Miguel Aquilizan, Prajakta Potnis, Pam Yan-Santos, Susie Lingham, and Yunizar.