GWEE LI SU
GLEN GOEI
much better exposed. There is an exponential growth and desire for all the things that modern societies look for. Culture is one of these things, but it is not merely consumerism, it is also part of our community and our different identities. The community will always be a part, and so will self-expression. It is inevitable that we know it is an integral part of who we are. Time will tell whether we have the wherewithal to take those progressive steps. Everything has happened in a very short time; we now have a civic district, which when you look at it has been rejuvenated with the Victoria Concert Hall, the National gallery, the Asian Civilization Museum, Esplanade, etc. Hopefully it becomes a new heart of the city. My greatest hope is that the icon of the city for Singaporeans will be this precinct. DC On our way over here, I observed several people playing soccer in the field nearby. I understand that there have been several initiatives to build on the site, but each time it caused a public outcry. BP The cricket field in the cultural district, originally put there by the British colonists, was the site of our national day parades that unified us. The parade celebrating Singapore’s 50 years of independence was held there. Even though it is not the most ideal place, there is collective memory there, it is almost precious. It was something that we inherited, and therefore, like Central Park or Hyde Park, nobody will dare touch it. In addition, we created a second central park, Gardens by the Bay. Very few governments would have the amount
… TO MODERNISM IN ART.”
WE WERE A POTPOURRI OF PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT PRACTICES
BEH SWAN GIN
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