Having opened its doors on 25 November 2023, Mars: The Red Mirror will initiate visitors on an out-of-this-world expedition through 12,000 years of culture, art, history, and science about Mars from ancient times to the present day as it docks at ArtScience Museum.
The exhibition marks the most comprehensive historical and cultural exploration of the Red Planet to arrive in Singapore, boasting over 300 objects, including significant historical artefacts, rare scientific manuscripts, films, contemporary works of art, and even an authentic Martian meteorite.
The exhibition reflects the enduring connection humanity has to Mars, bringing together narratives from pioneering scientists, modern-day experts, filmmakers, writers, and contemporary artists.
First presented in Spain in 2021, Mars: The Red Mirror is curated by Juan Insua of the Centre of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (CCCB).
The Asian premiere at ArtScience Museum focuses on Asia’s role in the exploration of Mars, highlighting ancient depictions from China, India, and Japan, showcasing the work of pioneering Asian astronomers, and featuring insights into Mars in Southeast Asian pop culture.
Divided into three color-coded sections inspired by the Mars trilogy, the exhibition’s design is influenced by Kim Stanley Robinson’s award-winning series.
From ancient myths to potential future scenarios, Mars: The Red Mirror delves into humanity’s relationship with Mars amidst the current ecological crisis on Earth, raising questions about settling on another planet and whether Mars serves as an escape or a mirror reflecting challenges on Earth.
Collaborating with the Centre for Contemporary Culture of Barcelona, Mars: The Red Mirror takes an interdisciplinary approach, blending art, science, and history. It aims to inspire both children and adults to explore space science and astronomy, offering a unique Asian perspective on Mars.
The exhibition begins with objects like a fragment of a Martian meteorite and The Moment, an artwork by Katie Paterson. It unfolds across three main sections, starting with Mars in ancient cultures, showcasing depictions of Mars as a god of war in various civilizations.
The second section explores the science and fiction of the Red Planet, featuring early maps of Mars by Giovanni Schiaparelli and literature like H. G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds.
The final section, Mars in the Anthropocene, addresses present-day concerns about Earth’s climate and potential migration to outer space.
The exhibition concludes with contemporary artworks, including a four-meter inflatable sculpture of Mars by Luke Jerram and works by artists like Michael Najjar and Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg.
It also highlights international scientific missions to Mars, emphasizing Singapore’s role in space exploration through the Space Faculty and Genome Institute of Singapore.
The exhibition offers a rich program of companion activities, including talks, tours, a film season titled In Search of Tomorrow, and a symposium called Humanity Reimagined – Mars Opening Symposium.
Mars: The Red Mirror will run from 25 November 2023 to 7 April 2024. For more information visit https://www.marinabaysands.com/museum/exhibitions/mars.html
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