SINGAPORE.- The National Museum of Singapore presents A Story of the Image: Old & New Masters From Antwerp, showcasing an exclusive collection of 150 artworks from the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Antwerp (KMSKA), the Museum Plantin-Moretus/Print room and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MuHKA). The exhibition runs from 14 August to 4 October 2009.

In the exhibition, historical and contemporary artworks are juxtaposed to examine the subversion of the purpose and intent of the original image, when early religious iconography gave way to new market oriented genres, and commissioned art pieces evolved into mass produced images. This theme has been explored with artworks from the port city of Antwerp – the origins of art commercialisation, where in the 16th century, there was already a prosperous art market lucrative enough to support an industry of mass produced paintings and prints.

The exhibition also offers the opportunity for visitors to see original oil paintings by Flemish masters Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony Van Dyck, and contemporary works by award-winning artists such as David Claerbout, Francis Alÿs, and Luc Tuymans.

“A Story of the Image allows visitors to view both historic and contemporary classics side by side in a single, immersive experience,” says Ms Lee Chor Lin, Director National Museum of Singapore. “It also marks a milestone because it is a collaborative effort between museums and a partnership of two cities.”

Sharing his enthusiasm, His Excellency Mr. Marc Calcoen, the Ambassador of Belgium to Singapore, says, “This exhibition stems from the wish to strengthen the privileged relationship between Singapore and Antwerp, both the port of calls of their respective regions. PSA made Antwerp its base in Europe. Likewise, many Belgian companies who have settled in Singapore also originate from Antwerp. I hope this will generate even more exchanges and collaborations, in the areas of art, business and entertainment.”