
Singapore, 10 December 2024—Gajah Gallery is delighted to unveil Big Bang: A Myth of Origins, opening on 17 January 2025 at our Singapore space. This bold and contemplative exploration of creation and beginnings inaugurates the gallery’s 2025 programme, bringing together a dynamic, sparkling constellation of artists from Southeast Asia and beyond. 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.
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.
An Invitation to Begin
Big Bang is an invitation to reflect on the boundless possibilities of creation and the indomitable spirit of human creativity. Join us as we explore the poetic intersections between origin myths, artistic expression, and the timeless quest to understand where we come from, and why we create.
Join us as we embark on this journey of reflection and discovery, traversing the intersections of creation, myth, and being at the opening reception on 17 January 2025, starting at 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm, at Gajah Gallery Singapore.
Based in Singapore, Gajah Gallery explores the diverse socio-cultural interests of Asia through art from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and China.

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