FLOATING utopias

As part of Marina Bay Sands' elaborately sophisticated complex in Singapore, the Artscience Museum has gained quite the recognition of its own, including for its breathtaking exterior shaped like a futuristic lotus flower – a clear nod to the museum's concept of combining the delicate world of arts with the innovative evolution of science and technology.

After its success with programmes like the permanent Future World and interactive Wonderland exhibitions, the Artscience Museum announced its latest endeavour, Floating Utopias. Taking an approach that is playful, poetic and educational at the same time, Floating Utopias takes a deep dive to observe the social history of inflatable objects and how, in time, they became tools in art, architecture and activism.

The idea was ignited by the first hot-air balloon, launched into the skies in the 18th century, which kickstarted the public's imagination and led to dreams of castles in the sky, floating laboratories and cloud cities. The exhibition also aims to show that inflatables encourage us to reach out to our inner playfulness and the bravery to reclaim public spaces, while keeping in mind the idea of forging communities and promoting participation from shared interests or curiosity over inflatables.

The exhibition showcases more than 40 artworks by international and local artists, in addition to interactive workshops and interventions in urban space. Curated by Artúr van Balen, Fabiola Bierhoff and Anna Hoetjes, and the Artscience Museum team, Floating Utopias is up and running until 29 September. marinabaysands.com