In the recent years, Dempsey Hill transformed into a popular chill-out attraction for locals. Located a stone's throw away from the Singapore Botanical Gardens, Dempsey Hill is a safe haven for locals and tourist alike to seek refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city life here in the metropolitan Singapore. Besides F&B establishments such as Jones the Grocer and The Prime Society, Dempsey Hill has also become the destination for art fanatics. The hill is littered with shops dealing in antiquities and fine living like Woody Antique House and John Erdos with the REDSEA gallery among them. Art galleries like REDSEA presents a range of contemporary artwork such as sculptures and paintings done by artists from worldwide thus making it worth a visit for all art lovers. And currently, 'MOMENTS' by French artist Val is on display.
REDSEA gallery was established in 2001 and has become one of the most visited art galleries in Singapore. The gallery space was formally known as the British army barracks about a century ago as well as the old CMPB national service enlistment centre where it was the headquarters for young Singaporean soldiers serving their national duty in the 1970s. The area was also a nutmeg plantation in the old days.
Barracks in Dempsey Hill (left) vs Marlborough Barracks in Dublin (right)
The gallery, similar the other establishments here in Dempsey Hill is located in Brit-shed-styled barracks which existed since the colonial times. They are similar to those of the West in terms of architecture and materials used to build them such as concrete, bricks, wood and roof tiles. Almost all that were found are preserved and restored to keep history intact. Today, these former army barracks house dining and retail outlets of Asian themes as it brings together heritages from all parts of the region.
MOMENTS – the artwork that was on display at REDSEA gallery is by French art-ist/sculptor, Val. Having been self taught and instinctive, her works emote raw emotions and give great insight into her thoughts given when creating those works of art. The pieces on display always feature human figure(s) on which the emotions and thoughts of the artist were focused on. And by careful observations by the visitor, they are able to sense the messages Val is trying to convey through her works.
There was a particular piece that was named 'Corridor'. It featured 2 figures going in opposite directions walking in an overlapping corridor looking at each other. This pieced showed the prevalence of self-doubt in all of us and our constant search for our true self. Coupled with the location of where the gallery was, one is able to contemplate on the artworks found here at REDSEA. Dempsey hill is truly a place for art aficionados to come and soak themselves in the atmosphere created by the union of both creation of man and nature.
