The
online exhibitions are enhanced interactive multimedia versions
of NAS's previous, current and forthcoming exhibitions that are
touring schools and other locations in Singapore.
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"Ode to Friendship: Celebrating Thailand-Singapore Relations"
Developed jointly by the National Archives of Thailand and Singapore, the exhibition traces the two countries' historical links dating back to 1800. Tapping on rich archival collections, "Ode to Friendship" showcases visits by Thai royalty and officials from both countries which led to a solid foundation for the strong ties that both countries enjoy today.
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"Historical Journey of the Indian
National Army"
With its
beginnings in Singapore during
World War Two, the Indian National
Army (INA) was formed to liberate
India from British rule. Although
the military campaigns did not
lead directly to India's Independence,
the postwar trials of INA officers
served as a catalyst for India's
Independence in 1947. This exhibition
shows the historical journey of
the INA and its role in India's
struggle for freedom. The INA episode
demonstrates the common cause that
was forged in the 1940s between
the nationalists in India and their
compatriots in Southeast Asia.
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"Colours Behind Barbed Wires: A
Prisoner of War's story through Haxworth's sketches"
Mr William Haxworth was working as the Chief Investigator of the War Risks Insurance Department of the Singapore Treasury when the war broke out. He was subsequently interned by the Japanese, first in Changi Prison and later transferred to Sime Road Internment Camp. He secretly drew over 300 small paintings and sketches that depicted the harsh, crowded and unhygienic living conditions in these POW camps.
Faced with a shortage of paper and drawing materials, Haxworth creatively resorted to using whatever alternative materials he could lay his hands on to produce a variety of watercolour paintings and pencil and crayon sketches. With his keen artistic eye and daring sense of humour, his expressive portrayals of his fellow internees in various poses and from various angles undoubtedly entertained them to no end. Over time, these drawings captured vividly the rapid transformation of the internees from well-built men to gaunt figures of skin and bones by the time the war is ended. Therefore, from an archival point of view, these are more than just art, as they bear testimony to the consequences of an inadequate diet and other privations suffered during internment, and lay proof to the resilience and resourcefulness shown by the people in times of war and shortage. Seven drawings from this collection are currently being featured in the Virtual Collection of Masterpieces project, a collaborative effort of more than 50 museums from Europe and Asia to showcase and promote understanding of Asian masterpieces (http://masterpieces.asemus.museum).
As a tribute to this spirit of creativity and adaptability, NAS in turn gave these wartime sketches new life and function by turning them into colourful window displays in the restored Old Ford Factory Exhibition Gallery which features the story of Singapore under Japanese Occupation, 1942-1945. A travelling exhibition of Haxworth’s artworks is also available for booking at (www.a2o.com.sg).
The Haxworth Collection was generously donated by Mrs Haxworth to NAS in 1986.

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"Virtual Collection of Masterpieces"
28 museums and heritage galleries from Asia and 22 from Europe have contributed around 1000 masterpieces to the Virtual Collection of Masterpieces (VCM).
This web-accessible selection of images and accompanying information on Asian masterpieces from Asian and European museums is a fantastic search tool for people
from various levels interested in art and cultural history. The VCM project promotes mutual understanding and appreciation between the peoples of Asia and Europe, specifically
through the use of works of art and culture.
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"Colours in the Wind : Old Hill
Street Police Station in Retrospect"
The official opening of the Old Hill Street Police Station (OHSPS)
as the headquarters of the Ministry of Information and The Arts
(MITA) by Minister for Information and The Arts, Mr Lee Yock
Suan, on 1 November 2000, marked a new lease of life for the
building. It also marked a milestone in the history of a site
once associated with performing arts and education in the 19th
century. It is thus apt that the OHSPS, also known as MITA Building,
has been chosen as the space where the nurturing and administration
of Singapore's arts and heritage should take place. This exhibition
traces the history and development of the OHSPS from its completion
in 1934 to what it is today, the headquarters of MITA.
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"Talents Unlimited! New Frontiers
In Creativity and Knowledge"
This online exhibition is based on the roving exhibition of the
same title, depicting the foundation theme of the National Day
Parade (NDP) 2001 - "Knowledge and Creativity". It showcases
Singapore's talents and creativity in the areas of education,
science and technology, business and the arts. Each section highlights
acts and products of innovation, as well as, the challenges faced
and how they were overcome.
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