Art Exhibition: Descendants of the Dragon, story from the Music Box Museum

Dates: 1 December 2023 -31 January 2024

Address: Music Box Museum, 168 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore

Meet the artist: 9 December, Sat, 11am-3pm, 16 December, Sat, 11am-3pm, 13 January Sat, 11am-3pm, 20 January, Sat, 11am-3pm

We are thrilled to introduce you to the enchanting world created by the talented Kazakh-Russian artist, Inessa Kalabekova, at the Music Box Museum in Singapore. Inessa’s latest exhibition, inspired by the ancient Chinese story of the four dragons, is a captivating fusion of mythical creatures and the whimsical charm of musical boxes.

Here are some highlights:

Mythical Geography: The story introduces the “Classic of Mountains and Seas,” an ancient text dating back to the 4th century BC, which describes mythical creatures and the origin of Chinese geography. The book explains how the dragons’ kindness in delivering rain led to the creation of four great rivers in China.

Cultural Fusion: Inessa Kalabekova’s art is deeply influenced by her Kazakh roots, which are rich in folk tales, as well as her multicultural experiences. Her ability to blend different cultural influences and traditions through her artwork showcases her artistic prowess as a world builder.

Family Involvement: Inessa’s family, particularly her daughter Alice, plays a crucial role in her artistic process. They contribute to her storytelling and art creation. The collaborative aspect of her art adds depth and dimension to her work.

Thian Hock Keng Temple and Musical Box Museum: The Thian Hock Keng Temple in Singapore becomes a significant source of inspiration for Inessa. The temple’s intricate architecture and depictions of dragons and phoenixes within its decorations leave a lasting impact on her artistic journey. Adjacent to the temple is the Musical Box Museum, which hosts ancient music boxes and provides the backdrop for further artistic exploration.

Dragon Stories and Portraits: Inessa and her daughter Alice create stories about parallel worlds where spirit creatures, specifically dragons, play a significant role. These stories lead to the creation of dragon-themed collages and portraits, each with its own unique narrative and connection to the realm of dragons.

Artist’s Background: The story provides insights into Inessa Kalabekova’s background, her artistic journey, and her academic pursuits, including her upcoming MFA student exhibition at Central Saint Martins, offering a glimpse into her career and achievements.