BBC Knowledge Asia Edition 3

ingapore is renowned in the world

for being a diverse society, with

various ethnic, racial, cultural and

religious groups living together in harmony.

In fact, freedom of worship is enshrined

in Singapore’s constitution as one of the

nation’s top prioritities. We are home to

more than 10 religions but the principal

ones include Buddhism and Taoism, Islam,

Hinduism and Christianity.

From now till 11 September 2016, head

over to the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM)

to learn more about the sacred art and visual

splendour of the evolution of Christianity in

Asia. This is the world’s first exhibition on the

history and spread of Christian art in Asia and

ACM’s first special exhibition after its extensive

renovations last year.

Asia has became a key influencer in the

ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM LAUNCHES

THE WORLD’S INAUGURAL EXHIBITION

WORDS: JOSMIN ONG

CHRISTIAN ART

IN ASIA

S

spread of Christianity since the 7th century,

and Asian art has absorbed these influences

into various cultures including those in

the Middle East, India, China, Japan, the

Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia.

The artists who created these Christian

images may belong to other faiths but they

still manage to create a powerful notion and

story behind each artwork.

The curated exhibition is home to 800

years of art history, mainly from the 13th to

20 th centuries but holds a strong focal point

on art pieces from the 16th to 18th centuries,

this was the time of significant trading

and missions. Singapore, France, Portugal,

Italy, Hong Kong and the Philippines

form the largest contributors, with over

150 items from these countries, as well

as from 20 other acclaimed institutions

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