City of Others: Asian Artists in Paris, 1920s–1940s is an evocative exhibition that delves into the untold stories of Asian artists in Paris during the 1920s-1940s, a time marked by both artistic flourishing and the turbulence of World War II.
This thought-provoking showcase illuminates the voices often overlooked in mainstream eurocentric narratives, offering a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of migrant artists who lived as “outsiders” — not only to Parisian society but also to other cultural groups. Take a step into their world and experience what it was like to navigate identity, belonging, and alienation in a city of endless possibilities.
This will be the first time the Paris experiences of artists from different parts of Asia are presented extensively together. They consolidated perspectives and narratives offer an original and nuanced picture of Paris as a site for artistic exchange.
The City of Others exhibition spans 3 galleries, divided into 6 thematic sections. The exhibition features more than 200 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, lacquerware, and decorative art, and a further 200 archives and historical images, with many presented for the first time in Singapore.
You can look forward to works by major Asian artists like Foujita Tsuguharu, Georgette Chen, Le Pho, Liu Kang, Xu Beihong and Sanyu, alongside other artists.
The First Gallery
The first gallery spans 3 sections, Workshop to the World, Theatre of the Colonies, and Spectacle and Stage. In the Preface, explore how artists portrayed themselves and were perceived through powerful portraits.
Workshop to the World sheds light on the exotic materials, like lacquer, that captivated Westerners. It focuses on the growing presence of Asian artists and artisans who contributed to the Art Déco movement in Paris after the 1920s. This section uncovers the untold story of the nameless yet hardworking factory laborers who crafted these luxurious items in industrial settings, a juxtaposition often overlooked in the narrative.
Theatre of the Colonies explores the clash between colonial propaganda and anti-colonial resistance in Paris through the role of art and visual culture in this struggle.
Spectacle and Stage highlights Asian dancers, a performance and form of art often missed out and forgotten in art exhibitions. It showcases the significance of Asian dance in the dynamic cultural scene of the 1920s to 1940s, exploring how dancers navigated accessibility, experimentation, and exoticism to find success in Paris.
The Second Gallery
The fourth section, Sites of Exhibition, takes center stage in the second gallery, showcasing works created specifically for French audiences in the sprawling city of art. Notably, there are no oil paintings here. Instead, contemporary Asian artists exclusively used traditional mediums from their own cultures to engage and captivate the French imagination of what Asian art was like.
This section also presents artworks originally displayed at special exhibitions of Japanese and Chinese modern art at the Jeu de Paume museum in Paris during the 1920s and 1930s.
The Third Gallery
The last gallery has 2 sections, Studio and Street, and Aftermaths.
Studio and Street takes a peek into the inspirations behind many of these artworks – the artists’ immediate surroundings, their living spaces and neighbourhoods. It highlights the impact that the bohemian social and artistic life of Montparnasse had on artists, notably Foujita Tsuguharu, who was a central figure at that period.
The exhibition closes with Aftermaths which signals the impact of World War Two and subsequent decolonisation movements on the art world of Paris. It explores the profound changes and trauma following World War II, as artists faced the difficult choice of returning home while grappling with how the war had reshaped their identities and societies.
Is it worth a visit?
City of Others: Asian Artists in Paris, 1920s–1940s is a worth a visit for art and history lovers, but even casual visitors will enjoy exploring its unconventional narratives in a spacious, peaceful setting. While half an hour may be enough to see the galleries at National Gallery, you will want to spend more time soaking in the beautiful artworks and photo-worthy moments. Be sure to join a tour — especially the curator-led ones — for a richer, more insightful experience.
The exhibition runs from 2 April to 17 August 2025, featuring over 200 works, with more than 50 loans from a diverse range of lenders.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are available, including weekly English tours at 3.30 pm (Thursdays to Sundays) and Mandarin tours at 1.30 pm (Saturdays and Sundays). For a deeper experience, join the exclusive curator tours on 5 April, 26 April, 15 June, or 22 June at 2 pm, where you will gain insights into the curatorial process which started in 2019 and the historical context behind the exhibition.
Ticket Prices
Tickets are priced at $25 for visitors from abroad, and $15 for Singaporeans and PRs, with $5 off for concession.
Admission is free for gallery insiders, children under 6, local students and teachers (with valid ID), and persons with disabilities plus one caregiver.
Early Bird Promotion
Take advantage of the early bird promotion from now until 16 April 2025.
For Singapore Citizens and PRs, use code NGSCOO10 for $10 off the Special Exhibition Pass.
For tourists and foreign residents, use code COO30SE for 30% off the Special Exhibition Pass.
With code COO30AA, you can also enjoy 30% off All Access Passes, which includes access to general admission and special exhibitions.
City of Others: Asian Artists in Paris, 1920s-1940s
Dates: 2 April to 17 August 2025
Address: 1 St Andrew’s Road, National Gallery, Singapore 178957
Exhibition Gallery: City Hall Wing, Level 3, Singtel Special Exhibition Galleries 1, 2 & 3
Opening hours: 10am to 7pm
Ticket prices: $25 for visitors from abroad, and $15 for Singaporeans and PRs, with $10 for concession
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