Join the tour with artist David Chan in his thought-provoking exploration of Singaporean identity through a blend of metaphorical observations, personal anecdotes, revived nostalgia, and curious cultural dissonances. Drawing on perspectives from history, cultural studies, spatial theory, and community narratives, this session offers an interdisciplinary lens on what it means to be Singaporean today and what it might mean tomorrow.

Join us in Celebrating SG60!

Singapore Gallery Month organised by Art Galleries Association of Singapore from 15 Aug to 14 Sep 2025.

NATIONAL IDENTITY 4.0 - Conversations Il

David’s National Identity 4.0 – Conversations ll examines the shifting perspectives on nationhood among Singapore’s younger generations. His interest in national identity traces back several years, reflecting on changing attitudes towards Singapore's history.

Journalist Kwa Chong Guan's article in The Straits Times in 2015 highlighted the limited awareness of pivotal events like Operation Coldstore, with only 16.6% of surveyed citizens recognizing it. Kwa noted that younger Singaporeans are more familiar with recent, high-profile developments, revealing a generational disconnect with earlier events that shaped Singapore's identity.

This series specifically explores the attitudes of those born in the 2000s toward nation-building. Referencing the 2023 National Day Rally speech, where PM Lee Hsien Loong endorsed a new generation of leadership, David raises questions about Singapore’s evolving path under fresh leaders. With the legacy of leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and Lee Hsien Loong transitioning, David’s work probes into the “old stories" and generational nostalgia shaping Singapore’s future. Through National Identity 4.0, he invites reflection on the direction Singapore might take as it adapts to new societal dynamics and leadership.

In his work, David uses realistic, layered compositions of humans, landscapes, animals, and related iconographies to offer critical reflections on social issues, blending humour and irony, inviting introspection on themes like popular culture, ethics, and contemporary behaviour. David’s works reflects our years of nation-building and quest to build a uniquely Singaporean identity. It's a fun and curious look at the cross-pollination between our social, political, cultural, and historical legacies. David’s works raises the question: What direction will Singapore take as it continues to evolve? He aims to explore observations, old stories, emerging nostalgia, and generational disconnects in the nation’s journey. Welcome to National Identity 4.0 - Conversations.