The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) recently made headlines when it invited women to participate in local artist Amanda Heng's art project.

Art project featuring females' bare bottoms

The Singirl Online Project features photos of female volunteers' bare bottoms.

SAM previously stated in its social media posts that the project "puts forth a playful and defiant counterpoint to the 'Singapore Girl'".

The museum also called for "women of all shapes and shades" to contribute to the art project by submitting photos of their own bottoms.

Criticism

SAM's call for participants was soon met with strong criticism from some members of the public, who felt that the art project was inappropriate.

Apologised for any offence caused

In response, SAM posted a statement on its Facebook page on May 21.

The museum first thanked those who had shared their views on the Singirl Online Project.

"We appreciate your perspectives and recognise that it is a provocative artwork which has sparked strong opinions. SAM and Amanda acknowledge that there have been differing viewpoints and interpretations of this artwork presented at Wikicliki."

SAM then apologised for any offence that it had caused, explaining that the museum and Heng never intended to insult or objectify women.

It went on to explain that Heng, who is a pioneering contemporary artist, focuses on topics about identity, memory and gender politics in her artworks.

"It hopes to start conversations on recurring themes of gender perceptions, women’s position in society, and feminine beauty standards," added SAM.

SAM also quoted Heng, who had said: "With every representation, there is always an underlying meaning that we need to read and understand. There has to be reflections or discussions."

Online talk on June 26

SAM also stated that its artists and curators will be having an online talk on June 26, 2o21.

The museum invited members of the public to join the talk to exchange diverse viewpoints.

Heng will also be present at the talk to share more about her art practice and research, as well as the Singirl Online Project.

You can read SAM's full statement here: