Singapore's churches can be an eclectic architectural mix.

Just in the Bras Basah area alone, four churches sit within walking distance from each other.

Two architecturally prominent ones are the oldest Catholic church in Singapore, the Cathedral of the Good Shepard and its restrained, renaissance revival style, and the gothic inspired spires of St. Joseph's Church.

And Catholic art is sprinkled amongst the grounds, such as this grotto with a statue of Mother Mary, along with St. Bernadette, for whom the church the statues are found is named for.

But why are Singaporean churches so architecturally and artistically diverse?

How have they influenced Singaporean catholicism, and how has Singapore's multicultural background in turn inspired the church in Singapore?

Temenggong Artist-in-Residence, a non-profit art company, is holding the next talk in its series of free public talks about religious art in Singapore on Sep. 28 at 28 Temenggong Road, exploring the impact of Catholic art in Singapore.

Singaporean Heritage and Catholic Art

The talk is a collaboration between the National University of Singapore's Asia Research Institute (ARI) and Temenggong Artist-in-Residence, a non-profit art company.

The talk, “Crossways of Catholic Art”, delves into the history of Singaporean Catholicism through the lens of urban art, bodily senses, and materiality.

It explores how Catholic buildings, holy objects, and religious statues create shared spaces that orient emotions and considers how Singapore has become a creative recipient and producer of Catholic devotions.

It will also discuss the multicultural background of Singaporean Catholic devotions, which are drawn from Chinese, Indian, and Western backgrounds.

Theologians, and heritage ministries

The main speaker will be Michel Chambon, a Catholic theologian and cultural anthropologist specialising in the study of Christianity in Asia.

Chambon is a research fellow at ARI and is a published researcher on the agency of Christian buildings, as well as Chinese Pentecostalism and Catholicism.

Joining Chambon will be Jevon Liew, co-leader of the heritage ministry at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, and Lynn Desker, a member of the heritage and tours ministry at St. Joseph Church on Victoria Street.

The talk will consist of two main commentaries on architectures and devotions.

Catholic architecture throughout Singapore

The first commentary will focus on Catholic architecture, with Chambon giving an introduction to Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, styles that he grew up with in France.

These two styles, introduced by French missionaries, represent a significant portion of Singaporean Catholic churches’ architectural background for many decades and can be seen in Churches such as Our Lady of Lourdes, and Novena Church.

The commentary will also discuss the architecture of Singapore's Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and St. Joseph's Church, both located near the historical heart of the city, and some more modernist styled churches such as that of Holy Cross in Clementi.

The second commentary will speak on devotions and discuss three Catholic statues of Mother Mary, and how Singapore's influences and culture have influenced Singaporean Catholicism.

Chambon will also speak about church grottos, which house devotional statues of the Mother Mary that are often seen on the grounds of many Singaporean churches.

Did we mention it’s free?

The event will be held at Temenggong Artist-in-Residence's main premises, a colonial-era black and white bungalow at 28 Temenggong Road, on Mount Faber near Harbourfront MRT station.

The event is free to the public.

Details

28 Temenggong Road, Singapore 098775

When: Sep. 28, 2024, from 1pm to 5.30pm.

Mothership is the event’s media partner.

Top image via Michel Chambon, Wikipedia, Temenggong