Seeing Forest by Robert Zhao Renhui

Seeing Forest was Singapore’s exhibition at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia (Biennale Arte 2024). Presented by artist Robert Zhao Renhui, the exhibition expands on Zhao’s long-term research on secondary forests in Singapore – forests regrown from deforested land due to human intervention – and the new ecosystems that have developed within.

The exhibition explores the multifaceted life of Singapore's secondary forests, encapsulating the histories of settlement, colonisation, migration, and mutual coexistence among species. Through an assemblage of video and sculptural installations, Seeing Forest delves into lesser-known stories and moments of interdependence between human society and nature, revealing how these transitional spaces in urban nature can serve as the most dynamic frontier of life.

The Singapore Pavilion at Biennale Arte 2024 was commissioned by the National Arts Council, Singapore and organised by Singapore Art Museum.