Abbas, 45 Years in Photography

The National Museum of Singapore presents Abbas, 45 Years in Photography, the first ever retrospective by critically acclaimed photographer and member of the prestigious photo agency, Magnum. This is also the first time Abbas holds an exhibition in Asia, sharing his thoughts and perspectives from 45 years of his career. The exhibition showcases over 130 visually black and white photographs, and four audio-visual clips.

This retrospective comprises nine sections that feature compelling images of Abbas’ observations from his travels around the world. It spans a myriad of subjects ranging from war, major political events, to religion from an observer’s perspective. Visitors can also look forward to photographs of his grandchildren, which give us a rare glimpse into the photographer’s personal life.

The nine sections of the retrospective are the following:

Early Work
This section primarily features his early works on wars during the 1960s and 1970s, in countries such as Bangladesh, South Africa and Vietnam.

A Revolution
The event that steered Iran towards an Islamic nation features in this section, with his works from the 1970s to the 1980s, and from late 1997 to the 2000s.

A Fotonovella
Abbas’ self-voluntary exile is presented in the style of a novel that stems from nine trips to Mexico from 1983-1986.

In Whose Name?
Abbas travelled to 29 countries with Muslim societies, focusing on the resurgence of Islam.

A Millennium
Abbas explores Christianity as a ritual, spiritual and political phenomenon.

Soul Hunt
With a focus on Animism, Abbas photographed the shamans of Siberia, voodoos in Haiti and Cuba, the Dogons of Mali and the Shinto cult in Japan.

The Children of the Lotus
This section features his most recent published work inspired by Buddhism.

Homo Sapiens
Sports, fashion and other well-known personalities, including a photo of boxer Muhammad Ali, at the 1974 World Heavyweight Championship, take centre stage in this section.

Granddad
Abbas allows us into his personal life by sharing photographs of his grandchildren.

Date: until September 18.
Location: National Museum of Singapore 93 Stamford Road Singapore 178897.
Hours: from Monday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.