A captivating new exhibition, Tails from the Coasts: Nature Stories of Singapore, has officially opened at the Museum of Economic Botany in the heart of Adelaide Botanic Garden.
Featuring stunning 200-year-old watercolours, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the rich biodiversity of Singapore and the Malay Peninsula through the eyes of early naturalists and artists.
From the Malayan bearcat to flying lizards to winghead sharks, these curious and often threatened creatures are brought to life in exquisite detail. Commissioned by William Farquhar, the first Resident and Commandant of Singapore during the British colonial era, the works capture the flora and fauna of the region and were painted by local artists likely originating from Canton.
Part of the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings, owned by the National Museum of Singapore, this is the first time a selection of these works has toured beyond Singapore’s shores, with Adelaide Botanic Garden marking the second stop for the exhibition.
The exhibition also marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Australia, celebrating the shared biodiversity and cultural connections between the two regions.
Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium (BGSH) Director, Michael Harvey, said
“Tails from the Coasts is a remarkable celebration of biodiversity and cultural exchange. These stunning works from Singapore not only showcase the extraordinary fauna of Singapore and the Malay Peninsula but also reflect the deep historical ties between art and nature.
We’re honoured to host this collection in Adelaide Botanic Garden and acknowledge the many years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Australia. It’s a powerful reminder of how nature and creativity transcend borders.”
Chung May Khuen, Director of the National Museum of Singapore, said
“Adelaide Botanic Garden's dedication to understanding and appreciating the natural world makes them an ideal partner for Tails from the Coasts. Through this collaboration, we’re able to showcase our collection beyond traditional museum spaces, making these works more accessible to a wider community. We look forward to this exhibition sparking meaningful conversations around critical environmental and conservation challenges that we face today.
“We thank the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium for their shared commitment and passion in ensuring that these important works of scientific artistry are shared with visitors across the region.”
Tails from the Coasts: Nature Stories of Singapore is part of the OzAsia Festival program, Australia’s leading contemporary arts festival engaging with Asia. From Friday October 17 – Sunday November 9, OzAsia Festival will expand across the city with its longest program yet – spanning four weekends this spring.
About the National Museum of Singapore
With a history dating back to 1887, the National Museum of Singapore is the nation’s oldest museum with a progressive mind. Its galleries adopt multi-perspective ways of presenting history and culture, featuring important artefacts that tell the stories of Singapore and the world to redefine the conventional museum experience. The museum is home to thought-provoking exhibitions and hosts exciting events all year round, including the Singapore Night Festival. For more details, please visit nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum
