Tails from the Coasts

From the Malayan Bearcat to flying lizards and the winghead shark, these exquisite 200-year-old paintings take you on a journey across the lands, waters and skies of Singapore and the Malay peninsula.

Painted in the early 19th century, the watercolours provide a glimpse into the fascinating fauna of the region.

Enthralled by the plants and creatures of the region, William Farquhar, the Commandant and Resident of Melaka and Singapore under the British Empire, commissioned local artists to capture them on paper. 

Now owned by the National Museum of Singapore, a selection of these works is touring beyond the Singapore's shores for the first time. 

Marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Australia, the exhibition also unpacks the two regions common bonds of biodiversity— highlighting the animals and geographies that connect us.

Find these exquisite works in the Museum of Economic Botany, located in the heart of Adelaide Botanic Garden.

Image credit: 

Slow loris / Kongkang 

Early 19th century 

Watercolour on paper 

Collection of the National Museum of Singapore

National Heritage Board Gift of Mr GK Goh

This exhibition is presented by the National Museum of Singapore.

It is also proudly part of OzAsia Festival.  Australia’s leading contemporary arts festival engaging with Asia, has launched its longest program yet – spanning four weekends this Spring. From Friday October 17 – Sunday November 9, OzAsia Festival will expand across the city, with the exhibition at Adelaide Botanic Garden and events at Adelaide Town Hall, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Odeon Theatre and more.