PROGRAMME
Organised as a micro festival accompanying Mirror Mirror: Journey into the Mind and Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses, Curious Worlds draws from the topics and themes explored in both exhibitions to showcase the work of neuroscience researchers who are probing the mechanisms of the human brain, modern naturalists who are transforming the way we look at the natural world, as well as fashion designers and technologists who are innovating for a more inclusive and accessible future.
The month-long programming unfolds across exhibits, talks, pop-up conversations, workshops, performances, demonstrations and naturalist tours through three thematic tracks—neuroscience and neuropsychology, adaptive fashion and assistive tech, and natural history and biodiversity.
Collaborators include AnnabelleTTN, bioSEA, Brain Bank Singapore, Centre for Research and Development in Learning (CRADLE) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Centre for Research in Pedagogy and Practice (CRPP) at Nanyang Institute of Education (NIE), Dementia Research Centre (Singapore), Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Movemental, Salvage Garden, Science of Learning in Education Centre (SoLEC) at National Institute of Education (NIE), Society for Neuroscience Singapore Chapter (SfN-SG), The Curious Pangolin, Werable and Wild Dot.
Curious Worlds is presented as a special event of ArtScience Museum's Mind and Body: The Art and Science of Being Human season, an exploration of what it means to think, feel and exist as human beings.
Learn more about Mind and Body: The Art and Science of Being Human
25 Apr – 25 May
B2 Circulation
Free
What does a thinking brain look like? What is it like to donate your brain to science? How do elephant skin, termite mounds and beetles inspire better buildings for the future? How do we give people with disabilities access to fashion that excites and empowers them?
Come find out about this and more in the Brain, Body and Biosphere showcase which features exhibits from bioSEA, Brain Bank Singapore, Dementia Research Centre (Singapore), Ajay S. Mathuru (Society for Neuroscience Singapore Chapter), Science of Learning in Education Centre (SoLEC) at National Institute of Education (NIE), Werable and Wild Dot.
Through an exploration of our unique brain and its intricate connection with the body and how we relate to nature with the body and mind, the exhibits reflect on the notion of interconnectedness between all things.
25 & 26 Apr (Fri & Sat)
25 Apr (Fri)
5pm: Workshop @ ArtScience Laboratory, B2 | Ticketed
26 Apr (Sat)
2pm – 5pm: Talks @ ArtScience Laboratory, B2 | Free
2pm – 5pm: Pop-up Activities @ B2 Circulation | Free
The human brain has been described as the most complex biological structure in the known universe. Every brain is unique and shapes the way we experience and interact with the world around us in many different ways.
Learn about vital scientific research that aims to help prevent, diagnose, treat and cure degenerative conditions affecting the human brain in a line-up of talks and interactions with Brain Bank Singapore and Dr Adeline Ng (Senior Consultant Neurologist at the National Neuroscience Institute). Find out how digital technology can help in the management of cognitive health and early detection of cognitive decline in conversations with Dementia Research Centre (Singapore).
Discover the brain’s lifeline and the relationship between cerebral blood flow and bioelectric activity of the human brain with the Science of Learning in Education Centre (SoLEC) at NIE. Gain insights into the phenomenon of interbrain synchrony and how multiple brains interact during collaborative and social activities in a talk by Dr Jessica Tan (Research Scientist at NIE).
Learn more about the science of reading and how our brain learns to read with Professor Annabel Chen (President's Chair Professor of Psychology at School of Social Sciences at NTU). Get a brain-training workout through a series of interactive games devised by the Centre for Research & Development in Learning (CRADLE) at NTU, which takes us on a journey into the brain through VR, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and more.
Connect with your body, emotions and mental wellbeing in a movement workshop designed by social enterprise Movemental, that is grounded in psychology frameworks and facilitated through creative experiential methods.
10 May (Sat)
2pm: Workshop @ ArtScience Laboratory, B2 | Ticketed
2pm – 5pm: Pop-up Activities @ B2 Circulation | Free
5pm – 6.30pm: Talks @ ArtScience Laboratory, B2 | Free
Adaptive fashion and assistive technologies have reshaped the way we think about equity and inclusion, where every person can feel represented and empowered to express their individuality.
Fashion a kinder, more inclusive tomorrow in a workshop and talk with adaptive fashion studio Werable and explore how to engineer universal dressing solutions alongside people of all abilities and the ageing.
Find out more about the work of community makerspace Salvage Garden in creating assistive technology that helps individuals with disabilities be more independent in school, work or play.
11 May (Sun)
All-day: Workshops @ ArtScience Laboratory, B2 and around the museum | Ticketed
2pm – 5pm: Pop-up Activities @ B2 Circulation | Free
4pm – 5pm: Talks @ ArtScience Laboratory, B2 | Free
Eye on Nature invites reflection on our profound interconnectedness with the natural world and how it has served as an enduring source of inspiration and innovation.
Delve into the crucial role that taxonomy and natural history collections can play in rediscovering and conserving biodiversity in a fascinating series of talks and pop-up conversations with Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum.
Try your hand at biodiversity sampling in a citizen science workshop facilitated by biodiversity consultancy The Curious Pangolin to learn more about the flora and fauna around us, while generating data for science and conservation.
Experience the wonderment of botanical alchemy and find out how you can make lake pigments with plant dyes in a workshop led by nature-guided studio Wild Dot.
Take inspiration from natural motifs to create your own laser cut and hand-stitched bag in a workshop with artist and fashion designer AnnabelleTTN.
WORKSHOP
Meeting Ourselves through Embodied Movement Workshop by Movemental
5pm –7pm
ArtScience Laboratory, Basement 2
Ticketed admission: S$10
This workshop investigates ways in which our bodies and senses shape our identities and experiences – within ourselves and the world around us. Through movement, participants will explore the connection between the mind and body, fostering self-discovery and rewriting old identity scripts. The session includes exploration of ways to embolden our senses and tune into the environment, independent movement with curated music, and reflective discussions.
No dance background is needed, just openness to explore movement!
About Movemental:
Movemental is a one-of-its-kind social enterprise that addresses mental health issues through creative embodied approaches including Dance Movement Therapy. With a team of 7 facilitators and therapists, Movemental’s work stretches across charity, public community and corporate sectors, addressing the needs of elderly, people with mental health problems, youth and youth-at-risk, children, as well as mainstream adults. Movemental has been awarded funding from Temasek Foundation and Etonhouse Community Fund for its pioneering work.
About Shi Han:
A qualified Dance Movement Psychotherapist and Psychologist, Shi Han has been working therapeutically with individuals and groups across a broad spectrum of emotional needs for over 14 years, both in Singapore and the UK. She was the first Dance Movement Therapist to be employed by Institute of Mental Health, creating services for the mood disorders, early psychosis, rehabilitation and children's wards. In 2021, Shi Han founded Movemental to improve accessibility to creative embodied approaches as a modality for Singaporeans to heal and thrive. As a consultant lecturer with Singapore University of Social Sciences, Shi Han also finds fulfilment in passing her skills and knowledge to future generations of expressive arts therapy trainees.
2pm – 2.20pm: Learn more about the science of reading and how our brain learns to read with Professor Annabel Chen (President's Chair Professor of Psychology at School of Social Sciences at NTU) in this talk designed for kids and parents.
2.30pm – 2.50pm: Gain insights into the phenomenon of interbrain synchrony and how multiple brains interact in fascinating ways during collaborative and social activities with Dr Jessica Tan (Research Scientist at NIE).
3pm – 3.20pm: Find out about the vital scientific research of Brain Bank Singapore that aims to help prevent, diagnose, treat and cure degenerative conditions affecting the human brain with Priscilla Martin (Manager) and Apphia Choa (Donor Coordinator).
3.30pm – 3.50pm: When is forgetfulness normal and when is it an early warning sign of dementia? Dr Adeline Ng (Senior Consultant Neurologist at the National Neuroscience Institute) shares about young-onset dementia and how we can identify potential warning signs of pre-dementia to manage the condition.
4pm – 4.20pm: Kiirtaara Aravindhan (Research Fellow at Dementia Research Centre-Singapore) provides an overview of frailty in middle and older age, discussing its prevalence, risk factors and the benefits of early frailty assessments at a younger age.
4.30pm – 4.50pm: Adnan Azam Mohammed (Technology Lead at Dementia Research Centre-Singapore) shines a spotlight on the vascular type of mild cognitive impairment and explores digital solutions for its early detection and intervention.
Interactive Booths and Pop-up Activities
2pm - 5pm
B2 Circulation
Free
Give your brain a good workout through a series of interactive games devised by the Centre for Research & Development in Learning (CRADLE) at NTU, which takes us on a voyage into the brain through VR, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and brain teasers.
Interact with the Science of Learning in Education Centre (SoLEC) at NIE in an electroencephalogram (EEG) set-up that visualises how our brain responds distinctly to different stimuli.
Get a sense of how handling an unpreserved human brain might feel like and engage with Brain Bank Singapore to learn about the journey of a donated brain, which is crucial for research into neurological disorders.
Find out how digital technology can help in the management of cognitive health and early detection of cognitive decline in conversations with Dementia Research Centre (Singapore).
WORKSHOP
Rewearing the Everyday - A Bodystorming Experience Workshop by Werable
2pm - 3.30pm
ArtScience Laboratory, Basement 2
Ticketed Admission, S$10
This hands-on workshop invites you to explore how clothing shapes the way we move, feel, and show up in the world. Through a series of embodied exercises, participants will reimagine everyday garments—thinking through wearing and discovering how design can unlock life and all that it has to offer.
About Werable
We are a fashion studio on a mission to make clothing easy to wear for every body.
Through design innovation, ethnographical research and strategic partnerships with athletes, therapists, and brands like Toyota, Werable has pioneered inclusive fashion in Asia.
The brand has influenced global conversations through keynote talks and industry panels, earned international accolades such as the Shenzhen Design Award and Vogue Innovation Prize, expanding accessibility in retail with ready-to-wear.
About Claudia Poh
Claudia Poh is a designer and founder of Werable, an adaptive fashion label reshaping the way we think about clothing and inclusion. A Parsons School of Design graduate, her venture into adaptive fashion began when she crafted a coat for a friend with ALS. From hands-free dressing systems to innovative designs that can be worn single-handedly by stroke survivors, Claudia is an award-winning designer with a deep focus on social innovation.
Interactive Booths and Pop-up Activities
2pm - 5pm
B2 Circulation
Free
WORKSHOP
Sew a Laser-cut Lily Pad Bag Workshop with AnnabelleTTN
11am - 12.30pm
ArtScience Laboratory, Basement 2
Ticketed Admission, S$10
Join AnnabelleTTN, fashion designer and artist, in sculpting botanical-inspired bags through beginner-friendly sewing techniques while also exploring laser cutting with textiles. Embrace the forces of natural forms as seen in the Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses exhibition, highlighting themes of biomimicry and nature-inspired design. Let your creativity bloom within the setting of our iconic water-lily shaped landmark, providing the perfect framework for this workshop that will offer a unique blend of art, science and technology.
About Annabelle:
AnnabelleTTN is a fashion designer/artist based in Singapore and New York. Alongside being a fashion design honors graduate of Parsons The New School for Design, she also excelled with distinction at AEP O-Levels and IB Higher Level Arts. Annabelle has showcased her design works with renowned companies including Coach, Kate Spade, Thom Browne, Hermès, Dior and National Geographic. Alongside her multifaceted ventures, she has also hosted art and fashion courses in New York and Singapore. Being a non-conformist, Annabelle seeks to carve out an ingenious space for the next generation in the arts and fashion world.
EXHIBITION
Future World:
Where Art Meets Science
Future World: Where Art Meets Science at ArtScience Museum is currently closed for revamp works. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Immerse yourself in a world of art, science, magic and metaphor through a collection of digital interactive installations.
ArtScience Cinema
ArtScience Cinema is the museum’s latest screening space with specially-curated films all year round.
EXPERIENCES
VR Gallery
Dive into a whole new Virtual Reality world and beyond in our new VR Gallery, a permanent gallery space that celebrates curiosity, innovation and experimentation through cutting-edge virtual reality artworks.
