The Private Museum was established in 2010 as a place for art collectors to showcase their collections. Photo: The Private Museum
The Private Museum (TPM) was established in 2010. The non-profit independent arts space, which is located at 51 Waterloo Street, aims to provide “a space for art collectors to showcase their collections in a curated display, as well as an alternative platform for artists to push boundaries in the expressions of various art forms”, according to its website.
Hear more about the gallery from Aaron Teo, TPM’s museum manager.
What do you do as museum manager?
I lead a relatively small team of three to four members, and we work very closely together on programming, acquisition, budgeting, manpower management, fundraising, collection management, marketing, etc. I would say that my core focus is to ensure that all of the above are run as smoothly as possible, and ensure that the interests, vision, and reputation of TPM are properly protected and upheld.
What has been the biggest challenge as museum manager?
To find a reliable, receptive and passionate team that I can trust.
As the museum manager of The Private Museum, Aaron Teo leads a team and works on everything from programming to budgeting.
How are artworks selected to be exhibited in the museum?
Our exhibitions should be meaningful, impactful and significant in contributing towards Singapore art history. Each exhibition has different criteria as to why we collaborate with the artists/collectors/curators/arts practitioners. Most of our collaborations with artists are showcasing newly commissioned artworks. The works selected, of course, must have a certain standard in quality.
What is the most memorable exhibition you have worked on and why was it the most memorable?
All of the exhibitions that I have worked on are memorable to me in their own ways. Having said that, I do enjoy working with some particular collaborators more so than others. One example is the exhibition Optimism is Ridiculous – The Altarpieces by Natee Utarit. The show features the collected works of Natee Utarit from various collectors. The works are in the form of altarpieces found in Catholic churches, and our usually intimate white-walled arts space was transformed into a sacred eastern temple-like sanctuary (ironically). Like I said, I enjoyed the process with my collaborators (gallerist and artist) and we realised our core vision in presenting private art collections. It was a very well-received exhibition.
The Bras Basah.Bugis precinct is home to many museums and visual arts galleries. Besides TPM, which other museum or gallery in the area do you enjoy visiting?
All the major institutions such as the National Gallery Singapore, the Singapore Art Museum, the National Museum, and the Asian Civilisations Museum. Other small arts spaces include Objectifs, DECK, the Lasalle galleries, the NAFA galleries etc.
What can we look forward to from TPM in the second half of 2018?
More exciting exhibitions and our upcoming new project (Moving Image) which includes art films and video art.
By Jai Saraswathy
Published on 6 July 2018
Visit The Private Museum at 51 Waterloo Street, #02-06. Find out more on their website here.
