Of Dreams and Contemplation: I am All but a Story – Selections from the Collection of Richard Koh

Of Dreams and Contemplation: I am All but a Story – Selections from the Collection of Richard Koh

Exhibition Information

Guest of HonourMr Low Eng Teong, Chief Executive Officer, National Arts Council
Period9 January–9 March 2025
Location 11 Upper Wilkie Rd, The Private Museum,

In conjunction with Singapore Art Week 2025, The Private Museum is proud to present Of Dreams and Contemplation: I am All but a Story – Selections from the Collection of Richard Koh. This exhibition marks the second showcase of Richard Koh’s evolving journey as a collector and gallerist, showcasing over 50 works from his personal collection. This new selection of works reflects an evolving journey that continues to resonate with new meanings in The Private Museum’s expansive space at the Osborne House.

Building upon the narrative of the first instalment in 2019—held at the museum’s former home at 51 Waterloo Street—the second instalment expands the scope of Koh’s deeply personal collection. The first showcase offered an intimate glimpse into Koh’s collection—emphasising monochromatic, abstract, and landscape works that reflected quiet introspection. Now, Of Dreams and Contemplation: I am All but a Story continues to unfold a collection rich in personal meaning—presenting works that trace Koh’s decades-long interactions with art and the artists he admires.

Collected with a focus on memory and emotion, Koh’s private collection spans Southeast Asia and beyond, blending local, regional, and global perspectives. This exhibition deepens the dialogue between art and life, revealing Koh’s ongoing exploration of what he calls a “visual diary”—works that evoke deeply personal moments and emotions.

As both a collector and the founder of Richard Koh Fine Art, Richard Koh has played a pivotal role in shaping and contributing towards the art ecology in Southeast Asia. This collaboration with Richard Koh underscores the collective effort and dedication towards fostering meaningful exchanges between artists, collectors, the arts communities, and audiences from all walks of life.

Kickstarting the Museum’s 2025 programme, Of Dreams and Contemplation: I am All but a Story invites all to explore the richness of art and discover how collections can tell deeply personal stories. As Richard Koh aptly states, “Art, in any collection, should have its own story,” inspiring audiences to embark on their own journey of collecting and storytelling through art.

The exhibition will be run from 9 January to 9 March 2025.

Download our exhibition leaflet for more information here.

Download our exhibition press release here.

Programme Documentation

Programme Media

About the Collaboration

Programme Outreach

The Private Museum Singapore is thrilled to present the talk for Of Dreams and Contemplation: I am All but a Story – Selections from the Collection of Richard Koh. Join us for a conversation with collector Richard Koh, featuring exclusive insights from the collector himself, alongside Associate Director, Aaron Teo, and independent curator, John Z.W. Tung.

In this session, Koh shares more about his personal journey, offering a deeper understanding of the artworks featured in the exhibition—revealing the layers of wit, humour, and irony imbued into every artwork. Hear from Koh as he reflects on the stories and experiences that have shaped his collection—exploring the profound connections between art and life.

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Programme Publication

The Déjà vu: When the Sun Rises in the West exhibition publication features essay contribution by John Z.W. Tung.

Press

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