Cover Artist Sarah Choo Jing
Artist Sarah Choo Jing
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The exhibition explores themes of femininity and humanity, blending digital art with an immersive dining experience
As part of Singapore Art Week, Valentino showcases its dedication to the arts with the commissioning of Gestures of Affection by Singaporean artist, Sarah Choo Jing. Influenced by the Spring/Summer 2024 Valentino L’Ecole collection and the maison’s values of freedom, community and inclusivity, the exhibition is a celebration of femininity and humanity, focusing on the beauty of the female form. It features seven digital videos, each a visual narrative that delves into the nuanced interpersonal gestures unique to womanhood, exploring their emotional depth and complexity.
The installation bathes in shades from pink to red, referencing Valentino’s iconic colour palette, while challenging traditional views on gender, glamour, and vanity. “When I first thought about the work I want to propose, something that resonated with me was the symbolism of the moon,” said Choo, during the launch of the exhibition. Her work brings together a diverse group of Asian women whose performances, synchronised with the lunar cycle's seven phases, capture the unfiltered essence of femininity across various themes.
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Freedom
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Each video represents a different aspect of the female experience. Sensuality portrays a woman confidently embracing her age and scars, defying conventional stereotypes of beauty as associated with youth. Resilience is symbolised by enduring flowers, representing strength in adversity. Empathy is conveyed through a fabric-formed rose, symbolising understanding and compassion. Individuality features a pregnant woman, reminiscent of the Birth of Venus, celebrating empowerment and motherhood. Freedom tackles societal norms about body image, celebrating confidence and the beauty of the female form. Passion illustrates the pursuit of authenticity, body positivity and freedom, while Vulnerability showcases the strength and grace of a dancer amid life’s challenges.
Choo captures these expressive moments in ultra-high speed, presenting them in slow motion to highlight often-overlooked nuances, compelling the audience to confront the women’s bold presence.
To complement this visual feast, an immersive dining experience – the Gestures of Affection Valentino Dinner – is set to take place, inspired by Judy Chicago’s The Dinner Party. This one-night event, a collaboration with Soho House, will offer guests a blend of gastronomy, visual art, and live performance, curated by Rita Targui.
Gestures of Affection will be displayed at the Soho Residency lobby from January 17 to January 20, 2024, and continue through Singapore Art Week until January 28. The exclusive Valentino Dinner is scheduled for January 20.
Following the exhibition, Valentino will auction the series, with proceeds supporting AWARE, a gender equality advocacy group. This initiative underscores the maison's ongoing commitment to fostering cultural creativity and dialogue, both locally and globally.
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Credits
Photography: Valentino, Sarah Choo Jing
Nafeesa Saini is the Features Editor at Tatler Singapore, where she shapes long-form stories on culture, business, philanthropy, wellness, and the people driving change in Asia. With a deep interest in storytelling that intersects meaningfully with identity and impact, she has profiled a diverse range of visionaries, from scientific pioneers in AI and health to creative trailblazers and literary minds.
Nafeesa’s writing includes cover stories and profiles that spotlight influential voices, alongside commentary on the trends reshaping our world.
Off the clock, Nafeesa unwinds with fiction, a good thrift hunt, and ‘brainrot’ TikTok scroll—while always keeping one eye on her next cultural getaway, usually to Indonesia.
