Exhibitions as Visual Choreography: Koh Doh Tat on Spatial Narratives

On 23 December 2025, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM hosted an art lecture titled “Curating the Gaze: Exhibitions as Visual Choreography” featuring Dr Koh Doh Tat, who holds a PhD in western aesthetics and cultural studies from Nanjing University of the Arts. Using the simple act of “viewing” as an entry point, Dr Koh guided 73 participants to rethink the hidden curatorial logic and spatial narratives behind art exhibitions.

An exhibition is not merely a simple display of artworks, but a deliberate organisation formed through a series of reflections and selections. Elements such as the arrangement of art pieces, the partitioning of gallery spaces, the control of lighting and colour, and even the walking route and rhythm of pauses within the venue all influence how visitors understand the works. These factors collectively shape the core message of the exhibition. 

He also discussed the curatorial approaches of the exhibitions “From Impressionism to Early Modernism: French Masterpieces from the Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art” and “A Century of Stewardship: From the Forbidden City to the Palace Museum,” sharing his insights with the participants.

The lecture concluded with a question-and-answer session, where participants actively raised questions on topics such as viewing habits, local curatorial practices and museum education, creating a vibrant atmosphere for discussion. Participants expressed that the lecture helped them realise that “how to view an exhibition” is, in itself, a crucial step in approaching art and deepening one’s understanding. 

SGM will continue to promote art-related activities, ensuring that exhibition spaces serve not only as venues for display but also as cultural platforms that inspire reflection and dialogue.

Reported by Sim Dong Liang, photographed by Lum Heng