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The National Gallery Singapore faces a significant leadership shake-up, with two senior executives set to depart in December alongside outgoing chief executive Eugene Tan. Chief curator Patrick Flores and assistant chief executive Chris Lee will both leave the museum at the end of the year, according to a report by The Straits Times.
The departures follow last month’s announcement that Chng Hak-Peng will take over from Tan as the gallery’s chief executive. The three exits mark a notable transition period for one of Southeast Asia’s leading art institutions.
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Leadership Questions Remain Unanswered
Chng told The Straits Times that the gallery’s programming would continue as planned. However, he did not confirm whether the museum would search for a new chief curator or whether the role itself would continue.
Flores held the title of chief curator from 2024. He was the first person to hold that position at the National Gallery. The relatively new role’s future therefore remains uncertain under incoming leadership.
Patrick Flores: A Decorated Curatorial Career
Flores brought considerable international experience to the National Gallery. He curated the Philippines Pavilion at the 2015 Venice Biennale and the Taiwan Pavilion at the 2022 edition of the same event. In addition, he served as artistic director of the Singapore Biennale at the Singapore Art Museum from 2019 to 2020.
During his time at the National Gallery, Flores curated several notable exhibitions. These included “Figuring a Scene,” “Elusive Edge: Philippine Abstract Forms,” and “Ties of History: Art in Southeast Asia.” The gallery confirmed to The Straits Times that Flores plans to return to his native Philippines after his departure.
Chris Lee Moves to Kuala Lumpur Redevelopment Role
Chris Lee spent a decade at the National Gallery. He joined as chief marketing officer and later rose to the position of assistant chief executive. His contributions spanned both the commercial and operational sides of the institution.
In mid-December, Lee will take on the role of chief executive at Medan Pasar Realty. The company leads efforts to revitalize a historic market district in downtown Kuala Lumpur. He will also head Muara Arts, a nonprofit gallery and theater that forms a central part of that urban redevelopment project.
Eugene Tan Continues at Singapore Art Museum
Meanwhile, Eugene Tan will not step away from the arts sector entirely. While he is leaving his role at the National Gallery, he will continue as chief executive of the Singapore Art Museum in the new year.
Tan previously held both roles simultaneously. Last month, the National Gallery Singapore and the Singapore Art Museum jointly confirmed that the two institutions will maintain their ongoing collaboration and continue to share resources going forward.
