The World Of Studio Ghibli: A Peek Into The ArtScience Museum's Blockbuster Exhibition
ArtScience Museum curator Dimitris Kontopoulos shares more on the process of putting together Studio Ghibli's first exhibition in Singapore.
Yes, ArtScience Museum’s upcoming The World of Studio Ghibli exhibition, which opens October 4, will likely be one of the biggest shows of the year. The museum has teamed up with Studio Ghibli for the Singapore leg of this travelling show, which promises to unveil the most in-depth look into the firm’s legacy to date - the exhibition was initially showcased in Japan in 2013, followed by stints in South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Bangkok.
Expect at least 16 large-scale sets stretched across more than 25,000 sq ft of space that bring to life scenes from iconic films like Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro, as well as installations that offer a more intimate glimpse into the animators' creative processes.
The poster for Studio Ghibli's first exhibition in Singapore.
But as Dimitris Kontopoulos, the museum’s senior producer of exhibitions, as well as the lead on The World of Studio Ghibli showcase, shares with us in an exclusive interview, it’s really the small things that’s at the heart of the legendary animation firm’s singular storytelling - it manages to ground viewers in the quiet joys found in everyday life, even in worlds filled with fantastical adventures and otherworldly creatures. And that's no small task.
Ahead of the exhibition's opening, Kontopoulos expands more on Studio Ghibli's endearing brand of magic:
Hi Dimitris - tell us, how long has the Singapore leg of The World of Studio Ghibli exhibition been in the making?
"The planning for the exhibition started about two years ago, but the dream to bring it to ArtScience Museum took root long before, anchored by a vision that stretches back even further. Our first challenge was to introduce ourselves to Studio Ghibli and earn their trust, proving that we would be worthy partners in sharing and celebrating their work here in Singapore. Of course that went well, that’s why we are here now on the cusp of bringing this vision to life!"
Will there be never-before-seen works making their debut in Singapore?
"The World of Studio Ghibli was first showcased in Japan in 2013, followed by South Korea in 2014, Taiwan in 2016-2017, Hong Kong in 2019 and most recently in Bangkok last year. With direct involvement from the Studio, the exhibition has evolved and been refined over the years.
There will be in-depth details into iconic Studio Ghibli films like My Neighbour Totoro - here, a close-up of the letter Satsuki wrote to her mother about meeting Totoro.
Compared to previous iterations, this upcoming presentation at ArtScience Museum features the highest number of frames from the films to be transformed into large-scale graphics, as well as film items brought to life as real objects for the first time.
Apart from the great care that has been given to the presentation of the exhibition, we made it a priority to increase the amount of information available within the galleries. This is so that even those who have not watched all the films can easily familiarise themselves by exploring the exhibition text. Additionally, our education team is collaborating very closely with the Studio to develop a series of special in-gallery educational activities inspired by some of the films."
Fans can expect to immerse themselves in larger-than-life sets recreating familiar moments from the films.
What can you tell us about the focus of this exhibition and what message do you want to convey to audiences?
"As the title implies, the exhibition invites everyone to step into The World of Studio Ghibli. For the past 40 years, millions around the globe have enjoyed Ghibli films, and now, visitors in Singapore will finally have the rare chance to be immersed in the iconic scenes of their beloved films. We want visitors to feel as though they have entered a parallel universe filled with their favourite cinematic memories. Here, they can stand alongside not only enchanting magical creatures but also the relatable heroes and heroines who have embarked on their own journeys of love, growth and self-discovery, where all kinds of feats – big and small – are celebrated, from caring for one’s sick mother to saving the world.
Studio Ghibli is a worldwide phenomenon. Just what is it that’s so special about their works that endures them to audiences across different generations and countries?
"There are quite a few reasons for this. Ghibli films are known for their rich and unique storytelling, exploring themes that resonate with audiences of all ages, such as the beauty of nature and the importance of family. The characters are also complex, often defying typical hero or villain archetypes, which makes them relatable to a wide audience. Furthermore, the films feature strong, independent female protagonists – a rarity in animation especially at the time these films were first released (most of Studio Ghibli's better-known works were launched between the 1980s and 2000s).
Curator Dimitris Kontopoulos say part of Studio Ghibli's charm is that they've always created strong, fully-fleshed-out female protagonists who led their own lives and defied industry tropes - pictured here is the witch Kiki from Kiki's Delivery Service.
Last but not least, I must also mention the visual mastery of Ghibli films – their animation is well-known for its breathtaking attention to detail and the visual richness that draws viewers into the worlds of the films with a style that is both fantastical and grounded."
A key element to what makes Ghibli works so popular seems to be their sense of nostalgia – what’s your opinion on this?
"I do think that Ghibli films capture a certain nostalgia by evoking universal feelings of warmth, familiarity and longing for simpler times among audiences. This is done through Studio Ghibli’s special formula of storytelling, which to me, manages to ground viewers in the quiet joys and magic hidden in everyday even in worlds filled with fantastical adventures and otherworldly creatures.
Director Hayao Miyazaki once shared how his films incorporate the Japanese concept of “ma”. Instead of every movement being dictated by the story or hurtling towards the next plot point or destination, sometimes characters would just linger in a moment or do something extra not to advance the story but to give the sense of time and place and who they are.
This includes scenes such as Kiki (of Kiki's Delivery Service) lying in the grass, half-asleep and listening to the radio; sisters Mei and Satsuki waiting patiently in the rain for their father with Totoro (from the film My Neighbour Totoro), and of course, the famous scene of Chihiro (from Spirited Away) taking a train ride with No-Face as she contemplates the world around her.
Another highlight of Studio Ghibli is its emphasis on the Japanese philosophy of 'ma' - which finds value in silence, stillness, and the unspoken, allowing for greater reflection, contemplation, and emotional engagement, instead of rushing to next plot line or action, says curator Dimitris Kontopoulos.
In an age where everything from daily life to the media we consume is fast-paced and never-ending, I believe that stories like these and moments of ‘ma’ have never been more crucial. They evoke a sense of peace and simplicity that is difficult to find these days, reminding us to find pockets of time to simply be, feel the present moment and dwell in it.
With many Ghibli films centered around young protagonists who embark on journeys of wonder, curiosity, and growth, this feeling of nostalgia is further amplified by the coming-of-age themes the films explore – from friendship, family and self-discovery to history, culture and environmentalism. All of this invites viewers to see themselves in these characters and relive and reflect on their personal experiences of growing up."
What is your own connection with Ghibli - how did you first get into the world of Studio Ghibli?
"I grew up in a relatively small city in Greece and have been fascinated with Japan ever since I was a child. Back then, there were only two ways to get access to Japanese anime – either by trying to download large files using a dial-up connection, or by buying DVDs which at that point were quite expensive for a teenager. I was lucky enough to have met a few more friends who were interested in Japanese culture as well - we would buy the DVDs and then circulate them amongst ourselves.
Studio Ghibli's 1997 work Princess Mononoke had a profound impact on curator Dimitris Kontopoulos' life - the film conveys the message of the delicate balance between humanity and nature, highlighting the destructive consequences of industrialisation and the need for coexistence and respect for the environment.
One day, I got the Princess Mononoke DVD from one of my friends and watched it alone. I remember it like it was yesterday – I had chills as it was unlike anything I had watched before. What mostly caught my attention was the level of art in each frame. I was thinking to myself that no matter where I pause this film, each frame could be an artwork on its own.
Apart from that, the film's focus on protecting the environment made me realise that an animation film can go much further in tackling important and complex themes compared to the animated films that were available at that time in Europe. Experiences in my teenage years such as this one made me want to move to Japan, so in a sense Studio Ghibli had a large part to play in influencing the course of my life."
What did you yourself learn about Studio Ghibli through the process of putting together this exhibition?
"Care. Just from watching the movies, the level of care, vision and craftsmanship that had gone into them become instantly apparent. You can feel how much the Studio cares about every single frame that becomes part of their films, with their motivation to offer the audience the best possible outcome. I feel that the same amount of care has been put in the creation of the exhibition in order to bring their vision to life in Singapore. In fact, Japanese crew members from the Ghibli team have specially flown down and are staying with us in the coming weeks just to build and assemble many of the large-scale theatrical sets within the very walls of ArtScience Museum."
The World of Studio Ghibli exhibition takes place October 4, 2024 to February 2, 2025, at Artscience Museum, 6 Bayfront Avenue. Get your tickets here.