Singapore and Antwerp are both bustling port cities and have long and close relations beyond shipping ties. Both port authorities are sponsoring the exhibition, and the city of Antwerp sees it as a calling-card for Antwerp's culture and dynamism. "We wanted to give an image of the past, present and future," explained Philip Heylen, the city's alderman for culture. "A window display of the best we have to offer artistically."

"It is a demanding exhibition that challenges the visitor," said Lee Chor Lin, the Singapore museum's director. "You don't see just pretty and pleasant images; it's not an easily digestible show. But a museum like this has to dare to show more difficult work."

The exhibition was opened by foreign-affairs minister Yves Leterme, as his first overseas assignment in his new job. The local press has already registered mixed feelings. "This exhibition is extremely subversive and different from what the Singaporean public is used to," Lee said.