What does your name mean in Russian?
If you remember the big big casettes—reel to reel. That’s what Bobina means in Russian.

Best venue to play?
Please let me answer the question after my show in Zouk as I have heard from many DJs that it’s the most amazing venue to play.

What did you do before DJing?
I was studying Finance Management and even worked a bit in that field.

Current life soundtrack?
A dope tune called “Yes, Boss.”

Ra Ra Rasputin?
Yes, not a bad vodka at all. Ironically it is not Russian but an American brand.

Catch Bobina’s intoxicating mix on Aug 26 at Zouk.

Situated just in front of the entrance to the Terracotta Warriors exhibition, Justin Lee’s homage is a cheeky nod to the mausoleum artefacts of the First Emperor’s tomb. The local artist’s collection of works is broadly based on the fusions of ancient and modern as well as East and West.

As a result you can expect some fantastically vivid visuals, such as his 12 terracotta warriors wearing bright red giant headphones, which brings to mind a sort of historic silent disco. Lee apparently based the figures on his superiors from when he worked as an aircraft technician, who would give orders through headsets. The red scarves that the warriors sport, meanwhile, are a flavour of communist China, a classic example of how his work strives to mix different cultures as a way of representing Singapore.

Other figures on display are described as “graceful fairy-like maidens armed with modern technologies”­—while not the best description, is it nonetheless strangely apt, as Tang Dynasty female figures, dressed in traditional garb clutch objects such as a bright red laptop or handbag.

Even if you’re no history buff, we highly recommend checking out this show, as it’ll make you see the original Terracotta Warriors in a different light, and ponder how good ol’ Qin Shi Huang influenced future centuries of Asian culture.

Life After Death is through till Oct 30.

At first glance, Lee Kiyoung’s monochromatic flowers might seem rather ordinary.

But peer closer at the canvasses, and you’ll pulled in by the sheer uniqueness of his execution. Part of the draw here is stepping right up to the works until your nose is almost touching them, and trying to work out how exactly they’re made.

Unfortunately, the artist keeps his techniques a secret and so we can’t describe the process that has gone into his meticulously detailed works. What we can tell you, however, is that they’re all stunning. A delicious fusion of textures and strokes sit neatly together on a completely flat surface, which we are told is due to the skilful manipulation of hanji—a form of paper made from mulberry bark.

While ink painting is one of the oldest Asian art forms, Kiyoung has managed to reinvigorate it with a truly innovative contemporary style. His method of repeatedly drawing, erasing and then repainting works serves as a metaphor for nature, which unfolds with beauty before fading with age, but always remains resplendent due to its very existence and history.

Although most of the paintings are of flower blossoms, the most resonating works are actually the more abstract linear pieces; both titled “White Forest.” In the words of curator Jasmine Tan, “good art is not merely painting what you see, but knowing how to dip your brush into your soul and capture the essence on canvas.”

Bloom runs through Aug 16 at MAD Museum of Art and Design.

My first impression of Singapore is… that it’s a very functional city, and I respect that.

The skyline… contributes to a city’s identity. In Singapore I feel that the way it is lit is all about power.

Light is… my way of painting, my medium. The sky is my canvas.
My work is… always going to be a unique response to my surroundings.

I have been compared to… James Turrell and Christo. I think we have an almost accidental common theme, where people get to re-experience and reconnect with a building that they normally pass by on a daily basis.

At the moment I am… focusing on smaller design pieces. The large scale installations are only ever temporary, and I want to create something lasting that people can own.

Check out a selected collection of works by Thierry Dreyfus at Avant Première.

How does it feel to be a Portuguese house hero?
Not sure about the hero, but I feel very proud to say I’m Portuguese while touring around the globe.

Is there much competition?
One of my favorite DJs in the world is Portuguese. During the beginning of the 00s, Portugal was considered by loads of top DJs as one of the best emerging scenes and local talent, but somehow we lost the hype about two or three years ago. Despite this, the competition in Portugal is quite fierce.

Least favorite record?
I don’t waste my time trying to find that, but if you ask the opposite I might have an answer.

What’s the weirdest thing a fan has asked you?
To give her a baby.

Preferred BPM?
127, almost the heart pace.

Vinyl, CDs or digital?
Digital to move forward and vinyl if I want to look stylish.

Does being good looking make DJing easier?
Sales-wise maybe, music-wise never!

Get your dose of quality house cuts from Carlos Fauvrelle on Velvet Underground.

Lantern

Named after “Red Lantern Pier,” which just so happens to have been the landing point for Singapore’s first immigrants, this seems like an appropriate place to give a nod to history while celebrating the present. An urban oasis tucked away on top of the luxury boutique Fullerton Hotel, it boasts a splendid panoramic view of the Marina Bay precinct, and provides the ultimate exotic lounge-lizard setting for you to watch the parade in style. Plus, if it all gets a bit too much, you can cool off with a splash in the 25 meter pool, although rules dictate you have to be staying at the hotel to use it. Bah humbug.

Ku Dé Ta

We know, we know, we’re stating the obvious. But how can we talk about views of Marina Bay without mentioning the great Ku Dé Ta? Perched atop one of the most truly unique pieces of grand architecture, you can’t fail to enjoy the spectacle of the parade unfold below. With two packages on offer, you can choose between drinking in the club lounge from 4pm onwards, or scoffing the set menu in the restaurant. Plus, in case National Day wasn’t enough of an excuse to dress up in red and white, you can take advantage of the strict dress code, dust down the glad rags and look faaabulous, dahling. The set menu costs $288 per person, while the cover charge for the club lounge will set you back $150 (includes one drink.)

Boathouse

The masterminds behind Prel.ude rooftop bar are throwing Singapore a 46th birthday party for you to eat and drink the night away while watching, er, the official parade. We aren’t knocking it though; as you munch your way through their special four-course dinner and take advantage of the free flow house wines and Heineken, you’ll get the best view of the fireworks exploding over your head, making you feel as though they’re literally falling on you. Tickets cost $188 per person, and there’s also a live DJ to get you in a celebratory mood.

You look so young; have you ever been ID-ed trying to get into a venue that you’re playing?
Oh, absolutely! This happens quite a lot whenever I play in nightclubs. I’m used to it and don’t take it personally.

Favorite genre?
At the moment I’m really into whatever sounds a bit “special” or different, mostly around 128bpm. To make it easier for the dude on the street to understand, somewhere between house and electro house.

You use Traktor and a Macbook to mix. Do you ever get looked down on by diehard vinyl DJs?
This is possible. People never told me to my face but I’m sure some DJs had that thought in their heads. To be honest with you I don’t really care about what people think, I don’t care about what equipment other DJs use or how they technically DJ—I just want people who come to my shows to have a fantastic time; that’s all I care about.

What’s your epitaph going to say?
“Zedd’s Not Dead, Baby!”

You’re from Germany: Can you sum up your home country in one sentence?
A clean and secure country with a (sometimes) strange taste in music.

Make a date with Zedd on Aug 5.

Flutes at the Fort

Set in a 1908 bungalow, Flutes ticks all the boxes for a romantic setting. There’s a veranda that provides a city skyline view, but far away enough not to intrude on the serene atmosphere. Meanwhile, the surrounding lush greenery of the historic Fort Canning ramps up the charm. With over 200 wines on the menu and an extra pronto top-up service, you won’t want to leave this place.

Wild Oats

These guys have truly mastered the art of lounging. Their venue is a colonial mansion with a retro twist; you’ll find classic black leather armchairs contrasting with the rattan chairs that litter the sprawling garden, all set to a perfect soundtrack of laidback house grooves. The cocktail selection features a spin on the usual classics, such as the popular Emily Royale, a champagne cocktail made with strawberry puree & crème de casis. As their motto goes, “we distrust camels or anyone who can go for a week without a drink.”

Hacienda

A bar where the musical landscape is as pleasing as the picturesque charm, Hacienda makes full use of its casual alfresco setting. The combination of manicured gardens and fresh fruit juice cocktails are the perfect antidote to the jaded post-work commute, and the selection of weekend guest DJs have become deservedly popular. The abundant tea-lights provide a cute romantic touch too.