class funtimes @ the waterloo exhibitions

As painful as it was to climb up and down stairs, the concept of using a regular HDB as an art gallery was pretty cool and the first time I was seeing this kind of thing. I liked quite a few exhibits but I’d say my favourites were Wan Xiang’s and Ila’s.

Artist: Lee Wan Xiang

Medium used: found materials, cardboard, objects from around the house

Preliminary read: The colours of this was what caught my eye at first. Even though it was makeshift and essentially made of rubbish, it was cheery and felt homely. It welcomed us with a shoe rack similar to ones we have at home, and draws us in with the drawings and homemade art on the walls that gave the space the “inhabited” feel.

Secondary read: The objects used in this exhibits evoked nostalgic feelings because it seemed to mimic (I could be wrong about this) kampong times when people were much closer to their neighbours and there was a sense of home. It transformed the landing it was in from cold and isolated to warm and welcoming, and the ability to interact with the exhibit gives us a sort of outsider look into people’s personal lives. The drawings on the walls as well as the clothings personalise the space and contribute to creating that homely feel that isn’t characteristic of such places.

Artist: Ila

Medium used: zinc, fabric, projector, fans

Preliminary read: The darkness of the container and the projection on the overalls/uniform gave me the impression that we were peeking into the lives of the dark world of the construction workers, and that the projected images were showing us all the things that the workers have contributed in creating for us to live in and enjoy.

Secondary read: There was a sense of loneliness that was strong, emphasised by the presence of a single set of overalls hanging limply from the ceiling. The projected images seem to give the feeling that even though they have contributed to so many constructions in our country, they are still feeling isolated and lonely, detached from this world they have helped to create. The projection makes it look like they are watching it from afar as they go about their own separate lives.

Leave a Reply