Singapore Pavilion presents
Figments, Fictions and Fantasies
Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti
(next to Accademia Bridge)
Opening: Thursday 7 June at noon
Vernissage: 7-9 June, 10am-8pm
Exhibition: 10 June – 7 November
10am – 6pm, Friday – Wednesday
Artists: Da Wu Tang, Vincent Leow, Jason Lim, Zulkifle Mahmod
Curator: Lindy Poh
Commissioner: Lim Chwee Seng
The Singapore Pavilion at the 52nd Venice Biennale is proud to present new site-specific works by four artists- Da Wu Tang, Vincent Leow, Jason Lim and Zulkifle Mahmod.
Bringing the artists together at pivotal junctures of their development, the Pavilion is a trans-generational showcase of contemporary artists and practices in Singapore. It is a window into the individuality, yet close interlinks between Singaporean practitioners today.
At first glance, all four artists have vastly different backgrounds. Tang is a prominent leader in contemporary Asian art practice, and is widely regarded as a pioneer of performance art in Singapore. Leow is a pivotal figure in alternative art practices whose works are celebrated for capturing the energy, visual language and attitudes of the contemporary vanguard. Lim is a leading contemporary ceramics sculptor who combines performance art into his presentations. Sonic or sound sculptor-artist Zulkifle features prominently in an emerging new media discipline.
Whilst individualistic in their expressions and practice, the artists share many areas of intersections or convergence in their artistic ideals and concerns. They have all enjoyed a good measure of recognition locally and abroad, contributed extensively to art education and dialogue, and have jointly founded and helmed major art collectives in Singapore.
Themed Figments, Fictions and Fantasies, the Pavilion reflects the common thread among the four artists’ works which stoke the ideas of Empire, of the Nomadic Traveller, of Migration and Peregrinations, of Hybridity, and finally, at its core, the idea of Freedoms. Their works harbor the potential to harness certain ideals and ideas that offer alternative perspectives or paradigms. Together in a single showcase, these four artists present a resonating experiential show at the Pavilion that many will be able to relate to.
To mark the Pavilion Opening and as a symbolic gesture of a new work being created in Venice, Lim’s Just Dharma, a 300cm x 120cm chandelier form composed of 1500 glowing porcelain lotus flowers, will be dropped from the ceiling and ‘smashed’ onto the Pavilion floor. This never to be repeated performance promises to be visually captivating and is not to be missed!
For more information on the artists, curator and curatorial theme, please visit http://www.nac.gov.sg/singaporeatvenicebiennale
The Singapore Pavilion is jointly presented by the National Arts Council, Singapore and the Singapore Art Museum.
Sponsors: Anil Thadani & Soobin Art International
Supporters: Lee Foundation & Ho Bee Holdings
For Media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Eileen A. Chua
Corporate Communications Manager | National Arts Council, Singapore
DID: + 65 6837 9575 | Mobile: + 65 9048 3141 | E-mail: eileen_chua@nac.gov.sg
Ms Suenne Megan Tan
Assistant Director (Communications & Partnership Development) | Singapore Art Museum
DID: +65 6332 3215 | Mobile: +65 9819 7988 | Email: suenne_megan_tan@nhb.gov.sg
