In our continuing series for the Singapore Biennale, a know-all art connoisseur and an oblivious jock attempts to decipher the meanings behind the art exhibits at Tanglin Camp. We look at what they have to say.
Sunday, Tang Maohong
The Connoisseur: This five channel video installation comprises of animations of lotus flowers, clouds and girls in unusual and, at times, erotic situations. By crafting a world which is seemingly innocent, yet very sexual at the same time, Tang questions our preconceptions when interpreting the world.
The Idiot: Wow. I can watch these sexually pervasive images over and over again! My erotica DVDs should make way for these!
We Live in a Dangerous World, Brian Gothong Tan
The Connoisseur: Tan creates an installation which comprises of sculptures, a Merlion, a Kuan Yin Buddha statue and video clips. By placing an eclectic assortment of objects in the same room, daring links about the state of spirituality, war, humanity and religion can be drawn.
The Idiot: Wah! Singapore art not bad ah! Got Singapore Girl, got video works, got subversive writings. Thumbs up!
The fog is rising, George Chua, Alwyn Lim and Yuen Chee Wai
The Connoisseur: Chua, Lim and Yuen create a room painted entirely in black, with a portrait of Lim hanging in the centre, and a dull drone permeating the place. Come experience the gloomy ambience and ponder how sound is used as a metaphor to examine social relations.
The Idiot: Eh, this room got nothing leh! Get me out!
Occupation Bleue, Agathe de Bailliencourt
The Connoisseur: Painter Bailliencourt interweaves her scribbles, scratches and marks with existing smears and marks on the walls and floors of a room. Abstract and spontaneous, her work reflects her dispositions and moods when interacting with the environment.
The Idiot: Oh my, my, my! So funky! I want these in my room now!
