Michael, a brief intro to the show, please…
It’s a collaborative exhibition with British artist Bob Matthews. We deal with architecture and urban ruins in Singapore and the UK. I was based in the UK while Bob was in Singapore. It features interactive pieces, collages and site specific installation art. My work serves as a homage to [Belgian Surrealist] René Magritte, one of the most interesting mindf*ckers ever to exist in the world of art.
So what are some ideas you’ve been playing with in your recent work?
The idea of “uselessness” first espoused by [German philosopher] Immanuel Kant. I’m also intrigued by failure in the context of Singapore because there’s too much emphasis on success here.
In your prints you include the names of random people like local architect and urban planner Liu Thai-Ker, and more random still, graphic novelist Chris Ware. Why’s that?
I enjoy making far flung and often ridiculous connections. I’ve stolen everything I could from the world, what’s more interesting is that I even add their names to the works. It just keeps everyone guessing—am I accusing someone or making impossible connections?
Nostalgia is a common theme in contemporary Singaporean art. What’s your take on it?
The pop version is what authorities and advertisers peddle because it makes you spend money. What I’ve been more interested in is authentic nostalgia that’s aware of its potential pitfalls. Remembering is something that mixes memory and fantasy; that’s how the human mind works.
Asia Pacific Breweries Foundation Signature Art Prize 2011 Finalists Exhibition runs through March 4, 2012 at the Singapore Art Museum.
Utopias runs through December 18 at the National Museum of Singapore.
