Art can bring new perspectives to bear on how we view the world and understand different cultures and belief systems. Bridging Realms presents four exhibitions around Esplanade, featuring newly commissioned painting, video and sculptural installations by Ari Bayuaji (Canada/Indonesia), Mark Chan with Brian Gothong Tan (Singapore), Justin Lee (Singapore) and Tan Zi Xi (Singapore). Collectively, the ideas explored in their works offer counterpoints to the status quo, challenging preconceived notions of what constitutes identity, cultural diversity and social responsibility in a progressively borderless world. These exhibitions invite viewers to contemplate the agency of artist and audience in initiating change and bridging conversations.
Justin Lee re-envisions his iconic terracotta warrior motif as soldiers facing off in a game of Chinese chess. Structural features reminiscent of the Chinese chessboard form the canvas for this installation, with grid-like fortresses and a river winding through steps creating a theatrical setting for a fictional battle.
In this exhibition, games and the concept of play are presented as metaphors to investigate prevailing social and cultural norms. The game of Chinese chess is used to critique the prevalence of social hierarchies and how they affect our interactions with each other. Game of Life is a tongue-in-cheek representation of how we manoeuvre the relationships we have in different arenas like the workplace, social settings and the digital realm. The artist also invites viewers to reflect on the impact of technology on our daily lives, as we gravitate away from traditional games like Chinese chess to those played on digital platforms.
Venue: Esplanade Concourse
When: 22 Nov 2018 - 7 Apr 2019,
By: Esplanade
