With the closure of its buildings for redevelopment, SAM brings contemporary art into neighbourhoods and partner venues. From 28 June, SAM will present a commissioned artwork by Indonesian artist Gatot Indrajati, winner of the 2016 UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year Award, titled Gatot Indrajati: (re)construct . (re)konstruksi . (重)建 at the Asian Civilisations Museum. This exhibition will stand alongside the SAM Mini Mobile Museum, a travelling art exhibition currently showing at the Woodlands Regional Library.

This installation work titled Gatot Indrajati: (re)construct . (re)konstruksi . (重)建, is both contemplative and interactive, drawing viewers to explore the evolution of Southeast Asian identity through the influence of the Chinese diaspora in the region.

Gatot’s interpretations of Chinese custom, architecture and accoutrement are depicted in the installation through forms such as a dragon boat, a structure recalling the Chinese Fujian dwelling of the Tulou, and a figure dressed in garments invoking Chinese designs. Peepholes within the installation invite viewers to delve deeper to engage with alternative perspectives on the concepts of representation and identity.

Just as definitions of self, culture and heritage constantly shift with time, so too the installation. Viewers are encouraged to contribute to this construction and reconstruction of what it means to be of and from the region, by making their own sculptural forms and interpretations, as well as embellishing those of the artist, using pre-cut cardboard templates provided within the installation.

Venue: Asian Civilisations Museum, Contemporary Art Gallery

When: 28 Jun - 6 Oct 2019, 10am - 7pm

By: Singapore Art Museum (SAM)