Samsui women migrated from Southern China to Singapore in the early decades of the twentieth century to toil mainly as construction workers. They were easily recognised through their distinctive red headscarves, black tunic and black pants which formed the livery that they wore to work every day. In the past few decades, these women have formed the subject of a plethora of social memory texts, ranging from art, literature, and popular history books to various media outlets and community exhibitions. This talk presents the different material forms through which Samsui women have been remembered and merchandised, and addresses the politics of remembering and forgetting.
This talk is part of the research project Interrogative Pattern – Text(ile) Weave by Regina (Maria) Möller at The Lab, Block 43 Malan Road, 4 December 2015 – 20 March 2016.
Venue: NTU CCA Singapore, Gillman Barracks, The Lab, Block 43 Malan Road
When: 11 Mar 2016, 6pm - 7.30pm
By: NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore (NTU CCA Singapore)