Untitled by Evelyn Pritt
The complex relationship between Singapore and Batam will be the subject of a group exhibition by seven Singapore and Indonesian artists. Titled Fantasy Islands and curated by Mitha Budhyarto and Kin Chui, the exhibition will feature new works that range from photographs to site-specific installations.
This is the first time that a study of the relationship between Singapore and Batam will be undertaken from the perspective of contemporary artists from both countries. The works will look at the geographical, spiritual and economic links between the two islands, drawing inspiration from cultural myths, the urban landscape, trade, and community.
The participating artists are Stephanie J. Burt (SG), ila (SG), Fyerool Darma (SG), Wu Jun Han (SG), Ardi Makki Gunawan (IN), Eldwin Pradipta (IN), and Evelyn Pritt (IN).
The exhibition is a culmination of eight months of research, which included repeat trips between Singapore and Batam to better understand the communities that travel between the two islands. Amongst the works that will be shown are an installation inspired by tourism created by Stephanie J. Burt, a series of photographs of abandoned buildings on both islands by Evelyn Pritt, and a mobile sound installation by Wu Jun Han that will feature sound samples collected from Singapore and Batam.
“Singapore and Batam’s connection stretches back to pre-colonial times, and we are excited to explore the different tenets of this relationship through the eyes of these seven artists. These islands are so close in proximity, yet so different. This exhibition is a way for us to take a closer, more critical look at the ways in which boundaries, economics, and history have influenced our communities”, says curator Mitha Budhyarto.
Fantasy Islands is part of Singapore Art Week, and is supported by the Arts Fund and Objectifs.
Date: 11 to 26 January 2017
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 12pm – 7pm, Sunday 12pm – 4pm, closed on Mondays
Venue: Chapel Gallery, Objectifs Centre for Photography and Film, 155 Middle Road
Admission: Free
Opening reception: 10 January, 7pm
