In our increasingly digitised world, why do we need things like sculptures? How do artists respond to today’s challenges such as the pandemic?
For this exhibition, local artists were invited to rethink or “re-THING” their practice. Comprising works from established and emerging artists of the Sculpture Society Singapore, and loans from the TENG Collection, this exhibition also celebrates the Society’s 20th anniversary and the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre’s 5th anniversary.
This exhibition is jointly organised by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and Sculpture Society Singapore. The works are found at Levels 1, 9 and 10 of the Centre. The display period is from August 2021 to July 2022.
Sun Yu Li (2010)
60 x 300 x 200 cm
Fibreglass (A Pair)
Sculpture Society (Singapore)
“In Conversation” was created with fibreglass by Sun Yu Li in 2010.
This work reflects the connections we have with one another.
Why do you think the artist created a pair of sculptures instead of one?
Look at any point on the sculpture’s edge, and follow the line along the artwork. What do you notice about this line?
Do this with a friend. Do you meet each other? What kind of conversation did you have?
Leslie Sim (2021)
110 x 70 x 240 cm
Aluminium with PU protection coating
Sculpture Society (Singapore)
“I Believe I Can Fly” was created by Leslie Sim in 2021.
What does this sculpture remind you of? Now look closely at the cubes. Are they shiny or matte? What feelings do they evoke?
We are now living in the digital age with artificial intelligence, which is represented by these cubes.
The artwork is durable and weatherproof because it is made of aluminium with polyurethane coating. What do you think this says about the period we are living in?
Ng Eng Teng (1999 )
128 x 98 x 224 cm
Ciment fondu with colour
THE TENG COLLECTION
“Torso-To-Face” was created by Ng Eng Teng in 1999 using ciment fondu.
Walk around the sculpture. How do you feel?
Now look closely at the protruding edge. What does it remind you of?
Look at the curves. Do you spot any female forms?
The artist saw a face each time he looked at the human body. This huge head with a long nose also looks like a torso. What do you think this says about a person’s identity?
P. Gnana (2021)
303 x 70 x 176 cm
Recycled materials - mixed media
Sculpture Society (Singapore)
“Horse” was created by P. Gnana in 2021 using car and motorcycle parts with mixed media.
Once used in ancient battle, horses are regarded as symbols of strength, endurance and power.
Observe the horse’s body.
Car grilles, which allow air to enter and exit the vehicle, are given a second lease of life as the lungs of the horse. What items can you use at home to give them a new meaning?
Do horses look like this in the natural world? Try describing this horse to a friend!
Yeo Chee Kiong (2021)
310 x 150 x 50 cm
Resin, stainless steel
Sculpture Society (Singapore)
“Summer Dream” was created by Yeo Chee Kiong in 2021 using resin and stainless steel.
Observe these figures. Imagine that they are basking on the beach. What kind of poses have they adopted? What do you think the different colours represent?
These sleek sculptures look lightweight, unlike the fleshy nature of human bodies.
If you could have a summer dream during the pandemic, what would it be?
Han Sai Por (2010)
50 x 49 x 50 cm
Highly polished green granite with enforced stainless steel
THE TENG COLLECTION
“Seed” was created by Han Sai Por in 2010 using green granite with enforced steel.
A seed germinates into a seedling before sprouting to become an adult plant. Some seeds go on to produce flowers and fruits.
Which stage of the plant’s growth is this?
Granite is a hard and durable material which resists weathering. If the seed symbolises a person, what kind of characteristics would this person grow up to have?
Why do you think this is placed outside the Centre’s auditorium, where performances are often held?
Chua Boon Kee (2020)
42 x 19.5 x 43.5 cm
Epoxy resin with spray paint
Sculpture Society (Singapore)
"Benevolence, Righteousness, Courtesy, Wisdom And Faith" was created by Chua Boon Kee in 2020 using epoxy resin with spray paint.
The artist often fuses Chinese culture and philosophy with his sculptures. This three-dimensional work depicts the Chinese phrase “benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom and faith” (仁仪礼智信).
Stand some distance away and try making out the text in traditional Chinese (仁義禮智信). Start from the top right-hand corner downwards, before moving to the left.
To be benevolent is to be kind to all living things. Who would you like to be kinder to today?
Cassandra Lim (2020)
80 x 50 x 100 cm
Stainless steel
Sculpture Society (Singapore)
“Dog” was created by Cassandra Lim in 2020 using stainless steel.
Imagine you are at the beach. Walk to the water and observe the ripples around your feet as the waves head towards you. How do you feel? Who else can be at the beach?
The artist was inspired by a dog she saw playing by the beach.
Go closer to the sculpture. What do you see? Move left and right. Does your reflection ebb and flow like waves?
Justin Lee (2015)
(23 x 60 x 76 cm) x 3
Fibreglass
THE TENG COLLECTION
“Happy Warriors Group” was created by Justin Lee in 2015 using fibreglass.
What are the soldiers holding and wearing?
Mobile phones, binoculars and headphones are modern search and communication tools. What or who do you think they are searching for?
Who is the general? How can you tell?
The artist often blends Eastern and Western influences in his work to discuss ideas of heritage and identity.
Notice that these ancient Chinese terracotta warriors are holding modern technological tools invented in the West. Do you think the soldiers are happy?
Ng Eng Teng (Late 1990s)
30 x 30 x 60 cm
Ceramics
THE TENG COLLECTION
“Breaking Free” was created by Ng Eng Teng in the late 1990s using ceramic.
What has happened to this body?
Do you also notice a head? What is its expression?
Now take a look at the hand. What has happened to it?
Just as the hand is trying to break free from its torso, the artist was fighting some demons in his life during this period such as serious illness.
What are some challenges you are struggling with today? Do you identify with the sculpture’s expression?
Why do you think this work is outside the Centre’s Practice Room?
Loo Lian Fong, Joyce (2018)
36 x 35 x 25 cm
White marble
Sculpture Society (Singapore)
“My National Flower” was created by Joyce Loo in 2018 using white marble.
Vanda Miss Joaquim was selected as Singapore’s national flower because of its resilience and ability to bloom all year round. Considering the current situation, do you think these qualities reflect our national identity?
Why do you think the artist made this work larger than life-size?
Marble is very hard, so the artist needs to use a chisel to carve the stone into the desired form. Imagine yourself doing this. How would you feel, using this material to create a soft flower?