When I first arrived at the Biennale at the Central Promontory Site, I start to wonder if I got the location wrong. What I saw was a pavilion (Containart Pavilion) constructed by stacks of shipping containers beside a construction site. The surrounding looks rugged and untidy; there are no proper pavements or parking lots. It was not a site you will image as an art exhibition nor expect to find in a central district area.

However, after going a few rounds, I felt that the intention (the setup) was to fit this year theme: “experience of wonder” – Which I define as the WOW of the art installations and also the WHY and WHAT for these creations. Most installations had used various form of presentation to transport the viewers to a new dimension in art exhibition. (See below) They give the audiences a more physical and emotional experience with the art pieces. However, to me all these still come down to how they are received by the individual. Some I will consider awkward and some are rather “awe-inspiring”.

Below are two exhibits from the Central Promontory Site which I found unsuccessful and most successful.

Unscuccessful : “Flight” – by Alfredo Juan Aquilizan & Maria Isabel Guadinez
This is the only outdoor installation. It features thousands of slippers bounded on bamboo poles surrounding the Containart Pavilion.

WOW : So many of them!

WHAT : What is that flat piece of thing on top of the pole?
As I arrived in the evening the lighting did not really give me a clear view of the slippers. I could only get a better view when I stand somewhere below the pole. Moreover, with the marina bay and the central buildings in the background the whole installation look chaotic and confused.

WHY: After going through the description, I then understood the engagement in the art piece. In collaboration with the Yellow Ribbon Project, the slippers are contributed by ex-convicts and members of the public which stand side by side on the pole to represent the integration between both walks of life. As to how our community will give them a second chance in life.

Personally, I did not feel the engagement as the poles look normal. As I walk between the poles, I felt that I was suppressed by the slippers more than integrating with their presence. The effect will be more subtle if the art piece is view from a high perspective (looking down from the nearby high rise building).

Successful : “Location (6)” – by Hans Op de Beeck
This is a monumental sculptural installation based on the historic panoramas created to suggest an endless landscape that completely surrounds the viewer. It has an entrance tunnel which leads you to a central courtyard.

WOW: The whole installation is colored in white. The whiteness and purity I experience as I walk through the central tunnel is like transporting to an artificial cold reality. Inside the central observatory you see a vast snowy landscape views through a panoramic window.

WHAT: Curiosity pull. What do you expect to see at the end of the tunnel?

WHY: I did not get what the rational behind this, but I also don’t think there is need for it. However, the locals will find this artwork most interesting as it’s hard for them to picture a snow land in a tropical country like Singapore.

I am impressed by the used of a three-dimensional foreground together with a white painted background outside the central courtyard. It exaggerated the perception of depth and space between the background and foreground. Apart from associating snow with the color white, the white interior also widen the space in the surrounding. To walk through the long and narrow tunnel, it gives the impression that I am travelling into a faraway land paradise. All these factors successfully create the endless landscape which the artist wants to express in his artwork.

Beside these installations, the Containart Pavilion holds other exhibits which use other presentation methods to express their artworks. Some of them are presented inside a container while others will place in the open space. There is a series of exhibits know as “the Art of T” had audio and visual devices installed in the container. With the music in the background and flashing lights in the centre the Club 21 showcases were more dynamic as the lightings help to highlight the static designs on the individual t-shirts. Another exhibit titled “I Love Rock and Roll” showcase a time line of rock stars tee shirt designs. Audiences can listen to the classic hits of that era from a music player as they go through the art pieces. The music can easily bring the audiences back to time as they relate the design in that period of time. Another method was using peep holes to display their contents. This again arouse the audience curiosity and hence attract their attention to peep through the holes. From the above examples, the user experience factor had help to bring life to the exhibits and allows audience to better relate to the artwork. (See attached clips)

 

Attached Clips: The Art of T – Club 21

Attached Clips: The Art of T – Mosaic Voices