This might be the only art show here where the curator tells you to sit on a display. Mabel Tan’s Itchy Butt, a ceramic version of a doughnut cushion, does not look particularly comfortable, but is actually not as prickly as one might expect.
It is one of many charmingly intimate items in this small show. The Esplanade’s chief executive Yvonne Tham instigated the project by writing a detailed prompt for artist friends from Singapore and the region during the pandemic lockdown. Inspired by time capsules, the prompt asked artists to make objects to mark the year from August 2021 to September 2022.
The result is a hodgepodge of surprisingly accessible and endearing art objects, all of which are up for sale. Tan Zi Xi’s quirky ceramic versions of items ranging from a lotion bottle to an instant noodle cup represent the rooms where she spent the most time in during the pandemic.
Carpenter Kim Choy offers three objects, including a beautiful Existential Chair reminiscent of elegantly austere Shaker-style furniture.
There is even abstractly gorgeous jewellery from home-grown brand Argentum. Jeweller Shing Lee has cast delicate silver objects from a tomato calyx for this series.
All the objects and their stories are captured in an art book ($80).
Where: Lower Gallery, Objectifs – Centre for Photography and Film, 155 Middle Road
MRT: Bras Basah/Bencoolen
When: Till Dec 18, Tuesdays to Saturdays, noon to 7pm; Sundays, noon to 4pm; closed on Mondays
Admission: Free
Info: www.objectifs.com.sg/a-year-made-object
Singapore Chinese Music Competition Finals