In 2009, eight suitcases were packed, containing in each the creations and belongings of eight Singaporean artists, from a space they were let opened before, for all to peep and ponder over their travel experiences – loaded onto a journey towards and through different parts of South-East Asia such as Thailand, and Hongkong – and along the journey, people who love art and reposition followed, who packed a suitcase of their own with this group to return home.
1 x suitcase, a South-East Asia travelling exhibition curated by Agnes Lim and Ernest Chan, marked the beginning of its journey with an exhibition held at the Alliance Française de Singapour in 2009, and is returning this year for their final show with additional 10 artists from Thailand, Xi’an and Shanghai China, Cambodia and Hongkong, the countries where 1 x suitcase has stopped over throughout the duration of two years.
The concept of this travel show with creations “pre-packed” into suitcases intend to give viewers an insight into the artists’ travel experiences and to also provide the ease of transporting them to and from these countries. But further than the practicality of showcasing art in suitcases, the artists are discussing the idea of “duality”, which of each journey is seen as embarking in the name of “new life” or “self-discovery”, but in fact, they believe that we all are seeking an escape route.
Curatorial Concept of 1 x Suitcase
Everyone travels for varied purposes and reasons; for personal/ others; for love/ lust; for pleasure/ work; for self-discovery/ escape; for life/ gains; for future/hiding; for knowledge/flaunt. There is this duality idea that we are discussing here. To put it simply, we might be embarking in the name of a ‘’new life’’ or ‘’self discovery’’, but in fact, we are seeking an escape route. It is a dual concept that we are expanding on.
In one’s suitcase, besides necessities, there is perhaps some additional emotional baggage that was packed along. Chaotic and mixed feelings gathered from the randomness inside their luggage or from the unfinished packing, essentially revealing one’s state of mind.
In February 2009, 8 artists marked the start of a road trip in Singapore. Each had a suitcase (an empty, half filled, filled, packed suitcase or whatever) – with art to reveal the cause to journey, to record one’s involvement, memories of events, fragmented recollections of moment and hopes. It tells stories of transit, of travelogues, photo albums, coffee, food, sights and sounds, intimate stories, people, their stories, dust, smell of surroundings, faces, conversations, dreams, flavors, move etc.
The Curators
Agnes Lim
Agnes Lim graduated with a Masters degree in Arts Administration from the University of New South Wales, Australia in 2004. Agnes is also an Alumni of LASALLE College of the Arts where she undertook her Bachelor degree in Fine Arts (Painting) from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University upon completing her Diploma studies in Fine Art (Painting). Agnes is currently a Programming Officer at Esplanade-Theatres on the bay where she curates the visual arts annual programmes and special projects for the art center since 2004 to present. Her portfolios of curated shows are works and collaborations with local, regional and internationally established artists.
Ernest Chan
Ernest Chan Tuck Yew completed his Diploma in Fine Art (Printmaking) at LASALLE College of the Arts Singapore in 1992. He pursued his degree studies at the University of Central England, Birmingham Institute of Arts and Designs, in the UK. In 1998 he obtained his Master of Fine Arts from Cheltenham & Gloucester College of Higher Education.
Chan was a lecturer at LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts from March 2000 to October 2006. In November 2006, he joined the Esplanade as Visual Arts Programming Officer. During his two-year stint at the Esplanade, Chan conceptualized and materialized three thematic quarters namely Play, Bliss, Means. He also curated 60 exhibitions. He conceptualized his last project from within for the January 2009 quarter before he left the arts center.
Chan has exhibited his works in numerous exhibitions locally and abroad. In 2001 Chan received accolades from President Nathan at the President’s Young Talents Exhibition held at the Singapore Art Museum.
Chan was the Vice President of Printmaking Society (Singapore) in 2005 and 2006. In 2004 he was the invited speaker to the Fifth Australian Print Symposium at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. His prints were selected for the Mondial De L’estampe Et De La Gravure Originale Triennale De Chamalieres Printmaking Triennale in France in 2006. Presently Chan is a fulltime fine art practitioner now.
The Artists
Singapore
Agnes Lim, Ernest Chan, Stephanie Cheng, Steve Chua and Tan Seow Wei
Thailand
Morakot Ketklao, Supachai Satsara and Tawatchai Puntusawasdi
China
Qi Yi, Song Yue, Su Shan Yu, Chen Ai Li and Yin Yu Ning
Hongkong
Carol Lee, Eva Chui and Videl Wong
Cambodia
Kong Vollak
