This exhibition explores the human existence through the process of change, facing the challenges in adapting to new environments and being displaced or dislocated in that process. Further to her existing concept of “Shifting (Re)Iteration”, Jack Ying Tan centred her investigation on the relation of home and security in this exhibition. Jack Ying Tan was one of the 7 artists selected to participate in the France + Singapore New Generation Artists 2009 (FSNGA09) exhibition at Alliance Française and emerged as the Finalist for the programme. The judges of the finalist for FSNGA09 includes Ahmad Mashadi from NUS Museum, Bridget Tracy Tan from NAFA and Venka Purushothaman from LASALLE College of the Arts.

Exhibition concept  

In the endless time frame of human existence, everything is an ongoing process of change. When encountering changes, one might feel a sense of uncertainty and experience displacement. This might be a result of one’s resistance to change and re-adaptation to a new environment. Shifting of environment in this contemporary society can be a necessity and a voluntary act - as an economic, cultural and even religious activity.  Being displaced or dislocated will probably challenge our sense of belonging as well as the notion of home.

In this exhibition, my interests are centred around investigating on the relation of home and security. The word “Home” has been defined in dictionary as a house and other physical spaces that is the usual residence of a person, family, or household. However, home to me is an emotional, mental state of belonging, where memories are secured; a comfort zone that provides one with a sense of security. Security will mean a freedom from danger and risk. It can also mean protection, stability and continuity. Security to me will mean a mental space that one felt at ease, comfortable and a sense of attachment and permanency.  

The desire for security can be seen from our behaviour. One example can be seen when we shift from one environment to the other, the object or personal belongings such as cup; chair, table, wardrobe and bed that we used daily are often wrapped and keep into a box. The act of wrapping and keeping can be seen as methods of protection. Often, the personal belongings that we chose to wrap and bring along are object with certain sentimental values. Hence, we are not only protecting our belonging but also memories.