Utopias presents new solo works by artists Michael Lee (Singapore) and Bob Matthews (UK), as well as a collaborative digital print, ‘Documents of Contemporary Slumber’. The latter is part of an ongoing series by the two artists titled The Great Levellers.

The exhibition presents the personal reflections of, research by and dialogue between the two artists following their participation in the inaugural Artist-in-Residence Exchange (AiRx) programme created by the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) and the British Council, Singapore (BC).

In Utopias, the artists draw from personal meditations on utopian ideologies. Lee imbues iconic architecture with human characteristics, memories and a sense of solace for human failings, while Matthews explores eco-utopias where natural landscapes provide a romantic and almost divine escape.

The exhibition is curated by Tolla Sloane of Give Art, and comprises 28 works comprising photographs, digital prints, watercolours, a model and a site-specific installation. It will travel to London in 2012. Limited edition digital prints of ‘Documents of Contemporary Slumber’ will form part of the contemporary art collections of Town Hall Hotel in London and New Majestic Hotel in Singapore.

About the Artist-in-Residence exchange program of Lee and Matthews

Lee and Matthews took part in the inaugural AiRx in June and July 2011. Lee was in London from 11 June to 2 July on the Royal College of Arts’ (RCA) Post Experience Programme. His residency there included:
- delivering a public lecture on art and architecture at the RCA
- carrying out his ongoing research
- actively engaging with artists, printmakers and designers

Matthews was in Singapore from 16 to 30 July. His residency included:
- utilising the workshop spaces and facilities at Singapore Tyler Print Institute (STPI) and :phunk Studio
- delivering a public lecture on David Hockney at STPI
- spending time with architecture firm Studio Milou, Singapore to learn more about their conversion of two Singapore heritage buildings into an art gallery

Besides creating new solo and collaborative works, Lee’s and Matthews’ cross-cultural experiences and collaboration will be documented in a catalogue, contributing to a global discourse on landscape, community and urban memory.

The artists’ respective residencies and the resulting exhibition were organised in partnership with Give Art and are supported by the National Museum of Singapore, New Majestic Hotel, Town Hall Hotel, Royal College of Arts, Rhema Events and Arts Services, INDCreative, Framehub, STPI, :phunk Studio and Studio Milou, Singapore.