Common Wealth

Since 2004, visual artists Lee Sze-Chin and Lim Kok Boon have used the holiday snapshot to collect memories of Singapore, striking poses in front of buildings or empty land. Their uniquely banal photography leads them to pose as tourists in their own country. Exploring snapshot aesthetics made popular by photographer Martin Parr, they investigate the premises of ‘going on holidays’, a middle class concept, and placing themselves as markers of history as places in Singapore are made redundant in the face of redevelopment. Though personal in origin, the works speak of a certain sense of national sentiment and nostalgia and borrowed memories. These add to the multitude of resistance and reactions one has when places we know and are familiar with are upgraded, announced for the en bloc scheme or demolished.

Catch their debut Touring Natives Exhibition at this unique location, before it disappears.
The building has been announced for the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme.

January 17 – 30, 2008
Private view on January 16, 2007, 7pm
12.00 – 5.00pm
Blk 39A Commonwealth Ave. #12-316. Singapore 140039
By Appointment only
Tel: +65-9197 3411
For inquiries: touringnatives(at)gmail.com

nearest MRT: Queenstown