The Bizarre Honour as part of the exhibition, 2219: Futures Imagined

23 NOV 2019 – 5 APR 2020

For more information of the exhibition, click here.

 

2219: Futures Imagined is a thought-provoking journey into possible future worlds created through a series of immersive installations, meditative spaces, films, paintings and sculptures. Step into, and be part of, what could well become our everyday lives 200 years from now. Inspired by the work of Singaporean writer and poet Alvin Pang, 2219: Futures Imagined marks this year’s Singapore Bicentennial by looking two centuries into the future. While we cannot be entirely sure what is to come, each section of this exhibition hinges on the scientific certainty that changes in our climate will require us all to adapt. This massive global transformation will act as a backdrop, upon which Singapore’s daily life, communities, cultures and traditions will evolve and change. Neither a utopian or dystopian view of the distant future and resisting the clichés of science fiction, this exhibition focuses on small, human-scale acts of innovation and contemplation.

 

The exhibition asks for visitors to reflect on what kind of future they want for Singapore, and what they are prepared to do to bring that future into being. Full list of artists featured: Alvin Pang (Singapore), John Akomfrah (UK), Sarah Choo Jing (Singapore), Johann Fauzi (Singapore), Hafiz Ozman (Singapore), Superflux (UK), WOHA Architects (Singapore), Debbie Ding (Singapore), Robert Zhao Renhui (Singapore) Finbarr Fallon (Singapore), Donna Ong (Singapore), Lisa Park (USA/Korea), Fyerool Darma (Singapore), Gordon Cheung (UK), Rimini Protokoll (Germany), Bao Songyu (Singapore), Shan Hur (Korea), Larry Achiampong (UK), Zarina Muhammad (Singapore), Amanda Heng (Singapore), Yanyun Chen (Singapore), Priyageetha Dia (Singapore), Adeline Kueh (Singapore), Joshua Ip (Singapore), Clara Chow (Singapore), Rachel Heng (Singapore), Judith Huang (Singapore), Pomeroy Studio (Singapore) and Tristan Jakob-Hoff (New Zealand/UK)

 

ACT II: Home

In the decades after 2019, triumphs and challenges were experienced across the world and on every continent, as ecological, social and political changes unfolded. By the middle of the 21st century, cities had become more homogeneous. Issues were no longer bordered and contained by imaginary national lines — what was experienced in one location had repercussions across the oceans and around the world.

 

At home, daily life evolved significantly. Living spaces became more self-sustaining as the environment became less able to provide essentials such as food and clean water. Interior design considerations and treasured possessions were put aside to make space for food production in the home.

 

Whilst the world of the mid-21st century differed greatly from the decades that preceded it, in Singapore, the familiarity of public housing, shared communal spaces, a fascination with nature and a continued interest in local issues remained. Being highly adaptable, many Singaporeans were able to make the necessary adjustments needed to survive on a changing planet.