@ home abroad
In the second major exhibition since its inauguration in August 2008, 8Q sam presented a simple premise in ‘@ home abroad’. The exhibition predominately introduces works, that have not previously been seen in Singapore, by five Singaporean artists: Jason Lim, Choy Ka Fai, Sookoon Ang, Zulkifle Mahmod and Ming Wong. As the itinerant artists are literally at home abroad, many of the works are more familiar to audiences outside of Singapore.
To elaborate on an argument from the exhibition catalogue: the rapid ascension of Asian biennales and fairs, or spectacles that persistently encourage insatiable commercial attention, has created an urgent need to develop public awareness locally; to develop a critical mass, particularly for contemporary art. It is implied that whilst fostering an international interest in artists from Asia, it seems that Singaporean institutions almost forgot to nurture a local audience and muster a following for the home-grown. Conversely, who is not at home abroad these days? Not just an increasingly common phenomenon, where the currency of nationality is diminished, but a standard practice that can test institutions to offer competitively lucrative opportunities. In response, ‘@ home abroad’ modestly attempts to counteract these positions.
‘@ home abroad’ takes its form as a series of solo exhibitions. Like the diagonally adjacent Singapore Art Museum, the renovated four-storey contemporary wing was formerly a Catholic school. The galleries’ configuration offers exhibition-makers some clear challenges. In particular, how to turn corners, connect distinct galleries across causeways so that larger-scale exhibitions can read coherently. The awkward geometry and orientations of the Singapore Art Museum are almost replicated and further exacerbated at 8Q. Dubbed ‘the Museum of Tomorrow’, 8Q sam plans to focus on, and make accessible