Null’s projects explore traditional Japanese aesthetics and graphic works dedicated to the idea that “- = +” (to subtract is to add). Participants selected two elements based on the themes of nature, architecture or other things symbolic to Singapore, to create an artwork to a given dimension.
Selection 1: Merlion
Designed in 1964, it was the mascot of the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board until 1997. Today, it is still a trademark of the Singapore Tourism Board and can be found in many guises, from the five official statues to trivial items such as t-shirts, souvenirs, chocolates and more.
Selection 2: Plastic Bag
Seemingly insubstantial yet ironically indispensable, these humble objects gained a little notoriety from Anya Hindmarch’s “I am not a plastic bag” campaign. However most Singaporeans only took notice when supermarkets began charging a token fee to encourage lesser use of plastic bags.
Selection 1: Merlion
Designed in 1964, it was the mascot of the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board until 1997. Today, it is still a trademark of the Singapore Tourism Board and can be found in many guises, from the five official statues to trivial items such as t-shirts, souvenirs, chocolates and more.
Selection 2: Plastic Bag
Seemingly insubstantial yet ironically indispensable, these humble objects gained a little notoriety from Anya Hindmarch’s “I am not a plastic bag” campaign. However most Singaporeans only took notice when supermarkets began charging a token fee to encourage lesser use of plastic bags.
“How many Merlions are there in Singapore?” – is the question accompanying our artwork comprised of two Merlion-emblazoned plastic bags in the colours of the national flag.
Following the theme of "To subtract is to add", we have chosen to study our relationship with a national icon that has somehow made its way onto millions of cheap plastic bags.
Should we try to elevate the Merlion's status by keeping one unique representation, or should we multiply it until it becomes larger than life?
Even if they are not printed on all of the 2.5 billion plastic bags that Singapore uses annually, can you imagine how many Merlions there are in the wild?
Following the theme of "To subtract is to add", we have chosen to study our relationship with a national icon that has somehow made its way onto millions of cheap plastic bags.
Should we try to elevate the Merlion's status by keeping one unique representation, or should we multiply it until it becomes larger than life?
Even if they are not printed on all of the 2.5 billion plastic bags that Singapore uses annually, can you imagine how many Merlions there are in the wild?
Dual City Sessions: Null
"Dual City Sessions" is a platform for international collaboration, showcasing creative efforts between Singapore and Japan, bringing together emerging and innovative practitioners in the fields of art, fashion, music and design.
For the first of its series, Felix (SILNT) has invited acclaimed Japanese design group artless and its successful project unit, null, to collaborate with 14 artists each from Singapore and Japan, who will render their theories on two 8-metre-long original prints. When connected together, the individual pieces become one artwork, inspired by and representative not only of Japanese beauty and culture but also of the connection between human and nature.
www.dualcitysessions.com
www.silnt.com
"Dual City Sessions" is a platform for international collaboration, showcasing creative efforts between Singapore and Japan, bringing together emerging and innovative practitioners in the fields of art, fashion, music and design.
For the first of its series, Felix (SILNT) has invited acclaimed Japanese design group artless and its successful project unit, null, to collaborate with 14 artists each from Singapore and Japan, who will render their theories on two 8-metre-long original prints. When connected together, the individual pieces become one artwork, inspired by and representative not only of Japanese beauty and culture but also of the connection between human and nature.
www.dualcitysessions.com
www.silnt.com
