Bearing witness to families confronting mortality, and the demolition of Rochor Centre
Presented by Exactly Foundation
Lower Gallery, Objectifs
20 to 29 Sept 2019
Tues to Sat, 12pm to 7pm / Sun, 12pm to 4pm
Admission is free
Opening Reception and Book Launches: Thurs 19 Sept, 7pm
Gallery Walk with Artists: Thurs 19 Sept, 8pm to 9pm
About Holding Space
By Tan Ngiap Heng
Holding Space is a photographic project which seeks to hold space for families dealing with mortality, chronic illness and the fragility of life. The project does not attempt to look for answers as there is no prescriptive answer for what individuals and families in this position face. And yet, how families navigate such a personal, challenging time can be informative for the greater community. Using photography, found materials and interviews to consciously bear witness, Tan Ngiap Heng hopes to spark conversation. The contemplation of death and how we support those approaching death can teach us a lot about what is important in life, and can teach us to live life in a more meaningful way.
Holding Space is dedicated to the memory of Dr Tan Kheng Khoo (1931-2019) and Mrs Chung Hwang Siok-Eng (1919-2019).
About Flat Out to Keep
By Lau Eng Seng
There was much noise from many corners when the decision to demolish Rochor Centre was announced in November 2011. Many more voices probably went unheard by the time the residents of Rochor Centre completed their relocation seven years later in February 2018. Demolition began in June 2018 with scaffolding and sound barriers covering up the iconic rainbow-coloured public housing estate, like huge curtains falling on the Rochor Centre stage. It is as if a play has ended and the stage is now permanently closed, after 40 years of bringing joy and tears to audiences.
Flat Out to Keep is the second instalment of Lau Eng Seng’s three-part series titled Till We Meet Again, on the demolition of Rochor Centre to build part of the new North-South Corridor by the mid 2020s.
Two books documenting their residencies will also be launched at the exhibition opening.
About Tan Ngiap Heng
Tan Ngiap Heng originally studied engineering but started working in the arts in 1995, as a programmer at The Esplanade. He has since been a professional photographer specialising in the performing arts, and also exhibits his photography and creates installations. In recent years, he mooted the Work in Process project which documents the rehearsal process of dance and theatre companies in Singapore as they prepare for production. He graduated with a Masters in Art (Fine Art) from LASALLE College of the Arts in 2018.
About Lau Eng Seng
Lau Eng Seng graduated with a Diploma in Fine Art from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in 2012 and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Nanyang Technological University. He has exhibited actively overseas and in Singapore, and has won accolades both local and international. In 2019, his work has been shortlisted for the inaugural NTU Global Digital Art Prize.
About the Exactly Foundation
Exactly Foundation is a not-for-profit, trademarked registered label established by Li Li Chung. Photographers are commissioned to create photography to stimulate discussion of social concerns in Singapore. The Exactly Foundation’s goal is to produce new knowledge amongst viewers by engaging with and sharing the photographs with family and friends over a three-month period.
Header image: (L) from Flat Out to Keep by Lau Eng Seng and (R) from Holding Space by Tan Ngiap Heng