Artwork Statement
River of Flowing Histories presents an imaginary national ‘family’ portrait of Singapore’s pioneer generation in homage to their valuable contributions to the country’s lauded transformation from an early 18th century seaport into the post-colonial economic powerhouse it is today.
Set against the backdrop of the iconic Singapore River - often credited as the nation’s first and foremost lifeline - and architectural symbols of progress and affluence, the artwork underlines the importance of trade and commerce in making Singapore an important regional economic player and allowing its enviable financial stability. Spanning 3.2 kilometres within the Kallang Basin, the River’s strategic location and calm waters were key ingredients that transformed Singapore from a fishing village in Temasek into a busy entrepôt.
As the central bank of Singapore, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has been instrumental in navigating the increasingly complex economic environment. It plays the crucial role of shaping and maintaining the financial landscape of the country, contributing to the success of Singapore as a leading international financial centre.
Inspired by archival photographs and vintage postcards of the late 1870’s and 1970’s, the artwork embroiders a myriad of stories, forgotten sites and sights, and layers of histories into a singular composition, compiling tiers of time of Singapore’s still-evolving story into a unique tapestry. By foregrounding figures across generations who have been historically obscured in our collective memory, the artwork serves as a reminder of how the Singapore of today was built as a result of the enterprising and hard work of the pioneering generations - the Samsui women, Sikh policemen, Malay postmen, Indian hawkers, to name a few.
A mosaic of circular Fresnel lenses adds another dimension to appreciating the artwork, randomly magnifying each portion of the panoramic view of the River to allow viewers to hone in on various details or discover anew Singapore’s entrepreneurial yet multi-faceted history. Ensconced behind a screen of lenses, never at once can the entirety of the image be seen clearly, or without slippage, splintering or displacement. The act of looking is, thus, a constantly evolving engagement, as perpetually dynamic as the city of Singapore and its people.
