Former national sailor and artist Charles Lim Li Yong presents his latest exhibition at STPI, titled Staggered Observations of a Coast. Since 2005, the artist's ongoing project SEA STATE examines the biophysical, political and psychic contours of Singapore through the visible and invisible lenses of the sea.
For half a year, Lim (who was professionally trained in sailing) sailed all along the east coast anchorage of Singapore. The artist applied his sense of staggered observation during these trips, which is the process of taking note of the wave patterns and clouds, allowing for the passage of time to occur, and finally, re-looking at the same points so as to note the changes.
Staggered Observations of a Coast extends on this vigorous enquiry and centres on the idea of “staggered observations” as an entry point for accessing the exhibition’s propositions. The exhibition presents new print and paper works by the artist, including artworks comprising of mainly sand, and a monumental installation of Singapore’s nautical chart cut into grids and scattered across the gallery space.
“Spanning more than a decade, Charles’ epic SEA STATE project is synonymous with Singapore’s sea and its many conundrums, and it is impressive to witness the hyper-focus that he has on this subject matter. It has been a pleasure to see this exhibition coming to life, where Charles continues to craft additional layers onto this highly unique and multifaceted discourse," says Rita Targui, Gallery Director.
In January, the public can take part in a variety of public programmes that are happening in conjunction with the exhibition:
21 Jan: Film Friday! Double Bill: ‘All Lines Flow Out’* and ‘The Islands That Made Us’
22 Jan: Hereafter: A Youth-Led Forum
Various Fridays and Saturdays: Rippling Scores: Marbling and Etching on Copperplate
Various Thursdays to Fridays: Guided Tours