Art and identity

Article written by Ong Hui Har in collaboration with One East Asia. 

Redwhite depicts foreigners within our midst, and explores larger questions of the ongoing conversation on this topic.

The photographs subtly explore the comfort zone within us, as much as the familiar space around us. It brings the viewer through the experience of navigating our small and tight space, within the space strangers have carved out for us. It evokes the disquieting experience when the viewer walks into the strangers’ comfortable  zone, wary as the hesitant viewer has disturbed their habitual space.

Redwhite01 – Workers from Bangladesh spotted in their daily outfits at work

Inside their space and in their crowd, being caught in the moment, it suggests unease that the apprehensive viewer feels crowded out in the ‘Outsiders’ space. Paradoxically, this proposes a reclaiming experience for the viewer as the ‘Outsider’, nudging questions of who the space actually belongs to.

There is an intriguing translucent mask over all the artworks. The subjects look as if they are veiled over. Perhaps making the ‘Outsiders’  inconspicuous’, it reflects our efforts to live the status quo. While the ‘Outsiders’  keep their space and accept the arrangement, it raises questions of our hesitance and reluctance at times to embrace ‘Outsiders’. It suggests that perhaps we are more comfortable and secure when there is a barrier that separates us. The translucent guise dissipates the nervous anxious energy.

Redwhite 19 – Domestic helper from Philippines seen walking the dog

It does not matter who created the camouflage, it makes us more at ease with the peculiar situation, or maybe them with us? So perhaps it is the other way round, with ‘Outsiders’ keeping their space? Or is there a longing of acceptance in this act of looking from the other side? The manner of them peering out, or of us peering into, is a playful depiction that makes the situation less menacing and more approachable, making both parties more at ease with each other in the common space.

The red and white lines traversing and weaving through the paintings represents the organic nature of beings. They may symbolise blood vessels flowing through pulsating life, or threads that weave and bond, or roots that sink in over time metaphorically. The subjects had the red and white threads fall on their bodies and arranged them on and around themselves, akin to symbolic gesture, how they show connection.
Mr Ronald Stones OBE, Deputy Chairman of One East Asia graced the exhibition on 6 December 2012 6.30pm at The Fullerton Heritage Gallery, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. Exhibition is ongoing till 31 December 2012.

Redwhite 17 – Indian workers posed at ease

The mixed media photographs are monoprint available in limited sizes. Part of the sales proceeds will be in benefit towards Art Outreach.

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