Interdisciplinarity and research-based practice take the spotlight in new exhibitions at LASALLE’s Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore

Interdisciplinarity and research-based practice are core to LASALLE College of the Arts’ education ethos, and two new exhibitions in February at LASALLE’s Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) Singapore fully embody these ideals. Through innovative curatorial practice, Encounter under the banyan and head heap heat seed multiple avenues of inquiry on contemporary art in Singapore and internationally.

Singaporean artist Jason Lim transforms ICA Singapore’s gallery into a space for performance through two durational pieces that explore ideas of change and risk. Duet with light and Under the shadow of the banyan tree sees Jason beginning with an empty space, and returning to it frequently to resume work with candlelight and clay. As Jason revisits these works, having previously performed them at Venice International Performance Week 2012 and Jakarta Biennale 2017 respectively, they become a continuation of his study into process-driven practice.

“Throughout my time working with clay, I began to understand that it is the process that matters first. I see performance art as art-making in action, and every performance is therefore a way for me to deepen my practice through new experiences, Every work of mine builds on the last,” Jason shares.

“Jason’s performative approach to this exhibition extends the studio practice of LASALLE’s Fine Arts students. Given the close proximity between the Earl Lu Gallery and the students’ studio spaces, there is much opportunity for students to engage in ‘live’ study of an established artist’s practice, especially one who has graduated from LASALLE,” said Ms Bala Starr, Director of ICA Singapore.

These observations are reinforced with ICA Singapore’s invitation of four international artists to showcase works from their ongoing practice in head heap heat, a multi-disciplinary exhibition that encompasses film, installation, text, painting and performance. This eclectic composition of works presents a unique opportunity to partake in open dialogue about challenging contemporary issues, such as identity fluidity and geopolitical power, while maintaining a distance through the genre of the imaginary.

With the gallery segmented into four zones, two lit and two unlit, the space beckons one in with intriguing experiential cues. Kampung Melayu–Pasar Senen PP by Yola Yulfianti is an installation that employs film and layers of tulle to transport the bustle of Jakarta’s streetscape and nightlife into the gallery. Through a dizzying kaleidoscope of noise and image, Yola aims to reveal the complexities of urban living, and is part of her current doctoral research into how preoccupied denizens appear to close themselves off to their surroundings.

As the curatorial division of LASALLE, ICA Singapore also encourages cross-pollination of learning between students and visiting artists. Participating artist in head heap heat, Madison Bycroft, will be performing Mollusk Theory: Soft Bodies with 10 Diploma in Dance students at The Substation on 16 March. Through avenues such as these, new and established artists are able exchange ideas and inform one another’s practice at a more granular level.

Event Information
Jason Lim: Encounter under the banyan
Exhibition opening: Fri 9 Feb 2018, 6:30pm
Exhibition period: Tue 13 Feb 2018 – Thu 12 Apr 2018
Earl Lu Gallery, Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore
LASALLE College of the Arts
1 McNally St, Singapore 187940
Opening hours: 12:00pm – 7:00pm, Tue to Sun
Closed on Mon and public holidays
http://www.lasalle.edu.sg/events/jason-lim-encounter-under-the-banyan/

Performance schedule for Encounter under the banyan
Duet with light:
Friday 9 February, 6:30–8:30 pm
Wednesday 14 February, 7:00–8:30 pm
Wednesday 21 February, 7:00–8:30 pm
Please note that on the above performance days, the gallery will close at 6:00pm and re-open at 7:00pm.
Under the shadow of the banyan tree:
Tuesday 13 March – Sunday 18 March, 12:00pm–7:00pm

head heap heat
Exhibition opening: Fri 9 Feb 2018, 6:30pm
Exhibition period: Sat 10 Feb 2018 – Thu 12 Apr 2018
Gallery 1, Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore
LASALLE College of the Arts
1 McNally St, Singapore 187940
Opening hours: 12:00pm – 7:00pm, Tue to Sun
Closed on Mon and public holidays
http://www.lasalle.edu.sg/events/head-heap-heat-haffendi-anuar-madison-bycroft-lawrence-lek-yola-yulfianti/

About LASALLE College of the Arts
LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore is a leading tertiary institution in cutting edge contemporary arts and design education and practice. The college offers more than 30 diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fine arts, design communication, interior design, product design, film, animation, fashion, dance, music, theatre, arts management, arts pedagogy and practice, art therapy, Asian art histories, and creative writing.

Its faculty is led by a community of award-winning artists, designers, educators and researchers, and their practice-led research sets LASALLE apart as an international centre of excellence. Critically acclaimed alumni form the core of the cultural and creative sectors in Singapore and increasingly, internationally.

Founded in 1984 by De La Salle Brother Joseph McNally – a visionary artist and educator – LASALLE is a not-for-profit, private educational institution. LASALLE receives tuition grant support from the Singapore Ministry of Education. Its degree programmes are validated by Goldsmiths, University of London.

About The Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore
The Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) Singapore is the curatorial division of LASALLE College of the Arts, dedicated to supporting innovative and emerging creative practices. Focusing on art and design from the present, it provides an active site for contemporary culture in Singapore.

The ICA Singapore comprises five galleries that span a total of 1,500 square metres, one of the largest spaces devoted to contemporary art in Singapore. It engages local and international audiences in critical viewing and discussion through a diverse programme of exhibitions, projects, publications and events.

The ICA Singapore provides a cultural and educational tool for students and the wider public to advance their knowledge and appreciation of the contemporary local, regional and international arts.