Yeo Shih Yun Natalia Ludmila (Mexico) Paul Campbell (New York) Valerie Ng
Alba Escayo (Spain) Justin Lee
Liu Xuan Qi
Kathleen Li (San Francisco) Lisa Chandler (New Zealand) Hsiung Lu-Fang
&
Motion
Emotion
the art of being moved
24 days to go and all the artists will be arriving in Singapore to collaborate together! It has been so long, with so much preparation work that only now when I write this, I realize that IT IS HAPPENING! And I can hardly wait! Right after the exhibition Project 6581 at the Japan Creative Centre in February this year, we started planning for this. The Indiegogo campaign was quite a fun experience and I am so grateful for all the help and to all backers for bringing it to a sweet success. Why did I do this? The greatest, biggest event in the history of INSTINC. I believe in the power of collaboration. Competition makes you faster, but collaboration makes you better. When two creative individuals collide, there are bound to be sparks. I like it even more that the artists do not know who they will be paired with, it is all up to ‘chance’. I also like the idea of bringing together the best artists who existed at one point in time in INSTINC; they are like dots in INSTINC’s timeline and now for the 10th anniversary, all these dots will join together and dance in the same time and space from 7-23 November 2014.
INSTINC Director’s Foreword Of course, not forgetting that I was super inspired by LindArt in Slovenia in 2008, where they invited 12 international artists, pairing them randomly to collaborate for 10 days, which culminated in an exhibition in the old castle. I made great friends there like Katja Pal, Alba Escayo and Hirofumi Matsuzaki, and that experience there was one of the most unforgettable and enjoyable times in my life. It was great because it was intensive, and for 10 days you simply create, breathe, eat and drink art. I hope I can re-create that magic here in Singapore through this collaboration. I hope these 10 artists will never forget this, just as I will never forget LindArt. Thank you so much for all your support in these 10 years. It wasn’t easy. I faced many challenges as an artist in Singapore. I learned that when I could not find a conventional way to get something done, I had to create my own way of doing things. After my return from San Francisco Art Institute in 2002, there was a lack of affordable exhibition spaces and huge difficulty in making artist friends (there were
usually cliques from Lasalle or NAFA, therefore no way to be included in their group shows). I felt that I needed space to show or collaborate with other like-minded artists without going through grant applications each time so that the works could be more spontaneous. Since starting INSTINC in 2004, we have had great times as well as miserable times. We learned the value of keeping focused on the main purpose of INSTINC, which is to maintain independence as an artist-run space and to be a catalyst for collaborations. We learned that we were attempting to become part of a scene that is dominated by large commercial art galleries. We learned that we are different as we put artists and art as the top priority. After 10 years, there are still challenges, but people I met along the way inspire and energize me. “Work is not work as many people refer to it, but something that is fun and interesting and exciting. It’s not a “job”… [it’s] a passion.”
Yeo Shih Yun Director of INSTINC 14 October 2014
At the end of the residency, the collaboration will culminate in 2 exhibitions curated by Michelle Lim and Fann ZJ, which will be shown at 2 venues – Studio 67 art space and the Affordable Art Fair (AAF), Singapore. By removing the artists from familiar modes of working through the random pairing and collaborative process, it is hoped that the artists will gain new insights, discover intriguing new methods, create exciting new works surprising themselves and viewers, and along the way, form lasting friendships across different worlds.
7 – 13 November 2014 The great collaboration! 10 artists, randomly paired Goodman Arts Centre 90 Goodman Road, Singapore 439053
Introduction
15 – 16 November 2014 INSTINC10: Celebrating a decade of art and collaboration Studio 67 67 Kampong Bahru Road, Singapore 169371 19 – 23 November 2014 INSTINC10: Celebrating a decade of art and collaboration Affordable Art Fair Singapore F1 Pit Building, No. 1 Republic Boulevard, Singapore 038975
To celebrate a decade of art and collaboration, 5 artists from Spain, Mexico, New Zealand, San Francisco and New York were invited to come to Singapore, to be randomly paired with 5 locally-based artists to create artworks together at Goodman Arts Centre for 7 days.
When Shih Yun approached Hannah Quinlivan, an INSTINC artist-inresidence from Australia to come up with a theme for the final exhibition project celebrating INSTINC’s 10th anniversary in 2014, Hannah observed the common thread of “Motion & Emotion”, interweaving various art practices of a number of artists in connection with INSTINC. For 2 artists who have never met each other and who may have very diverse artistic styles and subject matter, finding common ground to work together may be a challenging and time-consuming task. To accelerate the process of collaboration, we felt it would be a good idea to have some sort of starting point. “Motion & Emotion, or the Art of being Moved” hence naturally fell into place as a promising point of departure.
“[A line is]... a point that sets itself in motion... The most highly-charged line is the most authentic line because it is the most active.” ---Paul Klee, “Contributions to a theory of pictorial form,” 1921
Theme
MOTION & EMOTION, OR THE ART OF BEING MOVED
of being moved and to the destination itself, generating new responses to place and displacement.
Conventionally, art forms such as painting, drawing, sculpture and photography have been considered static, less concerned with motion than time-based media such as film, video, kinetic sculpture, and performance art. In Motion & Emotion, we challenge this presumption and argue that the so-called static art forms can expand our understandings of mobility. Specifically, we are interested in the dialectical relation between movement and affect – motion and emotion – as interpreted in broad terms.
Third, while media such as painting and drawing conventionally demonstrate an intentional relation between motion and emotion because marks are created by the authorial movement of the artists’ hand in order to elicit a specific emotional response, experimental methods of mark making complicate this association. If the motion of non-human others such as trees, shadows, remotecontrol cars, or stochastic computer algorithms can generate an artwork, what can be said about the affective response the artwork elicits? Can algorithms evoke emotions?
We suggest that movement and affect intersect in at least three registers, beyond the mere pictorial evocation of motion or stasis. First, art can interrogate how the rhythms of movement or absence of motion in a landscape or cityscape evoke a particular mental and emotional state. Whether the zombie-like condition of mass commuters, or the disquieting stillness in an artic landscape, the dynamics of environment have profound psychological effects. Second, in this age of hypermobility, space-time compression and globalised culture, contemporary artists themselves have become mobile subjects, makers in motion across continents and climates. Brian Massumi observes that the body “moves as it feels, and it feels itself moving.” Artists respond to both the feeling
These approaches hint at a deeper relation between movement and affect. In Motion & Emotion, we wish to bring attention to these possibilities and provide intimations towards an art of being moved. Hannah Quinlivan (Australia) January 2014 INSTINC artist-in-residence Sep – Oct 2013
Curator’s text To celebrate INSTINC’s 10th anniversary this year, 5 international artists and 5 local artists convened for a residency in Singapore, during which they partnered with one another to create new work. Presented here are the myriad fruits of their labour, a testament to the energetic spirit of collaboration that continues to propel INSTINC forward into the future of contemporary art. The paintings that one finds in this show meditate on the themes of Motion and Emotion. Alternately graphic, illustrative and abstract, what connects the works of these stylistically diverse artists is their shared dynamism of movement and depth of emotion.
The solo and collaborative works tell a story of two individuals coming together for the sake of art, when viewed in succession. In this manner, the works commemorate the artists’ brief yet undoubtedly transcendent encounters, so that others may share in it too. by Michelle Lim
Collaboration. Cultural exchange. Friendship. These are values that have come to define the artist-run institution, INSTINC, in its decade of operation.
About the 10 Artists Kathleen Li San Francisco
Natalia Ludmila Mexico
Hsiung Lu-Fang Taiwan / Singapore
Yeo Shih Yun Singapore
Lisa Chandler New Zealand
Valerie Ng Singapore
Justin Lee Singapore
Alba Escayo Spain
Liu Xuan Qi China / Singapore
Paul Campbell New York
www.shihyunyeo.com INSTINC founder since Nov 2004
Yeo Shih Yun Singapore
Yeo Shih Yun is a full-time artist and the founder of INSTINC. She is known to reinterpret ink painting with striking results. She experiments with fusing the traditional form with contemporary mediums, and has garnered much acclaim, including getting commissioned by the Singapore Art Museum, winning the Sovereign Asian Art Prize People’s Choice Award in 2012, and being awarded a Certificate of Distinction and Highly Commended Entry at the UOB Painting of the Year Competition in 2007.
against the wall Mixed media on Canvas 60 x 90 cm 2013
mountain and waterfalls Acrylic and Silkscreen on Canvas 91 x 61 cm 2014
www.kathleenli.com INSTINC exhibiting artist 2004
Kathleen Li San Francisco
Black Cloud Ink on Paper 75 x 50 cm 2014
Spore Ink on Paper 75 x 50 cm 2014
Kathleen Li received her Masters in Fine Art in Painting from the San Francisco Art Institute in 2002. She has held several group shows throughout the Bay Area including Stanford University, San Francisco Design Center as well as a solo show at the Richmond Art Center. For the past several years, her artistic practice has focused on the intersection of innocence and danger and the weaving of images from her childhood.
& Yeo Shih Yun Singapore
Kathleen Li San Francisco
Mandarin Orange Acrylic on Canvas 30 x 30 cm 2014
Collaboration Statement The paintings are about movement and how the paint moves us. In addition to using the traditional brush and palette knife, we wanted to experiment with pushing, pulling and scraping the paint with items we have a personal connection with. This collaboration evolved into a process of taking risks, whether it was with new materials, techniques or colours.
Pink Acrylic on Canvas 30 x 30 cm 2014
Emerald Acrylic on Canvas 30 x 30 cm 2014
www.valng.com Member of INSTINC collective in 2006
Valerie Ng
Malaysia / Singapore
Valerie Ng works mainly in oil on canvas or acrylic on paper, with paintings constructed in an abstract expressionist style. Her artworks result from her explorations with colour, light, depth, form and texture, and are inspired by the natural elements, the hues and shapes in the environment. She has won numerous prizes for her artworks, and her paintings have been exhibited in solo and group shows in spaces ranging from the Substation and Wetterling Teo Gallery, to the Singapore Art Museum as well as the National Art Gallery, Malaysia. Having a keen interest in paper and craft, her art objects also include artist books, papier-mache and collage pieces.
Orographic #2 Oil on Paper 31 x 23 cm 2014
Orographic #1 Oil on Paper 31 x 23 cm 2014
www.natalialudmila.net INSTINC artist-in-residence Feb & Mar 2012
Natalia Ludmila Mexico
YY Watercolor on Paper 50 X 70 cm 2014
YY (Detail) Watercolor on Paper 50 X 70 cm 2014
Natalia Ludmila was born in Mexico City and raised in Canada. She holds a BA in Visual Arts from Escuela Nacional de Artes Plåsticas (Mexico) in which she specialised in painting and a Masters in Digital Design by the University of Canberra (Australia). Her work has been exhibited in several solo and group shows in Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Australia and Singapore among other countries. The Second Prize recipient in the XVIII Ibiza Biennale -Ibizagrafic’- (Spain), Ludmila has also had work exhibited and commissioned by the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum (Mexico City), and was awarded an International Residency Grant by FONCA (National Fund for Culture & Arts) Mexico. She currently lives and works in New Delhi, India.
& Valerie Ng
Malaysia / Singapore
Natalia Ludmila Mexico
Rogue Feel Acrylic on Canvas 60 x 60 cm 2014
Collaboration Statement The artists collaborated for the first time in what they like to refer to as a conceptual playground. They experimented with the concepts of movement, colour and texture, as well as the use of non-conventional painting tools. There were constant dialogues to discover ways to combine their diverse practices and personalities. The intense experimentation resulted in a varied array of works that showcase the artists’ playful yet dedicated approach to art making.a
Sky Force Acrylic on Canvas 30 x 30 cm 2014
Pivotal Movement 2 Acrylic on Canvas 60 x 60 cm 2014
www.justinleeck.com INSTINC AAF exhibiting artist 2012/2013
Justin Lee Singapore
Justin Lee is the most famous pop artist in Singapore. He works with a variety of media from paintings and sculptures to experimental short videos, and has won many art competitions. He has also exhibited at the Singapore Art Museum and Asia Civilizations Museum, and his series of works bring a different understanding of today’s Singapore society and lifestyle with its blend of eastern and western cultures. Justin believes that art plays an important part in helping people to grow, and his current works reflect on how words and images from the mass media influence and control our thoughts and expression.
Happy Bird and Big Bowl Acrylic on Canvas 60 X 60 cm 2013
Happy General Acrylic on Canvas 60 X 60 cm 2013
www.albaescayo.com INSTINC artist-in-residence Jun 2012
Alba Escayo Spain
Danube Oil on canvas 12 x 18 cm 2011
Morning bird Watercolor on paper 42 X 60 cm 2014
Alba Escayo works primarily on painting but also with experimental photography. Traveling to new places is fundamental to her motivation and inspiration. She received her MFA degree from Complutensian University, Madrid and continued her art education at the Academy of Bologna and recently at the Faculty of Belgrade. Today she lives and works between Belgrade and Madrid, and has participated in many artist residencies and international projects. She has had solo and collective exhibitions in different countries. Her work is in public and private collections as well as museums.
& Justin Lee 李志光 Singapore
Alba Escayo Spain
Double Blue Happiness Acrylic on Canvas 60 x 60 cm 2014
Collaboration Statement Collaboration is a journey. It takes time to understand each other, to exchange knowledge and ideas, to reinvent ourselves. This journey leads us to a higher level of art practice.
Flower Series-Claveles Acrylic on Canvas 60 x 60 cm 2014
Let’s fall in love Acrylic on Canvas 30 x 30 cm 2014
www.liuxuanqiart.com INSTINC AAF exhibiting artist 2013
Liu Xuan Qi 刘轩齐 China / Singapore
Liu Xuan Qi is originally from Shanghai, but currently resides in Singapore. After graduating, he worked in the field of Design & Advertising for 11 years while practicing fine arts. In 2010 he held his first solo exhibition “Equilibrium”. This was subsequently followed by “Floating Clouds” in 2011 and “Life is Beautiful” in 2012. He received the Platinum Award at the 31st UOB Singapore Painting of the Year Competition, and another art award nomination in the same year. Liu’s work is an ongoing reflection on how rapidly cross cultural influences, in this time of globalization, affect local culture and people’s way of life.
Tiger Balm 万金油 Oil on Board 70 x 70 cm 2014
Vessel - CHANEL Acrylic on canvas 102 x 76cm 2011
www.paulcampbellstudio.com INSTINC artist-in-residence Oct 2010
Paul Campbell New York
Sing Red String Acrylic on Paper 41 x 51 cm 2014
Hybrid Sing 1A Oil on Canvas 90 x 60 cm 2014
Paul Campbell lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. His artworks are a collision of randomness and chance with directness and seriality. Simultaneously, they suggest a parody and an homage to Abstract Expressionist and classical Asian Calligraphy. Campbell studied at Massachusetts College of Art, and has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in America and internationally, from New York City, Brooklyn, Toronto, Santa Fe, to Barcelona and beyond. He has exhibited at the Rose Art Museum, the Danforth Art Museum, and the Brooklyn Museum of Art, and also received a Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant in 2003.
& Liu Xuan Qi 刘轩齐 China / Singapore
Paul Campbell New York
Pollock Roll Acrylic on Canvas 30 x 30 cm 2014
Collaboration Statement Collaborating took us outside our comfort zone. Our aesthetic sensibilities are extremely different but somehow we seemed to be in complete agreement when making decisions about composition. Color decisions were particularly interesting. It was like trying a new food that you might not ordinarily eat and finding that it actually tastes really good.
White Clouds and String #4 Acrylic on Canvas 30 x 30 cm 2014
Team Snap #1 Acrylic on Canvas 30 x 30 cm 2014
www.variableinfinity.com INSTINC exhibiting artist 2013
Hsiung Lu-Fang
Taiwan / Singapore
Hsiung Lu-Fang has worked with a variety of different forms ranging from sculptural and conceptual to paintings, design and digital art. Her most recent works are abstract paintings that evoke associations with nature, imaginary landscapes and narratives. She draws inspiration from observations on the inner workings of the mind, and the human condition. Her works tend to manifest in forms that reveal her love for colour. She has exhibited in group shows, and her works can be found in private collections.
Earth Treasury Acrylic on canvas 50.8 x 40.5 cm 2013
Luminance Acrylic on canvas 30.5 x 40.5 cm 2013
www.lisachandler.co.nz INSTINC artist-in-residence May/ June 2013
Lisa Chandler New Zealand
Exodus Acrylic on Canvas 60 x 90 cm 2013
Urban Communication Acrylic on Linen 50 x 70 cm 2014
Lisa Chandler was born in Southendon-Sea and immigrated with her parents to New Zealand when she was 9. She completed a Diploma in Visual Communication Design at Wellington Polytechnic before going onto have a successful career as a graphic designer. In 2005 she decided to concentrate on painting and now paints full time at her Ruby Bay studio. She graduated with an MFA (hons) from Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design in 2012. She presented her MFA thesis at the Affective Landscapes Conference at the University of Derby, England in May 2012. Her work has received numerous awards and was shortlisted in exhibitions including the Molly Morpeth Canaday Awards.
& Hsiung Lu-Fang
Taiwan / Singapore
Lisa Chandler New Zealand
Urban Natural Acrylic on Canvas 30 x 30 cm 2014
Collaboration Statement Responding intuitively to the movement of each other’s marks and colours used, our collaboration was a light-hearted conversation on canvas that formed gradually through layers of washes, pouring and painting. Exploring the balance between geometric shapes, horizontal and vertical lines that evoke urban architecture, and organic forms that evoke nature, we hope you will enjoy the visual connection we found while working together.
Organic Harmony Acrylic on Canvas 30 x 30 cm 2014
Transient Cities Acrylic on Canvas 60 x 60 cm 2014
During a live painting session in the Volvo Showroom on 8 Nov, five artists combined abstract and pop art sensibilities on a 3-dimensional “canvas�. A fusion of bold strokes, evocative brushwork and traces of flowing paint that natural elements of moving grasses, the breath of wind, and refreshing rain, together with iconic imagery derived from popular culture, such as the symbol of double happiness, amidst clouds of untold possibilities – this is the synergistic effort of the first half of ten artists brought together by this project.
Happy 10th birthday, INSTINC! “I have known Shih Yun since 1993, and have been witnessing Shih Yun’s hard work put in for past decades leading to the birth and growth of INSTINC. “INSTINC’s past locations were without lift. Especially when INSTINC was located above the shop houses along Chinatown and Mohamed Sultan, a lot of energy was required to walk up the “stairway to heaven” before an art paradise could be revealed. However, regardless of the location, it’s always with great anticipation visiting the art space and worth the trip feasting the eyes with interesting artworks. “Through an Artist-In-Residence conference in Korea with Shih Yun, we met Paul Campbell, which led to the Coney Island New York Project, where we got to know Paul’s family. Paul flew to Singapore for the art opening, and my son met him. My son knew more about New York through art, and not through school or textbooks at the age of 4!!”
“Happy 10th Anniversary!!!!!!!!!! May this artist-run space unleash more power of an artist. Cheers to many more milestones!” Shanen Chan Art teacher, Singapore _________________________________________ _________________________________________
“I first visited INSTINC in its Chinatown space. It was a good chance to meet Shih Yun another abstract artist and due to fortunate circumstances, spend a productive year sharing a studio with her and Wyn-Lyn showing our work in the Emerald Hill shophouse.”
“I am glad INSTINC has sustained itself for a decade with kudos to Shih Yun’s good instincts :) Hope it will keep on growing so that its creative energy sparks lots more collaborative projects and encourages many other artists for years to come.” Valerie Ng Artist, Malaysia / Singapore _________________________________________ _________________________________________ “Shih Yun and me, like in a tale, we met once upon a time in a castle in the mountains of Slovenia, since then we started to collaborate and paint together... easy, simple... like the good things. “Wow! So many [special memories]! Hard to explain in few sentences... but really unforgettable days, beautiful memories, great collaboration artworks.”
“INSTINC rocks! INSTINC will be very soon an absolute reference of Synergy! It´s a perfect recipe: the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements!! “I wish INSTINC sailboat a loooong life trip, full of ART, of new emotions, projects, friendship, fun and whatever captain Shih Yun will see in the horizon.” Alba Escayo Artist, Spain
“I am extremely happy to have been a part of INSTINC. I met Shih Yun and her friend Shanen by chance at a casual gathering in 2009 after an art event in South Korea. Our five minute conversation that night revealed that Shih Yun had made paintings on roller blades and I had made paintings with remote control cars. Some months later Shih Yun followed up on our conversation suggesting we do a grant proposal together. Since then we have had a wonderful friendship and artistic relationship. We collaborated on Coney Island Abstract and have participated together in several shows on both sides of the globe. I am looking forward to the continued success of INSTINC and to the continuation of a wonderful friendship with Shih Yun and her family.” Paul Campbell Artist, Brooklyn, New York _________________________________________ _________________________________________ “INSTINC art space has over the years proven itself to be a melting pot and humble meeting place for artists to retreat away from the pressures of every day ‘working life’. Shih Yun Yeo along with her team have selflessly invested time and great effort into making the space a success which is evident. I would like to wish INSTINC Art Space a very happy 10th Anniversary, the memories I hold from my experience are very dear to me and I hope to have many more memories created in the presence of such great artists and creative minds in Singapore.” Laudi Abilama Artist, Lebanon _________________________________________ _________________________________________ “I found INSTINC through Res Artis and was very happy when my application was accepted. It was my first international residency (I have since had residencies in Indonesia and Senegal) and easily the best equipped and most comfortable. “Shih Yun was a great host and took time out to take me to many galleries and events. It was like hanging out with a friend, rather than someone just managing a residency.
“The residency was fantastic. How often does one get time to fall in love with a city, to walk all over it and explore the nooks and crannies. My work, The Passionate Embrace was about that process. I explored, taking images, and then turned those into the gaffer tape images I projected.”
“I would like to thank Shih Yun and INSTINC for my time there in 2011. I think what you do is great. You are very welcoming and create a space where artists can realise their ideas. I hope you continue to do this in years to come.” Greg Pritchard Artist, Australia _________________________________________ _________________________________________ “I wish INSTINC, Shih Yun and her team another 10 years of success. Then you call me again - I will extend. Do not give up but improve, it can always be better.” Milenko Prvacki Artist & Educator. Senior Fellow, Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore _________________________________________ _________________________________________ “I will always remember the call from Shih Yun informing me that I have been selected for the INSTINC 50x50 show. She was so passionate about the show and very genuine over the phone. In person, she embodies it and more!”
“May the INSTINC spirit grow and overwhelm in the next ten years!” Fann ZJ Creative Director, the folly store _________________________________________ _________________________________________
“I wish Shih Yun and INSTINC the best of luck for the future. She is not only a wonderful artist, but a friend and mentor to younger artists and a very capable organizer. I only always meet her at dinners or openings where she is tirelessly introducing me to her artists.” Jeremy Sharma Artist & Educator, Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore _________________________________________ _________________________________________ “My time at INSTINC was amazing because it was quite eye opening and educational yet at the same time it was fun and wonderful. Shih Yun is a very caring and giving person, she puts herself, culture and city out-there every single time she is hosting an artist. She really has made a sensational space for creativeness to flourish. “There are too many [special memories] to focus on one! But, I would have to say the deep connections made on a personal level. The people I met during my Residency are extraordinary.”
“Congratulations on these ten years of striving and aiming to make this dream art venture into a reality. I know in my heart that many more amazing years are to come and I can’t wait see what interesting things INSTINC will bring for us in the future.” Natalia Ludmila Artist, Mexico
_________________________________________ _________________________________________ “Congratulations for the 10th anniversary of INSTINC! We, Youkobo Art Space would like to celebrate this special time from Tokyo with INSTINC! Youkobo Art Space had a fantastic exchange project 6581 between INSTINC in 2013. We hope to continue our collaboration forever. Our best wishes for INSTINC’s future! We know it will be a bright one!” Hiroko and Tatsuhiko Murata and Youkobo Staff Youkobo Art Space, Japan _________________________________________ _________________________________________ “…if there is one thing that has really stuck in my head, I would say it was her visit to Slovenia and meeting some artists there. That trip inspired her to start her own residency program. No matter how onerous it can be, she realised the value and the possibilities for INSTINC as an art space and the possibilities for her as an artist. I believe that starting the artist residency program was instrumental in building INSTINC into such an international institution with many friends around the world. “It is the people who make an organisation what it is. What she wants for herself and what she wants to be known for is also indirectly what INSTINC should stand for. To me, that is the journey of passion and inspirations. These words embody INSTINC entirely and every idea that stems from this source is always exciting. I believe that the future story of INSTINC will continue to inspire.”
_________________________________________ _________________________________________ “Running an art space, staging exhibitions and participating in art fairs can be stressful but the artists INSTINC attracts and works with are mostly pretty awesome, due in no small part to Shih Yun’s vision and positive energy. I’ve certainly enjoyed the camaraderie and brilliant jokes shared with all the INSTINC artists I’ve encountered.” Shir Ee Tan Head of Programmes, Singapore Art Museum (SAM)
“I wish that INSTINC will continue to stay true to the passion of art, and hold it as the centre of all endeavours, ideas, initiatives or projects. The future of INSTINC will be exciting!” Sen Lai Shih Yun’s family
“... but when I said that nothing had been done I erred in one important matter. We had definitely committed ourselves and were halfway out of our ruts. We had put down our passage money— booked a sailing to Bombay. This may sound too simple, but is great in consequence. Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans:
that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.
I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets: Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!” - William Hutchison Murray, “The Scottish Himalayan Expedition” (1951)
“INSTINC is not a commercial gallery... It’s a project of an artist dreamer...” – Alba Escayo
The Project of an Artist Dreamer By Hsiung Lu-Fang
The story of INSTINC is in fact a story just as much of the Singaporean artist Yeo Shih Yun – its narrative marked simultaneously by passion and energy, inexplicable coincidences and friendship. Officially founded in 2004 by Shih Yun, INSTINC started initially in a Chinatown shophouse, then as an artist collective sharing a studio on Emerald Hill, and later evolved over the years to become an artist-run residency and art space. One of INSTINC’s key missions is to encourage collaboration, cultural exchange and the sharing of ideas in contemporary art between local as well as international artists, and it also aims to establish an exciting platform where artists and the public can engage with contemporary art and critical discourses. To date, INSTINC has hosted 38 artists from over 20 different countries through its international artist-in-residency program, organised 60 exhibitions with 148 different artists (and counting…), numerous art workshops, artists’ talks & collaborations, and even a contemporary painting competition in 2011. With all its accomplishments so far, it’s not surprising that people who are unfamiliar with
INSTINC may find it hard to believe that INSTINC has been for the most part driven by the enthusiastic energy and managed primarily by a single artist, with the help of various friends and supporters along the way. Deriving its name from a painting created by Shih Yun titled “INSTINCT” in 2001, INSTINC actually started off as a website in 2002, before it physically commenced operation in Chinatown on 15 November 2004. Shih Yun explains that her reasons for starting the physical space of INSTINC arose from a need for a studio space away from home, and a need for an exhibition space to spontaneously and freely experiment with, without going through the uncertainty and hassle of timeconsuming grant applications. There was also a lack of affordable exhibition spaces at the time. Having just returned to Singapore from her art studies in San Francisco, Shih Yun was a young artist starting out, without a good CV yet (which meant a lack of gallery representation then), and had a lack of local artist friends (connections that usually formed from studying at NAFA or Lasalle, the 2 main art colleges in Singapore). Faced with these elements, Shih Yun decided to form her own space, to enable the progress of her own art practice. The history of INSTINC is thus entwined inextricably with Shih Yun’s professional development in the early days, and INSTINC’s identity also evolved as a natural response to the situations that she faced along the way. In 2005, Shih Yun met with local abstract artists Valerie Ng & Wyn-Lyn Tan to discuss the possibility of sharing a studio, which resulted in the 3 artists working collectively at Emerald Hill the following year. Subsequently with the fate of the space hanging in uncertainty (it seemed the owner had intentions of selling the Emerald Hill unit), Shih Yun decided to move INSTINC away after the lease ended, and the 3 artists
continued along their respective journeys. Shih Yun then shared a studio with artist Chan Mei Hsien at Mohamed Sultan, and the 2 of them continued with their art practice, as well as hosting art exhibitions and workshops. In 2008, Shih Yun decided to participate in an artist residency program abroad in Brussels, which led serendipitously to another in Slovenia (she chanced upon, applied for, and was accepted to participate in the latter 10-day collaborative residency during the former, longer residency in Brussels), and this was to become a major turning point in INSTINC’s development. At the LindArt international young artists’ fine arts colony, held at the Lendava castle in Slovenia, she met Katja Pal, the organiser for that event, Hirofumi Matsuzaki (a participating artist from Japan who founded Studio Kura, an artist-in-residence space in Fukuoka), Alba Escayo, Magdalena Suranyi, and other artists. This was the start of some remarkable friendships and also the inspiration for INSTINC to transform itself into a space that also hosted international artist residencies. Through the support of family and other ripe conditions, Shih Yun was able to set up INSTINC at SOHO, Clarke Quay in 2009, and a second studio space at an industrial building WCEGA in 2011 enabled her to increase the capacity of the residency program to accommodate 2 artists at one time. Meanwhile, Shih Yun’s participation in the Res Artis conference in Seoul, South Korea in October 2009, together with Shanen Chan, inadvertently led to subsequent events such as “Coney Island Abstract: Continuity / Discontinuity” in July 2010, a collaborative project with artist Paul Campbell from New York. “Despite their difference in culture, language, age, gender, and experience, conversation
revealed that they had similar ways of creating art. Both full-time artists combine traditional art materials with unconventional ways of mark making: Campbell uses remote control cars to create oil paintings on canvas and Yeo skates on surfaces with rollerblades covered in Chinese inks.” 1 Large scale canvases were laid out on the Coney Island boardwalk in front of the historic Childs Building at West 21st street, and members of the public participated in the painting process using roller blades, remote control cars, hands, feet, and skipping rope... with some even using their hair and wheelchairs to create marks on the canvases. In 2011, INSTINC organised a contemporary painting competition inviting participants to submit paintings in the format of 50 cm squares, which led to “Squares Invasion – The 50cm x 50cm Painting Show”. The exhibition comprised 65 entries by 46 painters from 16 countries, filling the entire space of INSTINC with paintings in a variety of styles and subject matter, and brought an unprecedented number of guests to the opening of the show. INSTINC @ SOHO overflowed with guests that evening – it was so packed that visitors crowded along the corridor to wait for their chance to view the works. Soon afterwards that same year, Shih Yun went for a residency at Youkobo Art Space in Tokyo, Japan. During her time there the idea for Project 6581 was born, a collaboration with Youkobo Art Space that would eventually span 2 years of preparation and events, involving a total of 8 artists, 4 residencies, and 4 exhibitions in 2 cities – Singapore and Tokyo; all of which would lead up to a final curated group show at the Japan Creative Centre (JCC) in Singapore in February 2014.
For an artist who was not only working on her own art practice, adapting to and balancing the needs of a new family, but also coordinating with countless other people, managing and running the art space – it proved to be a massive undertaking.
concerns, prompting a casual question asking if she were certain she wanted to carry out the finale project.
Kelley Cheng, a friend and benefactor, took on the role of curatorship for the group exhibition “Parallel Perception & Counter Connection”, and brought along with her a host of design and publishing skills; once again lending her support and expertise.
In hindsight, it is this writer’s belief that her indomitable spirit in the face of obstacles, set into motion all the events that have since followed.
Meanwhile, numerous other artists came and went, including amongst others, Amy Lin (Washington), Natalia Ludmila (Mexico), Heidi Celeghin (Brazil), Kari Cholnoky (New York), Maiko Sugano (Japan), Lisa Chandler (New Zealand), and Hannah Quinlivan (Australia)… They each resided at INSTINC for a time, immersing themselves in a new place and culture, making artworks, holding exhibitions and artist talks. These events were often small in scale, with varied outcomes and different extents of reach, but remained consistent in purpose – fostering opportunities to explore new ideas, experiment with different methods, engage new audiences, and meet other artists.
Without hesitation, her answer was a resolute yes.
Regardless of where this journey leads, one thing is certain – all of the events that occurred could only have happened because so many years ago, a young woman first made a commitment and took bold steps towards her aspiration, remaining steadfast in her resolution and beliefs through the years. Each apparent obstacle encountered, was a condition that enabled the renewal of commitment; setting into motion various series of events, beyond the limits of planning and preparation.
At the close of Project 6581, plans and discussions regarding the finale project for INSTINC’s 10th anniversary had been ongoing, but not quite fully confirmed. Shih Yun spoke of her
__________________________________________ http://coneyislandabstract.wordpress.com/press/ From an article written by Jessica Dailey, originally published on the website of “Brooklyn The Borough” in 2010
1
10 things / beliefs leading to INSTINC 10 By Yeo Shih Yun
1. Instinct. Trust your gut feeling. Most of the time it will be the best solution. 2. Nourish your soul. Have faith in a higher being. 3. Super passion. You need tons of it to stay afloat and to remain focused. 4. Time management. Plan your meetings, be punctual and respect people’s time. Have a real small and light yearly planner, it is more reliable and easier to see than putting everything on your mobile. 5. Initiative. Do not wait for things to happen. Be the one to make it happen.
6. Nice family. Support from family is very vital. It is the foundation. Without strong family support, it is difficult to focus 100% on your work. 7. Collaborate with experts in the field, instead of doing everything yourself. You cannot be good at everything. Everyone has a special gift. 8. Art and artists are the top priority in INSTINC. 9. Rest and relax. Work hard and play hard. Downtime is as important as uptime. Go for a holiday if you can. 10. Tomorrow is a new day. New inspirations. Always keep an open mind for an adventure.
Artists Paul Campbell Lisa Chandler Alba Escayo Hsiung Lu-Fang Justin Lee Kathleen Li Liu Xuan Qi Natalia Ludmila Valerie Ng Yeo Shih Yun
Publication details
Curators Michelle Lim Fann ZJ Designer Liu Xuan Qi Photographer Eunice Lim Videographer Jacqueline Sim
Published on the occasion of INSTINC 10: A Decade of Art and Collaboration Dates & Details 7 – 13 November 2014: Collaboration Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Road, Singapore 439053 15 – 16 November 2014: Exhibition Studio 67, 67 Kampong Bahru Road, Singapore 169371 19 – 23 November 2014: Exhibition Affordable Art Fair Singapore, F1 Pit Building, No. 1 Republic Boulevard, Singapore 038975 Organiser / Publisher INSTINC 12 Eu Tong Sen Street, #04-163 soho@central 2, Singapore 059819 enquiries@instinc.com http://www.instinc.com/
Proofreaders Natalia Ludmila Kathleen Li Hsiung Lu-Fang All works © contributing artists, writers and publisher. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the artists, writers, contributors and publisher. Texts for this publication have been copyedited for clarity and consistency. All opinions expressed in the book are of the authors or contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. The publisher does not warrant or assume any legal responsibilities for the publication’s contents. First printed in Singapore, in an edition of 300 in NOV 2014
Acknowledgments
“To all of you who made it all that it was, I send you a decade’s worth of thanks. This monstrous project would not have happened without all of your help and support. _________________________________________ _________________________________________ Thank you so much to the great team behind this project. Lu-Fang, the key person who tied everything together, thank you for your time over 9 months in transforming this dream (in February) into a reality. Thank you Liu Xuan Qi for the concept and design of INSTINC 10: The Great Collaboration and also this amazing catalogue. Thank you Alba for coming to Singapore one month before to be my ‘slave’ and helping me so, so much in the final month before it all happened! Thank you Fann ZJ, for designing a super cool space for INSTINC at the Affordable Art Fair, Singapore. Thank you Michelle Lim and Fann ZJ for your help in curating the two exhibitions at Studio67 and the Affordable Art Fair – it is a challenging task as we have 10 artists and 5 collaborative teams. Thank you
Jacqueline for your documentation in video for the entire “Great Collaboration” and Eunice for being our social media publicist, helping to take all the photos and assisting me after all 10 artists arrive. I would also like to thank Michael Amter for your awesome introductory video with all the flash stuff for our Indiegogo campaign, Maki Kinoshita for your beautiful music in INSTINC’s 2004-2014 video and flying here to attend our opening on 15 November 2014. Thank you Xiao Qian from Studio67 for your support and helping to realise our exhibition. Thank you Alexis, Florentine and Alan from the Affordable Art Fair team for believing in this project from the beginning and bringing about the sponsorship for our huge booth. Thank you Adele Lee from Volvo who so kindly offered us two exciting Volvo cars to paint on! Thank you Teewee, Jennie and your hunters for contributing your time to understand our art and encourage sales at our booth in the fair. “Not forgetting all 10 artists for participating in this project, contributing your artworks to be used as prints for the fund-raising for this project, your time for the interviews and your time and commitment to travel and come to Singapore. Last but not least, my family who has been most supportive and without you, I would not be able to spend so much time doing this project.” - Yeo Shih Yun
Thanks to “The Great Collaboration” Indiegogo campaign backers: INSTINC Patron of Honour: Mr Toh Ee Loong Chloei Hew Justin Chua Tracy Mortimer Linda Williams Shanen Chan Ivy Franco Natalie Yong Chia Wee Han Connie Pong Susanah Toh Michael Amter Hirofumi Matsuzaki Linda Chandler Esmund Chua Tiffany Wan Kwok Jen Nie Marie Ng Julie Upmeyer Alexis Butt Kim and James Kei McClellan Kaylee Wellik Kelley Cheng Steve and Valerie Rifkin Jennifer Lindquist Frederick Chandler Kunyoung Chang Valerie Cheah
Daniela Beltrani Isabel Paz Richard Williams Mark Tregurtha Allen Lo FannZJ Sharon Quah Ida Santoso Karen Woods Lim Su Pei Jennie Susanto June Lee Michelle Lim Lynn Choy Tan Wang Theng Wyn-Lyn Tan Teewee Ang Noviana Santoso Yap Pei Chen Amanda Brett Lai Kok Hui Tan Shir Ee Adrian Lo Sen Lai iTReverie and many Anonymous backers!
Supported by:
2004-2006 271C New Bridge Road 2006-2007 23 Emerald Hill 2007-2009 27 Mohamed Sultan Road 2009-present 12 Eu Tong Sen Street soho2@central