The Versatility of Video Art in Singapore Vivyan Yeo
‘Video’ comes from the Latin word 'uideo', which means “I see”. So named, video art takes on a declarative position, expressing what the creator has observed through durational works. The medium requires patience and curiosity, as viewers could either sit through the whole artwork or walk away after watching a snippet. Singapore artists are increasingly embracing video art, especially at the intersection of photography, dance, and performance art. They have been experimenting with features unique to video, such as pacing, projection, image transitions, voiceovers, subtitles and camera movement. With its time-based nature, I believe the medium’s versatile and interdisciplinary character opens up possibilities for knowledge production and provides viewers with an immersive experience to gain new insights.
Documenting the Unfamiliar Familiar One striking method is the juxtaposition of photographs to highlight unexpected connections. In January this year, FOST Gallery presented 'Somewhere Else: The Forest Reimagined', a solo exhibition by Donna Ong. The artist showcased part I (2014) alongside part III (2018) of her work 'The Forest Speaks Back'. While part I is a film showcasing 18th and 19th-century lithographs of the tropical forest, part III displays photographs of artificial environments such as gardens, greenhouses and zoos. Though captured over 100 years apart, both types of images perpetuate colonial ideals of the tamed forest.
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