National Gallery Singapore has collaborated with internationally renowned artist Rirkrit Tiravanija to display his largest bamboo maze installation.Named “Untitled 2018 (the infinite dimensions of smallness),” the immersive installation, which stands at a towering four meters high, draws its inspiration from materials, craftwork and architecture from Asia. The maze references traditional hand-built bamboo scaffolding found across Asia, while the Japanese tea house evokes the rich culture of tea with its centuries-old ceremonies. Visitors are invited to navigate through the bamboo maze as they go in search of finding something special such as the wooden teahouse located at its center, and along the way, encounter and interact with each other. This site-specific installation consists of a large-scale bamboo maze with a Japanese tea house at its center. Drawing on regional materials, architecture and traditions, it embraces Tiravanija’s interest in cross-disciplinary and collaborative art practice. Within the space, visitors are invited to encounter each other, and participate in interactive programs including tea ceremonies by local and international tea masters.This deceivingly simple concept continues Tiravanija’s artistic focus on participatory works that blur the line between art and its audiences, while leveraging his strength and inclination towards the gesture of hospitality. By devising and provoking human encounters in spaces that are embodied in architectural structures like the bamboo maze and teahouse, he encourages visitors to pause, make time and space to experience something new.This is Tiravanija’s second major solo project in Singapore. Having lived in various countries, his works reflect the constant negotiation between diverse cultures as he constructs communal environments that draw audiences to be part of his work. For example, one of his most iconic works in 1992, “Untitled (Free),” transformed spaces in museums and galleries worldwide into a place of communion where he served rice and Thai curry to visitors, thereby creating temporary but meaningful bonds between him and his audience.Complementing the installation is a diverse range of interdisciplinary public programs including tea ceremonies by Japanese performance artist Mai Ueda, monthly tea ceremonies, Rirkrit Day with a colloquium, screening of the documentary on the making of the installation, and various performances.The Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Commission series invites one leading international artist each year to present a site-specific work that is inspired by Southeast Asia’s rich cultural heritage and complex histories from a contemporary perspective. The first commission was by Vietnamese-born Danh Vo (2016-2017). The Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery is made possible through a gift by Far East Organization.The installation is on view through October 28, 2018, at National Gallery Singapore, Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery, Singapore.For more details related to the show, visit: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/ Founder Louise Blouin: http://www.blouinartinfo.com/artists/louise-blouin--2953510
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