INSTINC20
INSTINC20
"F0r 2 months: October to November 2024, as part of INSTINC's celebration of 2 decades of art and collaboration, INSTINC will host two exhibitions across Singapore and Tainan, featuring 20 international artists."
“20 years well wishes from 20 friends of INSTINC.”
Foreword
I have said this before and I’ll say it again:
“Since starting INSTINC in 2004, we’ve experienced both highs and lows. Through it all, we learned the importance of staying true to our core mission: maintaining our independence as an artist-run space and serving as a catalyst for collaborations. We discovered the challenges of navigating a scene dominated by large commercial galleries, but we stood out by putting artists and art first.
Even after 20 years, the challenges remain, but the people I’ve met along the way continue to inspire and energize me. For me, work isn’t just work; it’s something fun, interesting, and exciting. It’s not a job—it’s a passion.”
I still can’t believe it’s been 20 years. As cliché as it sounds, time flies when you’re having fun! Tempus fugit, as the saying goes. This phrase, originating from Virgil’s Georgics, reminds us that time escapes irretrievably.
So, what happened between INSTINC 10 and INSTINC 20 from 2014 to 2024? Here are some highlights:
In 2015, we commemorated our beloved leader Lee Kuan Yew with ‘Remembering LKY,’ two exhibitions in two locations, a collaboration of 10 artists. In 2017 and 2018, we hosted ‘INSTINCTIVE 1.0 & 2.0,’ featuring 14 local and international artists at ION ART SPACE and OBJECTIFS.
In November 2018, my mom passed away. January 2019 saw the cancellation of Art Stage, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it led to collaborations with Pluraart, and I got to know Usha and Pauline better. In April 2019, we moved out of Soho, ending with a one-night ‘De:fault’ exhibition, which paved the way for ‘De:voted’ in 2020, our most exciting and memorable SAW (Singapore Art Week) commissioned exhibition at Helutrans Art Space at Tanjong Pagar Distripark.
Right after ‘Devoted,’ COVID hit. As the world moved online, digital art thrived, and NFTs emerged. We partnered with Tezos to create an NFT workshop to teach artists how to mint their works onto the blockchain. We also created a collection, Holamona, on the Solana Blockchain and hosted our first NFT show, ‘Probably Nothing,’ in 2022.
In 2021, we presented “OtherWorlds,” another SAW commission at Gillman Barracks featuring 4 Singapore and 4 Hong Kong artists. OtherWorlds: non/digital realities is a mixed-reality exhibition responding to the new challenges faced by the art world. We faced immense challenges as Hong Kong artists and curators couldn’t travel to Singapore. Despite this, we successfully curated and set up their works, including VR cave and physical and digital exhibitions.
We organized our biggest event yet: INSTINC D:ART Festival in 2022, showcasing the best digital art in the region and a digital art residency in partnership with Serial Co. The final showcase was a physical exhibition at INSTINC SOHO and a customized metaverse exhibition.
In January 2024, we made the big decision to move to Tanjong Pagar Distripark, taking up the smallest space in Block 39 amidst giants like Singapore Art Museum, Whitestone Gallery, Gajah Gallery, 39+ Gallery and many more. As the only artist-run space there, our vision is to continue creating experimental and collaborative exhibitions.
From the beginning, I’ve stayed true to INSTINC’s spirit—a space that prioritizes artists’ needs and fosters collaboration, friendship, and cultural exchange.
For INSTINC20, this time we will have 2 exhibitions, featuring 20 artists who contributed significantly to INSTINC’s journey. I’m thrilled to be connected with Absolute Art Space in Tainan for this exchange. We just hosted a solo exhibition by one of their founders, Huang Yi-min, at INSTINC and one of the 2 exhibitions will be held in Absolute Art Space, Tainan. I would like to thank Patrice for connecting us and also for her help with curating INSTINC20.
As I think back these 20 years, I feel stronger than ever that the presence and passion of artists fuel me. Without them, INSTINC is nothing. Thank you to all the artists I’ve met along the way for your support and encouragement! I love you guys very much!
As I write this, I’m not sure if there will be an INSTINC30. But for now, let’s just seize the day!
Carpe diem!
Shih Yun Yeo, Director of INSTINC Space
15 July 2024
This is how it all began:
THE POEM (THE ARTIST) by William Carlos Williams
As we stand at the threshold of two decades since the genesis of INSTINC, the echoes of our collective endeavours resonate with a profound sense of accomplishment and gratitude. With every stroke of creativity, every collaboration forged, we've woven a tapestry of experiences that define our shared narratives.
In February 2024, we invited all artists who have been the ardent companions throughout our journey to commemorate the 20th year anniversary of INSTINC through a collection of responses. Taking inspirations from the poem ‘The Artist’, written by William Carlos Williams, artists from various parts of the globe expressed their supports with creativities.
Curatorial
statement
by patrice chou
For the past two decades, INSTINC has played a crucial role in shaping Singapore’s contemporary art scene, providing a vital platform for experimental and collaborative practices. By fostering interdisciplinary approaches, artist residencies, and community engagement, INSTINC has cultivated a vibrant and diverse artistic community, driving cultural exchange and innovation.
To mark its 20th anniversary, the exhibition “lub-dub, lub-dub” takes inspiration from the steady rhythm of the heartbeat, a powerful metaphor for life’s complexities—creation and destruction, love and conflict, inspiration and frustration. This cyclical rhythm echoes the tension that drives both existence and the creative process, where progress emerges through moments of struggle and breakthrough.
Beyond its biological function, the heartbeat symbolizes the emotional and psychological forces propelling human creativity. It reflects the evolving nature of contemporary art, where various perspectives and mediums converge, creating a shared experience between artist and viewer. As INSTINC celebrates its milestone, “lub-dub, lub-dub” is both a reflection on the past and a meditation on the enduring power of art to shape human experience and foster connection across communities.
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“The Artist” exquisitely depicts creation’s essence in its simplest form, and perfectly captures the emotions when brilliance in artistry is witnessed, as well as the ephemerality of such brilliance in the perpetuality of this universe. Behind the scenes of every work, the hearts of creators and the hearts of viewers are forever bonded and consequently composed into melodies by the purest sound of one’s existence—“lub-dub, lub-dub”.
The heartbeat sound of "lub-dub" is a stable and regular vibration, much like elements in contemporary aesthetics, diverse yet still unified in some respects. It resonates with life's cadence, echoing the heart's ebb and flow—a tangible circulation and a metaphysical journey through time and space. Much like blood nourishes every cell, art enriches society, weaving connections and enhancing culture.
The binary rhythm of the heartbeat's "lub" and "dub" mirrors life's eternal dichotomy—the push and pull, tension, and release. Similarly, contemporary aesthetics blend diverse ideas and expressions seamlessly, as artists from various backgrounds contribute their unique perspectives to the symphony of human creativity.
Within contemporary art, the heartbeat becomes a symbol of harmony between humanity and nature, revealing interconnectedness and echoing the Zen principles of balance. Artists infuse their creations with vitality and meaning, crafting intricate tapestries of emotion and experience.
Art, akin to the heartbeat, evolves incessantly. In a world in perpetual flux, it embraces new technologies and perspectives, fostering innovation and understanding across cultures. Contemporary art pulsates like a perpetual "lub-dub," guiding humanity toward an enlightened, inclusive future.
For Instinc's 20th anniversary exhibition, entitled "lub-dub, lub-dub," we've structured it into three segments:
Artbeat: A fusion of "art" and "heartbeat," encapsulating the rhythmic essence of life's pulsation, celebrating the spirit of creativity.
Versatilepulse: By melding "versatile" with "pulse," this segment reflects the multifaceted nature of the heartbeat and the diverse expressions of artistry.
Cadencedcanvas: By combining "cadence" with "canvas" (wherein canvas represents both the medium and the backdrop, not confined to a mere flat surface), this term symbolizes the rhythmic flow of life represented by the heartbeat and the deliberate strokes of an artist on canvas.
Artists, with their discerning eyes and delicate touches, transmute the ordinary into the extraordinary. Just as hearts pump blood into our existence with the rhythmic “lub-dub”, Artists breathe life into humanity through their works. As Artists continue to feed and breed imagination to all mankind, we welcome you to partake in this journey to bless our generation and the next with all the wonders brought forth by the spectacularity of art.
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Curator
Patrice Chou, an interdisciplinary curator, actively engages in international art events, bringing a touch of elegance to each occasion. She earned her Master's Degree in Communication Management from the University of Southern California. In recent years, Patrice has dedicated her focus to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and collaborates seamlessly with professionals across diverse fields on innovative projects.
In 2017, Patrice graced the role of exhibition consultant, lending her artistic expertise to the Taiwan section of the "Eyes On Main Street" Photography Festival in the picturesque Wilson County, North Carolina, USA. The following year, her creative spirit took center stage as she meticulously orchestrated an arts and culture exhibition, artfully woven around the theme of Taiwan's diplomatic allies. Stepping into 2019, Patrice embraced the role of curator for the captivating "Everyman" joint exhibition, showcasing the talents of emerging Taiwanese artists. Her artistic prowess did not go unnoticed, as she earned the privilege of participating in the prestigious Singapore Art Week. Simultaneously, 2019 unveiled an invitation for her to contribute to the global dialogue on climate change at the 25th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25) through the compelling "RE-Earth" art action project.
Meet the 20 Artists
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Alba Escayo
Visual Artist / Spain
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Andy Yang Soo Kit
Multidisciplinary Artist / Singapore, Malaysia
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Bridget Tay
Artist / Singapore
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Chang Hui Fang
Artist / Taiwan
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Cheng Nung Hsuan
Contemporary Chinese Painter / Taiwan
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Eunice Hannah Lim Wei Mon
Artist / Singapore
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Ezzam Rahman
Multidisciplinary Artist / Singapore
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Jake Tan
New Media Artist / Singapore
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Justin Lee
Visual Artist & Designer / Singapore
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Kabata Chihiro
Artist / Japan
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Kuros Nekouian
Artist / Germany
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Michael Amter
Artist / USA
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Shih Yun Yeo
Contemporary Ink Artist / Singapore
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Shin Young Park
Artist & Printmaker / New Zealand
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Tina Yeung
New Media Artist / Hong Kong
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Urich Lau
Visual Artist / Singapore
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Valerie Ng
Visua Artist & Painter / Singapore, Malaysia
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Yen Phang
Artist & Writer / Singapore
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Yeoh Wee Hwee
Artist and Educator / Singapore
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Yuuri Kabata
Visual Artist / Japan