Singapore Biennale (SB2022) recently returned for its seventh edition with the name Natasha. The art festival takes place from now to March 19 at 13 locations, such as The Singapore Art Museum at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Yan Kit Playfield, Singapore Flyer and St. John's and Lazarus Islands.
Among over 50 artists and collaborators, two Thai artists Angkrit Ajchariyasophon and Pratchaya Phinthong were selected to present their unique creations.
The Sanctuary
by Angkrit Ajchariyasophon
The Sanctuary comprises two videos filmed at Angkrit's garden, Suan Anusorn, in Chiang Rai. Angkrit has grown his garden with sustainable farming approaches based on the "do nothing farming philosophy" by Masanobu Fukuoka, a Japanese philosopher. This philosophy encourages people to grow trees with the fertility of nature instead of fertiliser and cultivation.
The first video brings viewers to the serene atmosphere of Suan Anusorn which is a sanctuary of wildlife. The other video is an unpretentious interview with Suan Anusorn's gardener, Nui, about her hardship and dreams before living in the garden. Angkrit calls Nui a real guardian angel since she protects wild animals in the garden from hunters. The video lets viewers experience art by the universe.
Algahest
by Pratchaya Phinthong
Pratchaya was inspired to create Algahest in 2012 after he saw news reports that Kepler 22b, a possible habitable planet, was discovered. At this interactive installation, viewers can see a painting of Kepler 22b through a movable transparent window. When viewers turn the window, sand, air and water inside the window reconstitute themselves which changes the view of Kepler 22b.
Algahest raises questions about why we need to find another planet to live on and what will happen if people destroy another planet like the Earth. With meaningful messages behind Algahest, it was nominated as a finalist for the Benesse Prize at SB2022.
For more information, visit facebook.com/SingaporeBiennale.
