1993 APT1 Conference : Identity, tradition and change

4 leaving aside the particular events, is common in Singapore. In Singapore it is said art could only be the cherry on the economic cake - once that cake has assumed its fulsome growth. This is not to say that there have not been artists and that art has not been produced. Evidently, there are several histories and these do not always square up to one another. Over the past six years a number of artists maybe emerging and in their late 20’s and early 30’s have been initiating practices which signal significantly different aims from those which shape what is recognised and promoted as established art forms in Singapore - and amongst them are Chandra and Vincent. They are engaged at a number of fronts frequently cutting across genres and categories employing multimedia, multidisciplinary approaches, earnestly re-examining the basis for art activity, renegotiating, expanding the connections between artists, art and the public. Their works, actions and gestures are met with a variety of responses ranging from bewilderment to anxiety and occasionally resistance and hostility. Tang Da Woo, next two slides please.... These are slides also of the performance which I referred to earlier on. I will describe them shortly. Tang Da Wu more than anyone else has taken art into the public realm probing testing the limits of practice and tolerance of that practice. In 1992 he initiated two performances focusing on the consumption of the hom of the white rhinoceros and the penis of tigers as aphrodisiacs, according to Chinese customs. The latter, which he titled "The Tiger’s Whip", which is what you see illustrations of, was performed in the heart of the old Chinatown - it is rich isn’t it that we have a Chinatown in Singapore? Da Wu was examining CASUAUARTGALL.TPl 24 May 1994