There are Two Trees …
2011 | Mixed Media (Boxed dot matrix sign, gold frames) | 48 x 48 x 11 cm
 
 
 

artist statement
Siapa Nama Saya? Di Mana Saya Tinggal? (What is my name? Where do I live?)

While Chua Mia Tee's painting National Language Class records the enthusiasm towards an independent Malaya through learning of th National Language, Cheo's work asks questions about cultural policies and national identity in post-independent Singapore.

There are Two Trees ….

Cheo's work and thought negotiate trajectories through domains related to identity, culture and place. His practice spans a wide range of disciplines, which includes curating and writing.

 
CHEO CHAI-HIANG
artist profile
Cheo Chai-Hiang currently lives and works in Singapore and Melaka, having spent over 30 years developing his creative practice, and teaching at universities in UK, Italy and Australia. After graduating from the Royal College of Art in London, he was awarded the position of Rome Scholar at the British School at Rome, Italy. Cheo’s work and thought negotiate trajectories through domains related to identity, culture and place. His practice spans a wide range of disciplines, which includes curating and writing. He has held 20 solo-shows in Singapore, Italy, Australia and China.

Since returning to Singapore in 2003, Cheo has caste a forensic gaze over his ‘home-town’ culture.  *Li BoXue*, which was shown in VWFA in 2009, is an  example of his work that reflects this emphasis; *The Story of Money *, an installation exhibited in Hong Kong and Singapore,  and *Cash Converter*, featured in the 6th Asian Pacific Triennale in Brisbane, Australia, 2010, followed in the same provocative vein.

In addition to his participation in *Singapore Survey 2011*, Cheo's solo exhibition, *Don't Sit On Me*, will be presented  by the Institute of Contemporary Art Singapore, Lasalle College of The Arts in early 2012.